Alpha Protocol impressions

Just finished the Saudi Arabia missions. AI is still decent so far. Pistol shooting is getting easier especially with that chainshot skill. However, I can almost swear that the chainshot skill looked better in the previews than in the game where the shots you set up just sort of rips out of your gun, unlike Splinter Cell conviction where you actually see the shots being fired one by one.

And nothing beats two punches followed by a bunch of silenced pistol shots. Nothing. I'm looking forward to getting further down the skill tree and getting the skill that lets me do this as a combo hahaha!

I guess 'professional' reviewers thought this was going to be similar to SC:C and lambasted it when it wasn't. Again I point to Fallout 3, where I can miss with melee swings in close-quarters if my skill wasn't high enough (!) but that gets overlooked anyway.

I thought the AI was terrible in the Saudi missions.. you get spotted by one guy and everyone instantly knows where you are, they all run around in these elaborate paths and back to you. If you hide in a tower they will all walk up the tower to try and get you, which of course is easy pickins.

I'm probably just spoiled by SCC's spotting system.. but I also think the stealth will be better once you get your skills up. If you use a bunch of the skills, you can simply avoid the game's shortcomings. I get the feeling the gameplay was generally balanced for the higher end of the skill spectrum, and everything is just clunky in the beginning.

Chainshot is indeed awesome... I just sprinted up to the boss, chainshot and he was dead.. brutal.

So, great story, good roleplaying. Bad ai and combat and you need to upgrade your weapon skils just like deus ex. Ok, but that does not explain why the hell they do the exact opposite with new vegas.dakan45

How do you know New Vegas won't have a great story or good roleplaying, alongside better AI and combat? :P

I just watched A trailer for this game called 'Sharply dressed man' or something like that. Dont know if that is the one you are referring to Dakan. Any who it was pretty lame. Makes the game look really cheesy andlike a joke to be honest. I'm all for a little humour but I didn't like it one bit. Puts me off the idea of buying it.

You guys should check it out.

the best thing about AP's combat so far for me is...martial arts! whenever my stealth fails, I just go run around kung-fuing all those baddies down to dust...

AI isn't very good and somewhat bugged; however, granted, this game isn't a straight shooter; the whole combat realm is complicated by its role-playing nature.

btw, the enemy AI in SCC is as bad if not worse...from what I've seen, they either rush to you or stay back waiting for you to execute them@"@

I just watched A trailer for this game called 'Sharply dressed man' or something like that. Dont know if that is the one you are referring to Dakan. Any who it was pretty lame. Makes the game look really cheesy andlike a joke to be honest. I'm all for a little humour but I didn't like it one bit. Puts me off the idea of buying it.

You guys should check it out.

WorldComingDown

you can act like a smart azz in the game, which is a homeage to the grand cheese of spy genre -- "Bond, James Bond."

you can act like a tight azz too.

so...don't judge a guy by his skin.

[QUOTE="dakan45"]So, great story, good roleplaying. Bad ai and combat and you need to upgrade your weapon skils just like deus ex. Ok, but that does not explain why the hell they do the exact opposite with new vegas.Planeforger

How do you know New Vegas won't have a great story or good roleplaying, alongside better AI and combat? :P

So i strongly believe its the lead designer how made them rethink their strategy. Anyway not hating the game. I am just holding grudge against osbidian for the changed the made and all that time they spend and still the game is not polished. Oh well, i ll play it as deus ex. A mix of stealth and shooting till i get better with guns;)

EDIT: Also new vegas will have ironsights aiming !!!!

Godamn it, i like zooming in instead. Also the meele combat will be more hack and slash like with combos and counter attacks :roll:

Trying to compete with borderlands i guess....they taking away the rpg things and turning into fable :(

I just watched A trailer for this game called 'Sharply dressed man' or something like that. Dont know if that is the one you are referring to Dakan. Any who it was pretty lame. Makes the game look really cheesy andlike a joke to be honest. I'm all for a little humour but I didn't like it one bit. Puts me off the idea of buying it.

You guys should check it out.

WorldComingDown

Well it was funny, but i was reffering to the launch trailer. You know, the super mega awesome trailer all games show as the launch day and hype us...well it was pretty rushed and weak without hyping me about the game.

btw, the enemy AI in SCC is as bad if not worse...from what I've seen, they either rush to you or stay back waiting for you to execute them@"@

So, great story, good roleplaying. Bad ai and combat and you need to upgrade your weapon skils just like deus ex. Ok, but that does not explain why the hell they do the exact opposite with new vegas.dakan45

Not at all, I find the story, roleplaying and combat/gameplay to be very good. The controls are the only problem i have with the game along with a odd AI issue, but nothign gamebreaking to me.
Also the character interaction and dialogue is extremely well done aswell.

I love doign missions in this game like a cross between James Bond, The Karate Kid and Jason Born :D

I guess if i play it as deus ex, the combat will make sense. I hope the story is good because games nowdays in story sector......yeah.dakan45

The story is very very good bud, I was worried about the combat/gameplay the first hour or two, but as i leveled up and upgraded things it became alot better.

Besides some AI issues (they follow the same path alot of the time if they are alerted) and some clunky controls, the game is fantastic to me.

Check out the PC section screenshots thread to see some my pictures and others of Alpha Protocl to if you want.

For some reason it does remind me a bit of Deus Ex mixed with Vampire, with a tad bit of ME1 thrown in.

I was worried about the combat/gameplay the first hour or two, but as i leveled up and upgraded things it became alot better.kozzy1234

Ah, deus ex style ;)

Just finished the Saudi Arabia missions. AI is still decent so far. Pistol shooting is getting easier especially with that chainshot skill. However, I can almost swear that the chainshot skill looked better in the previews than in the game where the shots you set up just sort of rips out of your gun, unlike Splinter Cell conviction where you actually see the shots being fired one by one.

And nothing beats two punches followed by a bunch of silenced pistol shots. Nothing. I'm looking forward to getting further down the skill tree and getting the skill that lets me do this as a combo hahaha!

I guess 'professional' reviewers thought this was going to be similar to SC:C and lambasted it when it wasn't. Again I point to Fallout 3, where I can miss with melee swings in close-quarters if my skill wasn't high enough (!) but that gets overlooked anyway.

kimkim01

I agree, I wish chainshot had a better animation. But hey, that's why this game got a 6.0 dammit! :P

[QUOTE="teardropmina"]

btw, the enemy AI in SCC is as bad if not worse...from what I've seen, they either rush to you or stay back waiting for you to execute them@"@

MyopicCanadian

Well I assume they all have radios and are telling their buddies where you are. Also, if you have the gadget Radio Mimic, you can use that to trick them and get them off your tail. If they do spot you, you have to kill them before they sound the alarm. That's usually the first thing they do, either that or shoot at you. So if they stop shooting at you, you know that is your que to take them down before they sound the alarm. There is usually on only one alarm in each room, so it's good to keep an eye on where that it is.

[QUOTE="kimkim01"]

Just finished the Saudi Arabia missions. AI is still decent so far. Pistol shooting is getting easier especially with that chainshot skill. However, I can almost swear that the chainshot skill looked better in the previews than in the game where the shots you set up just sort of rips out of your gun, unlike Splinter Cell conviction where you actually see the shots being fired one by one.

And nothing beats two punches followed by a bunch of silenced pistol shots. Nothing. I'm looking forward to getting further down the skill tree and getting the skill that lets me do this as a combo hahaha!

I guess 'professional' reviewers thought this was going to be similar to SC:C and lambasted it when it wasn't. Again I point to Fallout 3, where I can miss with melee swings in close-quarters if my skill wasn't high enough (!) but that gets overlooked anyway.

Gooeykat

I agree, I wish chainshot had a better animation. But hey, that's why this game got a 6.0 dammit! :P

Hahaha yep. On a side note the enemy AI does try to flush you out with grenades too. Enemy shotguns are brutal at close ranges and I have seen the AI try to supress and flank me.

Back to playing. :D

[QUOTE="Gooeykat"]

[QUOTE="kimkim01"]

Just finished the Saudi Arabia missions. AI is still decent so far. Pistol shooting is getting easier especially with that chainshot skill. However, I can almost swear that the chainshot skill looked better in the previews than in the game where the shots you set up just sort of rips out of your gun, unlike Splinter Cell conviction where you actually see the shots being fired one by one.

And nothing beats two punches followed by a bunch of silenced pistol shots. Nothing. I'm looking forward to getting further down the skill tree and getting the skill that lets me do this as a combo hahaha!

I guess 'professional' reviewers thought this was going to be similar to SC:C and lambasted it when it wasn't. Again I point to Fallout 3, where I can miss with melee swings in close-quarters if my skill wasn't high enough (!) but that gets overlooked anyway.

kimkim01

I agree, I wish chainshot had a better animation. But hey, that's why this game got a 6.0 dammit! :P

Hahaha yep. On a side note the enemy AI does try to flush you out with grenades too. Enemy shotguns are brutal at close ranges and I have seen the AI try to supress and flank me.

Back to playing. :D

Me to, just finished some work, back to playing Alpha Protocol :)

See now I want to really get this game, Is it best played with 360 controller or M+KB?

Well I still have to wait a while before I can get it, but atleast I know a lot of people are having fun with it (regardless of whatever reviews)

For some reason just thinking about the game, I get nostalgic feelings about a game on the N64 (mission impossible) (but with rpg elements and stuff)

oh I feel like a kid again waiting for this game, what is wrong with me??

Impressions? Looks like a poor man's Mass Effect to me. Not exciting at all. Just watched a few gameplay videos and they look rather broken with less than exciting visuals. I'll pass for now.Rheorin

Exactly what I thought.. until I tried the game myself :D

Gunplay is worse then in ME2, about the same as ME1 for me. But the story and decisions/dialogue is much better in Alpha Protocol to me. Also ME1/2 have better AI.

See now I want to really get this game, Is it best played with 360 controller or M+KB?

Well I still have to wait a while before I can get it, but atleast I know a lot of people are having fun with it (regardless of whatever reviews)

For some reason just thinking about the game, I get nostalgic feelings about a game on the N64 (mission impossible) (but with rpg elements and stuff)

oh I feel like a kid again waiting for this game, what is wrong with me??

Lach0121

I have not tried with the 360 controller yet, though I will later today. The keybaord and mouse controls are ok, but it does feel a little clumsy at times. That, along with the AI are really my only complaints about the game.

I wasnt to excited for this game or expecting much, but I to feel like a kid playing this game.

Being stealth and sneaky, but if needed I can do some good martial arts fighting or use some of my guns and gadgets i have upgraded ;)

Hope you enjoy the game when you get it bud

[QUOTE="Rheorin"]Impressions? Looks like a poor man's Mass Effect to me. Not exciting at all. Just watched a few gameplay videos and they look rather broken with less than exciting visuals. I'll pass for now.kozzy1234

Exactly what I thought.. until I tried the game myself :D

Gunplay is worse then in ME2, about the same as ME1 for me. But the story and decisions/dialogue is much better in Alpha Protocol to me. Also ME1/2 have better AI.

I've been playing around a bit with Alpha Protocol and my bottom line is:

Yes, it is the VTMB of this generation. The only higher praise I can give is if I call it the Planescape of this gen. :D

kimkim01

Now I have to get it.

Might try it out when it goes on sale.

[QUOTE="kozzy1234"]

[QUOTE="Rheorin"]Impressions? Looks like a poor man's Mass Effect to me. Not exciting at all. Just watched a few gameplay videos and they look rather broken with less than exciting visuals. I'll pass for now.Rheorin

Exactly what I thought.. until I tried the game myself :D

Gunplay is worse then in ME2, about the same as ME1 for me. But the story and decisions/dialogue is much better in Alpha Protocol to me. Also ME1/2 have better AI.

[QUOTE="Rheorin"][QUOTE="kozzy1234"]

Exactly what I thought.. until I tried the game myself :D

Gunplay is worse then in ME2, about the same as ME1 for me. But the story and decisions/dialogue is much better in Alpha Protocol to me. Also ME1/2 have better AI.

gamer620

This is one time so sooo glad i dont take review scores seriously :D

this is the rare case when I favor solo RPG over party base ones; Alpha Protocol is better than ME1&2. ME games do have better enemy AI and the combat is intense and all, but there are much more tactical variety in AP's combat system. also, missions and level designs are much more creative and diverse in AP.

the game is certainly not without flaws, but I'd say it's the best RPG since NWN2:MotB.

this is the rare case when I favor solo RPG over party base ones; Alpha Protocol is better than ME1&2. ME games do have better enemy AI and the combat is intense and all, but there are much more tactical variety in AP's combat system. also, missions and level designs are much more creative and diverse in AP.

the game is certainly not without flaws, but I'd say it's the best RPG since NWN2:MotB.

teardropmina

[QUOTE="teardropmina"]

this is the rare case when I favor solo RPG over party base ones; Alpha Protocol is better than ME1&2. ME games do have better enemy AI and the combat is intense and all, but there are much more tactical variety in AP's combat system. also, missions and level designs are much more creative and diverse in AP.

the game is certainly not without flaws, but I'd say it's the best RPG since NWN2:MotB.

Gooeykat

not really, I do enjoy the game a lot; only that I wouldn't say it's the VtMB or Torment of this gen.

[QUOTE="Gooeykat"][QUOTE="teardropmina"]

this is the rare case when I favor solo RPG over party base ones; Alpha Protocol is better than ME1&2. ME games do have better enemy AI and the combat is intense and all, but there are much more tactical variety in AP's combat system. also, missions and level designs are much more creative and diverse in AP.

the game is certainly not without flaws, but I'd say it's the best RPG since NWN2:MotB.

teardropmina

not really, I do enjoy the game a lot; only that I wouldn't say it's the VtMB or Torment of this gen.

...and now back to square one. Will probably still give it a go anyway.

[QUOTE="Gooeykat"][QUOTE="teardropmina"]

this is the rare case when I favor solo RPG over party base ones; Alpha Protocol is better than ME1&2. ME games do have better enemy AI and the combat is intense and all, but there are much more tactical variety in AP's combat system. also, missions and level designs are much more creative and diverse in AP.

the game is certainly not without flaws, but I'd say it's the best RPG since NWN2:MotB.

teardropmina

not really, I do enjoy the game a lot; only that I wouldn't say it's the VtMB or Torment of this gen.

this is the rare case when I favor solo RPG over party base ones; Alpha Protocol is better than ME1&2. ME games do have better enemy AI and the combat is intense and all, but there are much more tactical variety in AP's combat system. also, missions and level designs are much more creative and diverse in AP.

the game is certainly not without flaws, but I'd say it's the best RPG since NWN2:MotB.

teardropmina

I agree bud.

While i do really enjoy ME1 and ME2, they are a little low in RPG elements.

ME series has better AI, graphics and controls, but AP has better story, decisions/dialogue and level design.

[QUOTE="teardropmina"]

[QUOTE="Gooeykat"] Sounds like your opinion has improved somewhat over the last few days?Gooeykat

not really, I do enjoy the game a lot; only that I wouldn't say it's the VtMB or Torment of this gen.

Yup, me to, the first hour of this game I was a bit dissapointed. But as the game goes along it really becomes a while of beauty.

This game has cult favorite written all over it :P

[QUOTE="teardropmina"]

[QUOTE="Gooeykat"] Sounds like your opinion has improved somewhat over the last few days?Gooeykat

not really, I do enjoy the game a lot; only that I wouldn't say it's the VtMB or Torment of this gen.

indeed. it may eventually, but not just yet. or in a sense I do see its future as being mentioned along side VtMB and Torment: when all new gamers hear about are ME, Oblivion, Fallout 3 and such, we old timers would chip in and recommend VtMB and AP...

[QUOTE="Gooeykat"][QUOTE="teardropmina"]

not really, I do enjoy the game a lot; only that I wouldn't say it's the VtMB or Torment of this gen.

teardropmina

when all new gamers hear about are ME, Oblivion, Fallout 3 and such, we old timers would chip in and recommend VtMB and AP...

Couldnt agree more, Ive already has sooo much more fun with Alpha Protocol then I did with Oblivion and Fallout3 (all 3 i bought).

I think for the most part old school rpg fans will enjoy this alot more then newer rpg fans that have grown up on Fallout3, Oblivion and the latest FF games.

[QUOTE="Lach0121"]

See now I want to really get this game, Is it best played with 360 controller or M+KB?

Well I still have to wait a while before I can get it, but atleast I know a lot of people are having fun with it (regardless of whatever reviews)

For some reason just thinking about the game, I get nostalgic feelings about a game on the N64 (mission impossible) (but with rpg elements and stuff)

oh I feel like a kid again waiting for this game, what is wrong with me??

kozzy1234

I have not tried with the 360 controller yet, though I will later today. The keybaord and mouse controls are ok, but it does feel a little clumsy at times. That, along with the AI are really my only complaints about the game.

I wasnt to excited for this game or expecting much, but I to feel like a kid playing this game.

Being stealth and sneaky, but if needed I can do some good martial arts fighting or use some of my guns and gadgets i have upgraded ;)

Hope you enjoy the game when you get it bud

Thx I sure hope I will as well. I'm excited.

Impressions? Looks like a poor man's Mass Effect to me. Not exciting at all. Just watched a few gameplay videos and they look rather broken with less than exciting visuals. I'll pass for now.Rheorin

I'm nearing the end of this, on the final mission. I've played enough to give my opinion on it.

The best way to described it for me in a nutshell is - It's like playing a beta version. Nothing is very polished.

The AI is broken. The gun fights were very easy. I didn't buy any new weapons until the final mission. I didn't feel a need to. I only really did because it felt like the final mission was upon me and I had so much money unspent. The only thing I purchased during the game was better armor. The enemy would often just stand there allowing me to line up headshots. Even bosses would get behind cover leaving just enough of their heads exposed. Ocassionally there was a grenade tossed. Then it was just evade and return to my spot and take them out.

The RPG elements are there. They're not bad. Many of them just don't feel necessary to complete the game. Stealth is so poorly done that it's not worth it. I think only twice during gameplay did the stealth elements feel good. You can just choose your favorite weapon skill and keep increasing it every time you level up. You'll have no problem getting through it.

The voice acting was all over the place. Some characters were done well. Others felt phoned in. The worst, without a doubt, was Michael Thorton (YOU!!!) I dreaded hearing him speak. It was like a hearing a 3rd grade teacher on thorazine. Just horrible, painful, and yet laughable. I just kept hearing him and thinking - Really, this guy's smart enough to be a spy? Obsidian, this was your top notch choice for a voice actor? Some of the lines and their awful delivery were pure facepalm material.

The story was ok. I say ok because it felt as though some elements were added to lengthen it. They just didn't fit in. It ruined the continuity. I actually did stop and say to myself - What is this whole thing supposed to be about again?

The graphics - I just don't know what to say. Hello, this is 2004, we'd like our graphics back! Wow, it was not impressive at all. I do know that graphics aren't everything (gameplay>graphics) but it's not a pretty game to look at. Animations were no better (sneaking). Very poor job on the graphics. Oh, no AA. I guess you can force it. I didn't bother.

The game does suffer from extreme consolitis. Them menus are not made with a mouse and keyboard in mind. Nor are the gameplay controls. I know I've read that people have hooked up their 360 controllers to play this and it's been better for them. If I wanted to play this on my 360 I would have bought for the 360. The HUD has that oversized look and location to it that I see in poor ports. Sad, just sad.

The 6.0 from Kevin was a bit harsh. I'd say it's a 7. I can't give it anymore because all of those things add up. I honestly think that 6 months or maybe even another year in development and this would have been a very solid game. It's really to bad.

I had so much more fun with Dragon Age, Fallout 3, Stalker, Mass Effect 2, etc. I have over 150 hours in Fallout 3 and I want more! After I'm finished with AP it will go on the shelf and most likely never be played again. I know that your choices can change the game a bit, but I can't fathom going through it again just to see what that can entail.

Those who are curious about this one should wait for the bargain bin. It probably won't take long. When it does hit the bin, be sure to get it though. It's worth a playthrough at least once. There was a great game here but something(s) happened along the way unfortunately.

Remember, this is just one man's opinion.:P

I had so much more fun with Dragon Age, Fallout 3, Stalker, Mass Effect 2, etc. I have over 150 hours in Fallout 3 and I want more! After I'm finished with AP it will go on the shelf and most likely never be played again. I know that your choices can change the game a bit, but I can't fathom going through it again just to see what that can entail.

Rusteater

The decisions you make actually do change things quite a bit. My friend said I was half way thru the game so i went back and started again and did the decisions totally differnt to see how differnt it was and its quite a bit differnt from my first time i was playing. Its not like msot games where the decisions dont mean much, they actually have a big impact.

Good review though, you make some good points, thats just one thing I wanted to mention (also i found the story to be amazing).

Thanks for the heads up. I had a suspicion the story will be like that. "What was all this about again?" Also i had a suspicion that the best way to play it is to upgrade your favorite playing skill. But the question is, can i upgrade various skills and use them all in a mix. So i wont have to start a new playtrough to play a level a diffirent way? For example if i upgrade weapons, will i hav enough points to upgrade stealth or i will end up not bein effective enough in one of the two things? Also can i upgrade all the weapon types so i can use them equally, or should i stick with one weapon?dakan45

I was going for a stealth/tech type character. I realized after seeing the poor implemnation of stealth that this had been a mistake. I wasted points there and began to move towards a combat/assault type. This was not how I wanted to play originally. I began to unload my points into the assault rifle skill. All you need is the assault rifle skill and beef up toughness. Every situation seemed to end up in a firefight. I didn't have any "Mission Impossible" moments in the game.

I understand what your saying about spreading the points out to too many skills. Concentrating on 2 or 3 skills is the way to do it.

I'm going to play the final mission and beat it later today. I think I'm a point or 2 from maxing out the assault rifle skill. I don't want to spoil the game with giving away too much information on the use of other skills. It just seems obvious to me that going for the assault/combat style of play is the way to go.

[QUOTE="dakan45"]Thanks for the heads up. I had a suspicion the story will be like that. "What was all this about again?" Also i had a suspicion that the best way to play it is to upgrade your favorite playing skill. But the question is, can i upgrade various skills and use them all in a mix. So i wont have to start a new playtrough to play a level a diffirent way? For example if i upgrade weapons, will i hav enough points to upgrade stealth or i will end up not bein effective enough in one of the two things? Also can i upgrade all the weapon types so i can use them equally, or should i stick with one weapon?Rusteater

I was going for a stealth/tech type character. I realized after seeing the poor implemnation of stealth that this had been a mistake. I wasted points there and began to move towards a combat/assault type. This was not how I wanted to play originally. I began to unload my points into the assault rifle skill. All you need is the assault rifle skill and beef up toughness. Every situation seemed to end up in a firefight. I didn't have any "Mission Impossible" moments in the game.

I understand what your saying about spreading the points out to too many skills. Concentrating on 2 or 3 skills is the way to do it.

I'm going to play the final mission and beat it later today. I think I'm a point or 2 from maxing out the assault rifle skill. I don't want to spoil the game with giving away too much information on the use of other skills. It just seems obvious to me that going for the assault/combat style of play is the way to go.

Wierd, in one of my games ive played half way and ive done nothing but stealth and martial arts, its great and works very effective. As does the Assault Rifle style as you mentioned.

My character feels like a cross between Jason Born, A ninja and Jet Lee, i rarely use any guns on this save game :P

What kind of upgrades/addons do you like on your assault gun?

[QUOTE="Rusteater"]

I had so much more fun with Dragon Age, Fallout 3, Stalker, Mass Effect 2, etc. I have over 150 hours in Fallout 3 and I want more! After I'm finished with AP it will go on the shelf and most likely never be played again. I know that your choices can change the game a bit, but I can't fathom going through it again just to see what that can entail.

kozzy1234

The decisions you make actually do change things quite a bit. My friend said I was half way thru the game so i went back and started again and did the decisions totally differnt to see how differnt it was and its quite a bit differnt from my first time i was playing. Its not like msot games where the decisions dont mean much, they actually have a big impact.

Good review though, you make some good points, thats just one thing I wanted to mention (also i found the story to be amazing).

I did see that the SIE was greyed out and unavailable to me at some point during the game, towards the end. I think the reason was someone annoyed me so I killed them just to be rid of them. I may start a new game and see how it goes. Something tells me that I won't make it through the whole thing again just to see how the game can play out.

I'd like to play through all the dialogue trees without playing through the missions to see what happens! :P

Too bad that's not an option!

Damn, i was hoping to try multiple skills. Oh well ill go for assault rifles like everyone says.dakan45

SMG is also good to.

[QUOTE="Rusteater"]

[QUOTE="dakan45"]Thanks for the heads up. I had a suspicion the story will be like that. "What was all this about again?" Also i had a suspicion that the best way to play it is to upgrade your favorite playing skill. But the question is, can i upgrade various skills and use them all in a mix. So i wont have to start a new playtrough to play a level a diffirent way? For example if i upgrade weapons, will i hav enough points to upgrade stealth or i will end up not bein effective enough in one of the two things? Also can i upgrade all the weapon types so i can use them equally, or should i stick with one weapon?kozzy1234

I was going for a stealth/tech type character. I realized after seeing the poor implemnation of stealth that this had been a mistake. I wasted points there and began to move towards a combat/assault type. This was not how I wanted to play originally. I began to unload my points into the assault rifle skill. All you need is the assault rifle skill and beef up toughness. Every situation seemed to end up in a firefight. I didn't have any "Mission Impossible" moments in the game.

I understand what your saying about spreading the points out to too many skills. Concentrating on 2 or 3 skills is the way to do it.

I'm going to play the final mission and beat it later today. I think I'm a point or 2 from maxing out the assault rifle skill. I don't want to spoil the game with giving away too much information on the use of other skills. It just seems obvious to me that going for the assault/combat style of play is the way to go.

Wierd, in one of my games ive played half way and ive done nothing but stealth and martial arts, its great and works very effective. As does the Assault Rifle style as you mentioned.

My character feels like a cross between Jason Born, A ninja and Jet Lee, i rarely use any guns on this save game :P

What kind of upgrades/addons do you like on your assault gun?

I started out creeping up behind guys and taking them out. I loved the idea of the pistol and tranq ammo. It was just that after I was discovered, things turned into a shootout. Even after silencing the alarms, the gurads were still alerted. It was time to bust out the assault rifle and let 'em have it. I really didn't even use grenades other than to see what they did.

I had a stealthy/hacker type character in mind. I can't really think of any one character from a movie. More like a blend of the those times when you see Bond using some hi-tech gadget to do something or like in Sneakers with all the hacking. It seemed like the game didn't have any missions where that type of character could shine. Nothing written for it.:(

Love Bourne, Bond, and Jet Li is good too. I have to admit though, as far as martial arts go, I'm and old school Bruce Lee fan!:D

The upgrades on my assault rifle are

Barrel - Improved Accelerator

Sights - Advanced Rifle Reflex Sight

Magazine - Extended Assault Rifle Clip

Accessory - Custom Rifle Grip

These were all items I picked up on missions. Didn't buy any of them.