Quick Look: Alpha Protocol

It was clear from the first trailer that Alpha Protocol was going to be a divisive experience. The mediocre-at-best graphics, and the rough animations gave it away as a game that looked unpolished and that would remain unpolished until launch. After getting through the tutorial and the first few missions, I have to say I did not think it would be so unpolished. A cover system that works only when it wants to and not when it should, a so-bad-it’s-funny crouch running animation and one of the worst AIs in the history of video games do a whole lot to cheapen an experience that would otherwise be great.

Alpha Protocol looks and behaves like an indie game with a lower budget and a great idea that would fit the PC great at a 20- or 30-Euro price point. Unfortunately, it is priced and distributed like a triple-A multi-platform release and will mislead many gamers into thinking they are buying an espionage Mass Effect, when, in fact, they're buying a (very) buggy and current-gen espionage Deus Ex. Yes, your eyes do not deceive you, I wrote Deus Ex.

As much as the cover and the AI's super-sight hamper my stealth approach, in the cases when the gameplay’s elements come together, it is fun, even if underdeveloped. It shoots like a role-playing game, using stats, so one's aiming skill will do just half of the job, the rest being left to the dice rolls to figure out. There are a lot of customization options, from gadgets to weapon and armor modifications.

However, where the game really shines is in its story and dialogues, as the voice acting is great (at least it has been until now) and the intrigue makes it feel like a true conspiracy/spy movie. The conversation system is very interesting, giving you a limited amount of time to choose what kind of attitude your replies will carry. Almost everything you say or do has some kind of consequence and that makes the game worthwhile, like in the legendary Deus Ex.

Gamers used to a more polished and bug-free experience will hate this despite its qualities, while those who can invest a bit of time in it, who are a bit more patient with diamonds in the rough (people who enjoyed the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernonbyl, for example) will have this title grow on them as they learn to play it in spite of some of the thoughtless design decisions and bugs.