Pen mightier than the sword, story than the shooting
Alpha Protocol can be an awesome game.
Requirements for enjoyment:
1) Play on novice difficulty, there is no point in being frustrated by stronger enemies. Even if you do this, some bosses may be pain in the ass.
2) Specialise in at least one offensive skill, preferably pistols or assault rifles. Some fights can't be avoided.
3) Don't try to take sneaky approach too seriously, unless you dumped a lot of skill points into the stealth. If you get spotted, don't load every time, just shoot your way out.
4) Accept the way this game handles shooting - it's more about numbers than precision of your hands.
If you can meet these criteria, a great experience awaits. Complex espionage story with a load of recognizable characters offers tons of choices, which really matter. Choose your allies wisely - is it better to shoot the violent psycho, or to use his skills for the next mission? Do you have enough intel to really decide, who is the bad guy? Or are you just being used?
Dialogue system resembles Mass Effect, with one important twist - there is a little time to think, conversation must flow and you can't point gun to someones face forever, decisions must be made quickly. Also, every approach has it's benefits, why try to be friendly all the time, when threats may bring same or even better results? A lot can be achieved with words, If you pay attention and gather information.
Despite some technical difficulties and weaker gameplay moments, AP is certainly a game I want to play again. Because I really want to know what would happen, if I pulled a trigger that one time... or said something different the other time. Or did this and not that and so on and on...
