Alpha Protocol Preview

Just Push Start is offering up a quick preview of Alpha Protocol after checking out SEGA’s GDC demonstration firsthand. On romances and break-ups:

The first scene presented was the main character talking with a possible female interest. It displayed the conversation system which they refer to as DSS (Dynamic Stance System). Players are given a limited amount of time to choose a response. These responses lay within the categories suave, professional, and aggressive. For anyone who has played Mass Effect this mechanic will feel similar. As he returned from what I can assume was a long mission the two talked about how they missed each other. This led to Thorton and the woman laying down on the bed as the screen faded to black. When the picture returned Michael was standing in front of a fireplace and the romance perk was unlocked. This was obviously the character on the (good) path. They loaded up a different save of the same scene, but this character was headed in the evil direction. The scene started out with Michael searching for the woman. She came out from inside a doorway and continuously smashed an object over his head. She claimed she did not know if Michael or another character I was not introduced to was worse and left. The tough break up perk was unlocked after this scenario. These perks are unlocked for various actions and dialogue options throughout the game. Once unlocked they boost certain stats like health, endurance, etc. Through their actions players can sculpt a character that fits their play style whether that is a stealth based agent, all out assault, or even a martial artist.