Alpha Protocol Preview

Obsidian Entertainment’s take on spy-themed role-playing is the subject of a new preview over at WorthPlaying.

Alpha Protocol’s role-playing game elements weigh in most heavily with points earned along the way, especially by demonstrating prowess in accomplishing the game’s objectives. The points are used to boost a variety of Thornton’s nascent skills; the skills and point enhancements never expire, but even covert operatives in tip-top shape require a rest now and then to remain razor-sharp, and this dynamic is represented in the game by a mechanic delaying reuse of these special skills. Thornton’s special talents cover a range of abilities, including weapons handling and other areas of expertise particularly useful to CIA agents on the run from, well, everybody.

Obsidian has put much effort into making Alpha Protocol as realistic as possible, relatively speaking, in the context of spy thrillers. For example, the overarching philosophy is that the gamer plays as Thornton, so he should be doing things Thornton himself could indeed accomplish. This means altering physical appearance with, say, beards and eyeglasses, rather than face-modeling techniques common to some titles, as this would imply Thornton, in the game universe, is capable of performing cosmetic surgery on himself. In this manner, Obsidian hopefully will keep the experience immersive and exciting, yet not preposterous.

Stepping out of a fantasy/science-fiction realm places certain restrictions on RPG gameplay and character development, and Obsidian seems intent on respecting the “reality” of the situation. However, as Alpha Protocol team member Nathan reports, the original design for the game was more purely realistic, perhaps approaching simulative. Eventually, as Nathan says, “Thornton is a super-agent, so he should be a cut above a normal human being.” This realization pushed the team to greater balance between realism and elements more fantastical, like handing Thornton some skills that defy real-world physics. An example: Thornton has the ability to stop time in order to line up shots with firearms, something akin to “magic” in a “realistic” RPG, but benefiting the game by adding a better ration of control and excitement to gameplay.