Alpha Protocol Impressions

Full reviews of Alpha Protocol are apparently embargoed until June 1st, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be offered more firsthand impressions of the game. In fact, Just Push Start is next in line with a quick hands-on preview:

One of the first things I’ve noticed when playing Alpha Protocol are the similarities with Mass Effect 2. Knowing that this game is also an RPG, I can’t help but to compare both games. Same as what Shepard is doing, Thorton will also bypass security alarms, hacking computers, and lock-picking via a series of mini-games. It’s not hard at all but if you fail to successfully bypass any security alarms or hacking computer, the alarm will trigger and be prepared to get flanked. When Michael levels up, it will give you an AP in where you can purchase skills.

The battle system of Alpha Protocol is the traditional third-person-shooter. Thorton can sneak behind enemies and kill them without them knowing. Whenever Thorton doesn’t have weapons in hand, he can defend himself by doing melee attacks. The enemies will have an HP on the top of their heads. Use it as an indicator whether they’re close of dying or not. Think of this game like Splinter Cell: Conviction. Michael Thorton can go behind cover and kill his enemies with the variety of weapons that are available in the game. There are skills that are available in the game that will help Thorton detect enemies that are coming at him. The way the level-up system works is through finishing objectives. Since I’m still very early in the game, I don’t know if Alpha Protocol levels up by killing enemies but it seems that the leveling system is linear.

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