Alpha Protocol

About

In Alpha Protocol, players assume the role of agent Michael Thorton, a skilled young operative betrayed by his government. To prevent an international crisis, Thorton must become a rogue agent, making choices that will influence the outcome of the game and shape his own destiny. Every decision made has consequences, creating a personalized experience with each playthrough.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

82%

Audience ScoreBased on 6,974 reviews

story1.6k positive mentions

stability557 negative mentions

Unique espionage RPG with a compelling story and character interactions.
Choices matter significantly, affecting relationships and outcomes throughout the game.
High replayability due to multiple paths, endings, and character builds.

Clunky controls and shooting mechanics that can be frustrating.
Stealth gameplay is often ineffective, leading to forced combat scenarios.
Numerous bugs and glitches that can disrupt the gaming experience.

story
5,341 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
66%
4%
The story of "Alpha Protocol" is widely praised for its intricate and engaging narrative, which allows players to make meaningful choices that significantly impact the game's outcome and character relationships. While the overarching plot follows familiar espionage tropes, the depth of player agency and the branching paths create a unique experience that encourages multiple playthroughs. However, some players noted issues with continuity and bugs that can detract from the storytelling experience, leading to mixed feelings about the overall execution.
- “A rare example of an RPG set in the modern day with a very choice-reactive story.”
- “Very entertaining and captivating story/gameplay, a lot of attention to detail and super immersive all around.”
- “The story is amazing and you're constantly forced to make morally grey decisions with consequences that actually have an effect on the plot.”
- “Besides from janky glitches (which are ok), there are larger issues like continuity errors and poor design story choices that kind of ruined my story.”
- “Towards the end of the game, my story was impacted heavily by things I straight up didn’t do.”
- “Like, I save-scummed so I didn’t kill these people, but the game thought I did and it impacted my story.”
gameplay
2,499 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
57%
18%
The gameplay of "Alpha Protocol" is widely criticized for its clunky mechanics, frustrating shooting and stealth systems, and numerous bugs, leading to a janky experience that can detract from immersion. However, many players appreciate the game's rich narrative, character interactions, and the significant impact of player choices on the story, which often compensates for its gameplay shortcomings. Overall, while the gameplay may not meet modern standards, the engaging story and RPG elements make it a unique experience for those willing to overlook its flaws.
- “Very entertaining and captivating story/gameplay, a lot of attention to detail and super immersive all around.”
- “The gameplay itself blends stealth, combat, and RPG elements seamlessly.”
- “Its compelling story, innovative choice-based gameplay, and immersive world make it a must-play for fans of action RPGs and espionage thrillers alike.”
- “This game has probably the worst shooting mechanics you can imagine or you ever experienced, forget about trigger control.”
- “The player bounces off the game because of the clunky mechanics and bugs galore.”
- “Every single part of the gameplay is broken in deeply amateurish ways.”
graphics
693 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
55%
20%
The graphics of "Alpha Protocol" are widely regarded as outdated, with many reviewers noting that they fall short of even 2010 standards. While some players appreciate the atmospheric environments and character models, the overall visual presentation is often described as mediocre, with clunky animations and various graphical glitches detracting from the experience. Despite these shortcomings, many agree that the engaging story and gameplay mechanics can overshadow the dated visuals for those willing to overlook them.
- “Visually, the game may not boast the cutting-edge graphics of more recent titles, but it makes up for this with its atmospheric environments and detailed character models.”
- “The graphics are good for 2010, the perks are balanced and nice, the story is great and the game has a lot of replay value due to different choices you can make.”
- “The graphics are decent for an older game, they aren't great, and there are some bugs that are prevalent in pretty much any Obsidian game.”
- “Firstly, the visuals are really showing their age here.”
- “From the surroundings to the animations, the overall graphics only cross the line of acceptable even for the time of release.”
- “The graphics are ugly, the art style is generic, the gunplay is tripe and the AI is borderline schizophrenic.”
stability
563 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
99%
The stability of "Alpha Protocol" is widely criticized, with numerous reviews highlighting its significant bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay. While some players found the experience enjoyable despite these issues, many noted that the game's technical shortcomings, such as poor AI, clunky controls, and frequent crashes, detracted from its overall quality. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," yet it retains a certain charm for those willing to overlook its flaws.
- “It runs great on my setup, no bugs whatsoever so far.”
- “More or less bug-free, at least for me.”
- “It's stable and not buggy.”
- “The amount of bugs and glitches in this game is astounding and embarrassing.”
- “Alpha Protocol is perhaps their most problematic game: it's riddled with bugs and glitches and the latter half of the game feels especially sparse, as it was likely rushed to release far before it was ready.”
- “This is a buggy mess, with bad save system, enemies that see you even when they shouldn't, enemies that sometimes don't spawn, awful keyboard controls, annoying hacking minigame and weird combat system... I could go on.”
replayability
348 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
54%
1%
The game boasts high replayability, with players praising its branching storylines, impactful choices, and diverse character builds that encourage multiple playthroughs. Many reviews highlight the engaging dialogue system and the significant consequences of player decisions, making each run feel unique. Despite some gameplay flaws, the overall consensus is that the game offers a rich experience that rewards exploration and experimentation, making it a worthwhile choice for those seeking replay value.
- “If you’re looking for a game that offers a unique experience with high replay value, Alpha Protocol should definitely be on your list.”
- “Your choices and actions also have significant consequences, allowing for multiple branching storylines, adding to the replayability factor.”
- “The game has so much replay value, even though you can finish one playthrough in 6-12 hours (depending on your playstyle and choices), there is easily 50-80 hours of fun in this game.”
- “The game has a bit of replay value, because of the nonsensical dialogue system of course and in different ways of playing it with focus on different guns (i.e. different combat strategies) and skills, but unfortunately the more you play it the more it falls apart and reveals the inconsistencies.”
- “While the missions are playable and I didn't encounter a lot of bugs, they're also boring, unimaginative, flat and done far better at the time (2010) in other games (Human Revolution in 2011).”
- “Lack of any real replayability.”
humor
194 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in "Alpha Protocol" is a standout feature, characterized by sharp, witty dialogue and unintentional comedic moments stemming from its buggy gameplay and quirky animations. Players appreciate the game's ability to blend humor with espionage themes, offering laugh-out-loud interactions and character dynamics that enhance the overall experience. While some may find the humor reliant on the game's flaws, it ultimately contributes to a fun and engaging narrative that keeps players entertained.
- “Alpha Protocol is a hilarious disaster and I wouldn't have it any other way.”
- “The writing is sharp as a knife, witty, and even downright funny.”
- “Funny, action-packed espionage game in which you decide what to say and do, influencing the story and the different characters and changing the outcomes of your career as a government agent!”
music
158 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
69%
6%
The music in "Alpha Protocol" has received mixed reviews, with some praising its ability to set the tone for missions and enhance the narrative, while others criticize it as bland and repetitive. The soundtrack features a few standout tracks, particularly during key moments, but overall, it is considered serviceable rather than exceptional. Additionally, licensing issues have led to the game's removal from sale, limiting access to its music and soundtrack.
- “The music sets the tone perfectly for each mission, and the voice actors deliver their lines with conviction, bringing the characters to life and adding to the overall narrative depth.”
- “The music and sounds are great, adding to the intensity of each mission and making you feel like an actual spy in a high-stakes situation – in some levels the music matched the scenery so well I would pump up the volume to immerse myself even more.”
- “In the audio department, music is good enough, great even (that main theme sure will make you pump adrenaline, plus a certain boss fight will have you tapping the floor with your feet at the same rhythm as the music).”
- “Music in Alpha Protocol is bland, looped, and uninspiring synth outclassed by game music from the early 2000s, even some of Obsidian's!”
- “Unfortunately, the game is no longer available for sale due to the music license in the game having all expired as of 2019 and will not be replaced.”
- “The soundtrack was average, with the most notable track being played on the main menu screen.”
character development
72 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
46%
4%
Character development in the game is a notable strength, featuring multiple paths and choices that impact the narrative and player experience, reminiscent of systems seen in titles like Mass Effect and Deus Ex. While many players appreciate the depth and consequences of character interactions, some critique the system as primitive or unbalanced, leading to frustrations in gameplay. Overall, the game offers a compelling blend of dialogue, character growth, and story engagement, making it appealing for fans of RPGs with rich character development.
- “The character development in Alpha Protocol is another standout feature.”
- “The character development is great; there's a lot of attention to detail, and lots of choices to be made during the game that will have their consequences in the future.”
- “While the gameplay can feel rough around the edges at times, the story and characters are this game's highlight in my opinion, with good dialogue and great character development (particularly via their interactions with the player character).”
- “There's gaps in the narrative, character development, and gameplay, as certain mechanics end up underused or go nowhere.”
- “While Alpha Protocol is relatively short, it is so hard and intense in terms of character development that many players just failed with good choices there, made a weak set of skills, and were forced to leave the game unsatisfied.”
- “If strictly estimated on the gameplay, you cannot overlook the serious problems of balance in terms of character development (there are combinations that literally break the game in the later stages), while the stealth sessions and the AI deficit are to be reviewed completely.”
optimization
68 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
44%
32%
The game's optimization has received largely negative feedback, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering, buffering, and bugs that can disrupt gameplay. While some users have managed to achieve smooth performance on certain setups, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, particularly for Windows 10, and requires considerable tweaking to run effectively. Despite these shortcomings, some players still find enjoyment in the game's story and mechanics, albeit with frustration over its technical flaws.
- “As far as optimization goes, for me, the game runs smoothly at 60 fps on my Windows 10 machine, with no crashes or any noticeable bugs, game-breaking or otherwise, thus far.”
- “Performance-wise, Alpha Protocol is an Obsidian game.”
- “Took a bit to get it to run smoothly, most certainly well worth it.”
- “Performance and optimization are awful.”
- “Loading occurs pretty quickly but there’s still significant buffering within missions, and random performance spikes that can screw you over in combat or knock you out of stealth.”
- “I feel that Sega forced them to make this for the Potatostation3, and then 'allowed' them to make a crappy port, which included poor textures, sound quality that would make a peasant giggle, and absolutely zero optimization for the PC.”
atmosphere
54 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
41%
7%
The game's atmosphere is a mixed bag, with many praising its gritty and immersive environments that evoke a believable espionage feel, despite the dated graphics. While some players found the atmosphere compelling and integral to the experience, others felt that the rushed plot and inconsistent gameplay detracted from its overall impact. Overall, the writing and setting contribute positively to the atmosphere, making it a notable aspect of the game, even if not universally acclaimed.
- “Atmosphere: 10/10 - you will feel like the spy you are supposed to be, or the killing machine you wish.”
- “The gameplay varies from frustrating to 'meh', but the story, the setting, and the atmosphere are great and unique!”
- “Hidden gem, good espionage game with great atmosphere and story.”
- “The graphics are not very great, and there's nothing special about the colors or the atmosphere.”
- “But still lacking a proper atmosphere or a sense of accomplishment when you finish the game.”
- “Somehow, this clunky game became a cult classic, despite lacking in atmosphere, characters, a coherent narrative or enjoyable gameplay.”
grinding
48 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
2%
96%
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious and repetitive, with many players finding the stealth mechanics basic and the boss fights poorly designed and unengaging. Mini-games, such as hacking and lockpicking, are often described as frustrating and time-consuming, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the gameplay is perceived as a chore, with players frequently resorting to stealth to avoid the lackluster weapon mechanics and tedious objectives.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The gameplay is just a chore to get through - the mission briefings are tedious, the objectives unclear, and the story just uninteresting.”
- “Easily the worst parts of the game are the boss levels, which, unless you spec a very specific way, range from near-impossible to just tedious.”
- “Another gameplay flaw is the mini-games which take multiple tries to complete, alerting everyone in the vicinity that you're either lockpicking or hacking a computer which after a while becomes stale and tedious.”
emotional
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
88%
13%
The emotional aspect of "Alpha Protocol" is polarizing; while some players appreciate the depth of choice and the ability to influence outcomes, others find the story lacking in emotional closure and resonance. The game evokes strong feelings through its role-playing elements, allowing players to navigate tough decisions that impact their reputation and relationships, yet some feel that the lack of dialogue and immersive environments diminishes the emotional weight of their actions. Overall, it offers a unique experience that can evoke a sense of power and investment, but it may not fully satisfy those seeking a deeply engaging narrative.
- “Alpha Protocol has made me feel unlike any other game I have ever played.”
- “I won't spoil the tough choices, but you can be professional with your colleagues, or act emotionally, which can lower your reputation and potentially make things difficult in the long run, such as having no backup.”
- “If I had a complaint about the story, it would be that the ending doesn't provide enough emotional closure.”
- “Boring story, boring gameplay, boring protagonist.”
- “It really is good, somewhat cheesy boring storylines, and lame shenanigans to flag the enemy towards you to kill them off.”
monetization
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized for poor advertising and a lackluster initial experience, which may have hindered its potential success. Users feel that the game's ads were ineffective and contributed to a disappointing first impression, suggesting that better marketing could have improved its reception.
- “Their ads sucked on release and the first 20 minutes of play are awful.”
- “Sega really let a potential classic slip through their fingers due to weak advertising.”
- “Possibly overshadowed by another release or maybe poor advertising campaign.”

63%Critics’ scoreBased on 5 critic reviews

Buy Alpha Protocol

16h Median play time

32h Average play time

13h Main story

26h Completionist

10-25h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 34 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

This game contains adult content

71%3.1kreviews

Mars: War Logs

2013

Role Playing

This game contains adult content

93%14.9kreviews

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

2012

Open World Role Playing Shooter

This game contains adult content

72%991reviews

Of Orcs and Men

2012

Role Playing

This game contains adult content

59%640reviews

The Last Oricru

2022

Role Playing

This game contains adult content

66%5.5kreviews

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified

2013

Tactical Shooter

Alpha Protocol

Platforms

About

Alpha Protocol Review

Alpha Protocol Review

Alpha Protocol Review

Buy Alpha Protocol

Alpha Protocol Steam Gift LATAM

Alpha Protocol™

Alpha Protocol ROW Steam CD Key

Videos

Games Like Alpha Protocol

Mars: War Logs

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Of Orcs and Men

The Last Oricru

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified