Alpha Protocol - Retrospective @ GameOnDaily

Well it has been a while since we read another Retrospective for Obsidian's RPG game Alpha Protocol, but fear not as a site called GameOnDaily published a new one today.

Poor old Obsidian, always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Handed the reigns to illustrious RPG franchises like Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic and Fallout but perceived to have released only sub-standard sequels; then to fall when launching their own franchise in form of Alpha Protocol.

Such as shame as this spy-based RPG represents one of the last gen’s most admirable failures and an admirable failure isn’t really a true failure (see JFK at the bottom). The fact that some of Alpha Protocol simply doesn’t work does not mean there isn’t something of value to be enjoyed.

Alpha Protocol’s concept is a good one, taking the action RPG template and applying it to the espionage genre is a really sound idea. It uses the decision making mechanics of Mass Effect (in fact shares a lot of common DNA), some interesting upgrade and customisation, whilst all tied together with real world action. Some of these elements work, some don’t, however what results from this unpredictable gaming caldron is worth your time.