Alpha Protocol Preview

If you’re up for an article that prematurely jumps to conclusions, there’s a new preview of Alpha Protocol at GameZenith where the author more-or-less labels the game “RPG of the Year” despite never having played it. Head shaking ensues:

Unfortunately I have been unable to get my hands on Alpha Protocol or been invited to any media/press events where the game was shown off, but I can vouch to say that from what I know of the game, its turning out to be a better RPG than this year’s Mass Effect 2. Now Mass Effect 2 is probably going to be a candidate for RPG Game of the Year for many media outlets, but yet Bioware is receiving a nice amount of complaints regarding the watered down RPG feel of Mass Effect 2. It has even drawn my attention regarding Bioware’s direction with Mass Effect 2. So saying that Mass Effect is a clear-cut winner for RPG of the year is pushing it. Then there is Final Fantasy XIII which in my mind was not what I expected out of a Final Fantasy title and should not really be considered a winner for RPG of the year. From what I am witnessing Alpha Protocol is going to blow Mass Effect 2 and Final Fantasy XIII out of the water this year when it comes to the RPG department. Your decisions really do matter and the consequences will really be felt at later points in the game, making the experience that much intense.

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When it is all said and done, Alpha Protocol would be that game that came out of nowhere and immediately changed the way the industry viewed RPGs. Coming from the people who created Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 The Sith Lords, and Neverwinter Nights 2, I have all the faith that Obsidian would pull this one out with Alpha Protocol. I would not be surprised if come November, December, and January 2011, you hear Alpha Protocol in the same sentence as (…RPG Game of the Year). RPG Game of the Year for Alpha Protocol? That’s right I said it! Remember, you heard it here first.

Is it possible that Alpha Protocol will be 2010’s RPG of the Year? Absolutely. But I think most sane people will reserve that judgment until they’ve actually played through it.