GamesRadar - Alpha Protocol

SEGA Explains Alpha Protocol Delay, "AAA Potential" (News)

Oct 17, 2009

GCO: "Alpha Protocol is a contender, non the less. However, with such heavy holiday competition, it needs the cutting edge tools to impressive potential buyers; seeing that it's a freshmen in the presents of senors. With that said, SEGA has revealed that Alpha Protocol has stepped back into the shadows, and that it won't release this year."

Alpha Protocol delay is (finally) official (News)

Oct 15, 2009

CVG: Sega's finally, officially and properly confirmed RPG Alpha Protocol's delay to spring 2010.

"Alpha Protocol is a new take on the RPG genre and from day one the team has been working to make Alpha Protocol a truly unique game for players to experience." says Obsidian boss, Feargus Urquhart.

"We're very happy that Sega has made the decision to hold back the shipment of the game in order to give it the best chance at becoming the publishing success that we at Obsidian and our partners at Sega are striving for".

Rumor: Sony pursuing timed exclusivity for Alpha Protocol? (News)

Oct 7, 2009

Release date inconsistencies on the titles official website reveal that Sony may be trying to acquire timed exclusivity for the game.

Alpha Protocol Officially Delayed to 2010 (News)

Oct 6, 2009

Putting long running rumors to rest, Sega has officially announced the delay of action RPG Alpha Protocol. Fittingly, the announcement comes on the day of the game's original planned release.

Alpha Protocol Delayed (News)

Sep 26, 2009

Originally, the list of games to be released this month was huge.

Alpha Protocol System Requirements Announced (News)

Aug 30, 2009

Game-Debate have just announced the new Alpha Protocol recommended system requirements.
Developed by Obsidian, the makers of the rpg classic Neverwinter Nights 2, Alpha Protocol will also add an rpg twist to the action spy game genre.
The game is due out at the beginning of October.

Alpha Protocol – hands-on (Preview)

Aug 28, 2009

The term reactivity crops up a lot as we sit down to play Alpha Protocol: the rep from developer Obsidian is obsessed with the word and all it means. This is because beneath the third-person gunplay everything you do in the game affects the overall outcome, as well as how your character develops. ...

The games of fall '09 (Feature)

Aug 28, 2009

The end of summer means the beginning of the game season, and today is the last Friday before the game industry’s big holiday push. Publishers jam the fall with games to challenge the true worth of your credit card – a double dog dare in the uncertain economy of 2009. ...

Alpha Protocol (Screenshots)

Aug 28, 2009

Sega Confident There's Room For Both Alpha Protocol And Dragon Age: Origins (News)

Aug 25, 2009

Just like last year, there are two major RPGs being released this fall. In 2008, it was Fallout 3 and Fable II. In 2009, it's Alpha Protocol and Dragon Age: Origins. Is there room for both? Sega president and COO Mike Hayes expressed extreme confidence during a phone interview last week about Obsidian Entertainment's upcoming spy RPG, which drops on October 6th.

"The thing we're most excited about really is it's the first RPG of the season to come in," said Hayes. "I think we're well placed and also being a modern day spy RPG, I think there's a very good point of difference that [means] we're certainly getting a lot of interest from consumers in general."

Clearly, Hayes is pleased that BioWare and Electronic Arts chose to delay Dragon Age: Origins by a few weeks, moving the massive fantasy RPG out of the October release schedule and into early November (the PlayStation 3 version has an unspecified release date later in November, however).

Get Free Game With Alpha Protocol Pre-Purchase (News)

Aug 19, 2009

Obsidian Entertainment's espionage RPG Alpha Protocol is now available for pre-purchase through digital games store Steam. To encourage you to throw down money on it right now, Steam is offering another RPG for free.

Alpha Protocol is beatable without killing anyone (News)

Aug 11, 2009

Nick @ PS3Center writes:

Obsidian Entertainment's upcoming spy thriller, Alpha Protocol, has been described by producers as being all about 'open-choices'. You can chose your dialogue options, the way you carry out your missions, and even which women you want to pursue(if any). Now, the developer has revealed that you can even beat the game without killing anyone.

Obsidian: Not having sex in RPGs does genre 'an injustice' (News)

Aug 5, 2009

Destructoid has been speaking with Chris Avellone, lead creative designer on the intriguing spy-themed RPG, Alpha Protocol. They've all heard by now that Alpha Protocol will be following in BioWare's footsteps by providing gamers with some "tasteful" sex scenes, and naturally Destructoid wanted to dig a little deeper. They asked Avellone what he thought of the role sex plays in videogames, and whether the erotic elements are there just for the sake of being salacious.

"I think it's an important step, and it's not sex for sex's sake, but it's part of human interaction that makes you more involved in the game world and your characters," he says. "Just like in the real world, sex runs the range from entertainment to a symbol of the depth of feeling between two people, and not having that reflected in a role-playing experience feels does RPGs an injustice."

Alpha Protocol Rated 15 by BBFC (News)

Jul 29, 2009

Alpha Protocol has been Rated 15 by BBFC

Alpha Protocol - Developer diary (Video)

Jul 29, 2009

A spy-thriller RPG that promises a dynamic experience instead of a stale, scripted story.

Obsidian: Alpha Protocol sex scenes 'satisfying' (News)

Jul 23, 2009

Sex scenes in upcoming role-playing shooter Alpha Protocol are "satisfying" but "tasteful", developer Obsidian has said.

Speaking to VideoGamer.com, Obsidian programming producer Nathan Davis confirmed no gameplay elements will be involved.

Video game sex is currently in vogue, with US RPG developer BioWare in particular happy to include sex scenes in its games.

2007's Mass Effect allowed player characters, male and female, to have sex with computer-controlled male humans and female aliens, without showing full-frontal nudity.

Alpha Protocol - Walkthrough (Video)

Jul 23, 2009

A spy-thriller RPG that promises a dynamic experience instead of a stale, scripted story.

Alpha Protocol: 'Very Much An RPG' (News)

Jul 23, 2009

NowGamer: Obsidian Entertainment is 'trying to get the message out' about its upcoming action game

With Sega's espionage action thriller Alpha Protocol due out in October, the game's developers have stressed that while it looks very much a third-person action game, there's more to it than screenshots may initially convey.

Asked how conscious the studio is of gamers wiewing it simply as a shooter, Obsidian programming producer Nathan Davis, said: "If you just look at the game from a screenshot or something, it'll look good but you'll miss out on that RPG mechanic. So we're trying to get the message out that this is an RPG and everything is dependant on the RPG stuff… it's crazy reactive."

Alpha Protocol Gets Pre-Order Bonus Items (News)

Jul 12, 2009

Alpha Protocol has a unique pre-order bonus item promotion - you'll get different weapons depending on which retailer you pre-order with - but developer Obsidian says that people who don't pre-order at all won't be getting the short end of the stick.

Alpha Protocol release date revealed (News)

Jul 2, 2009

Sega has announced the release date for Obsidian's sneaky action RPG Alpha Protocol.

E3 09: Alpha Protocol - Interview (Preview)

Jun 8, 2009

We found a moment amidst last week's E3 madness to chat up Alpha Protocol Programming Producer Nathan Davis about Obsidian's stealthy, action-ey, story-ey new RPG. Listen below for the latest information on Alpha Protocol's features, story, inspiration, and potential for "kamikaze nonsense." ...

Alpha Protocol - CG trailer (Video)

May 29, 2009

A spy-thriller RPG that promises a dynamic experience instead of a stale, scripted story.

SEGA games to be showcased at E3 2009 (News)

May 26, 2009

Today SEGA of America announced their games to be showcased at the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3 2009). Below are the games and a little description of each from SEGA. These SEGA games are hitting multiple game platforms in 2009 and 2010.

From SEGA:

Aliens vs. Predator (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Windows PC) – Releases early 2010

Alpha Protocol (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Windows PC) – Releases October 2009

BAYONETTA (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system) – Releases late 2009

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Wii, Nintendo DS) – Releases October 2009

Planet 51 (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Wii, Nintendo DS) – Releases Fall 2009

The Conduit (Wii) – Releases June 23rd 2009

Vancouver 2010 - The Official Video Game of the Olympic Winter Games – (Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Windwos PC) – Releases January 2010

Alpha Protocol's Dialogue System Demonstrated (News)

May 21, 2009

One of the worst things about dialogue-heavy games is that it always feels like way too much effort to read and evaluate options. Alpha Protocol uses a strict timer for the next dialogue 'stance,' giving players seconds to guide the conversation. This appears to not only keep the experience quick, but also to string together a scene properly, rather than talk, ponder, talk.

"Your weapon is choice." New Alpha Protocol video shows off DDS (Dynamic Dialogue System) (News)

Apr 24, 2009

PS3 Attitude writes:

"A new video has surfaced of Obsidian Entertainment's spy-themed RPG Alpha Protocol.

Focusing on the game's Dynamic Dialogue System (DDS), a mechanism for interacting with the characters you'll encounter within the game, the footage also shows off the game's early stages."

Alpha Protocol - New Screenshots (News)

Mar 23, 2009

Alpha Protocol - New Screenshots

Alpha Protocol confirmed for October 2009 release in North America (News)

Mar 17, 2009

Alpha Protocol, a join project between Sega and Obsidian Entertainment, has been confirmed for an October 2009 release. Previously expected to hit in the summer of 2009, the new release date was announced earlier today by Sega Europe, via a press release. PS3Center contacted Sega of America to clarify this was a global release date, and they confirmed that the title will indeed release simultaneously in the both regions.

Alpha Protocol confirmed for October 2009 (News)

Mar 16, 2009

VG247: Sega just confirmed Obsidian RPG Alpha Protocol for an October 2009 release.

Alpha Protocol to feature trophy for pimpin' dem hos (News)

Mar 14, 2009

Specifically, they spoke about the relationship Mike can develop with any of the 4 girls in the game. Mike can romantically pursue all the girls if he so chooses, although it may cause trouble down the line as the girls bicker over him out of jealousy. There is also a sex scene, which Avellone jokingly describes as "tasteful in a different kind of way that might be distasteful". Further, the game will be dishing out trophies/achievements for wooing all 4 girls, as well as one for not pursuing any of them.

Alpha Protocol, The Pitt On Gametrailers TV This Week (News)

Mar 10, 2009

Secret agent action RPG Alpha Protocol has been laying low lately but it's set to resurface on Friday. In this week's episode of GameTrailers TV, the crew's heading down to Obsidian Entertainment's headquarters and they're not coming back 'til they've got some sweet, sweet gameplay footage for you. They'll also be showing us a little more about the upcoming Fallout 3 downloadable content.

Alpha Protocol - What do you want to know? (News)

Jan 20, 2009

PS3Center has been in touch with Sega and Obsidian Entertainment, and they're gonna have a brief question and answer session with them about their upcoming title Alpha Protocol. They've already got a few questions penned out, but PS3Center were interested in hearing what you, the readers, want to know about the game? Feel free to post your questions, and they'll include some of them with ours. Just post them at the forum topic.

Rumor: Alpha Protocol Slips To Summer 2009 (News)

Jan 6, 2009

Obsidian Entertainment's secret agent RPG was, last we heard, supposed to hit stores around March 2009. That estimate might be a bit off though, with recent evidence suggesting that the game may arrive months later.

Alpha Protocol's First Developer Diary Released (News)

Nov 27, 2008

With NWN2: Storms of Zehir now in stores, Obsidian Entertainment's focused on publicizing their next new project, Alpha Protocol. They've released the first developer diary and it shows off some new gameplay footage of the modern-day espionage role-playing game.

'Alpha Protocol' Will Have Plenty Of Sex Scenes, 'Ladies' Man' Achievement (News)

Jul 24, 2008

"Alpha Protocol"'s dialogue system doesn't just offer a variety of ways for player-character Michael Thorton to get missions.

It can also help him pick up women. That is, if you select your responses wisely.

E3 08: Sega Blowout: Alpha Protocol (News)

Jul 16, 2008

Destructoid writes: "The deluge of Sega assets continues, this time with screens from Obsidian Entertainment's -- the folks who brought us Knights of the Old Republic 2 and Neverwinter Nights 2 -- new modern day role playing game Alpha Protocol.

The game follows special agent Michael Thorton who is the only person that can prevent a catastrophic international crisis. Players will be able to choose how Michael completes his missions: by the book, going rogue and slaughtering everyone that gets in your way, or being a smart mouthed jackass to everyone you meet, which will determine how things ultimately turn out.

Alpha Protocol will be skill -- rather than level -- based, letting you choose between close combat techniques, marksmanship, and gadget proficiency for Michael to focus in. The game's title refers to some sort of weapon that the forces of evil are trying to utilize for their own nefarious ends. There's no word on what that weapon actually does, though.

Planned for release next February, Alpha Protocol will have a PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 version."

Destroy All Cinematics: Brain Zoo Studios Goes Big at E3 2008 (News)

Jul 15, 2008

The work of Brain Zoo Studios, a leading digital media animation studio, will be showcased across the show floor at this year's E3. Fans anticipating the mysterious Alpha Protocol from Sega for the PC and next-gen consoles will be treated to a cinematic showcase produced by Brain Zoo Studios for the title. Additionally, the highly anticipated Pandemic titles Mercs 2: World in Flames and the all-new Destroy All Humans: Path of Furon cinematics are on display in respective publisher booths, all animated by Brain Zoo Studios. Read the full press release on GameVortex.com

Alpha Protocol (Preview)

Jul 7, 2008

Fairly or not, RPGs are fatally associated with orcs, aliens and bearded wizards. Not everyone likes the idea of having to level-up characters over 50 hours, or learn different trades just to be a Level 6 cobbler. Sega’s Alpha Protocol, however, is a ‘stealth’ RPG, applying its stat-heavy mechanics and micro-management in a world anyone can relate to – modern day espionage; in an action adventure where you can be ...

Sonic Unleashed for November, Aliens slips to '09 (News)

Jun 6, 2008

Sega has unveiled a whole bunch of release dates for its upcoming line-up, including Sonic Unleashed, Aliens: Colonial Marines and Space Siege.

The, dare we say, promising-looking Sonic Unleashed has been given a strong November date, while Aliens FPS Colonial Marines has unfortunately slipped into 2009. Golden Axe: Beast Rider, if anyone cares, hits shelves in September.

Chris Taylor's Space Siege has also been branded with a ...

Brand new Alpha Protocol screens (News)

Jun 2, 2008

A slew of new screenshots from Obsidian Entertainment's spy role-playing game Alpha Protocol are on display right here, showing a number of locations and hinting at the types of gameplay available in the title.

Looking at the screenshots, you can see at least four different locations to expect in the game.

There's also plenty of stealth action there, a shooting gallery that we imagine is located somewhere in your ...

Alpha Protocol - first look (Preview)

Apr 22, 2008

From Bond’s first glowering stare across a baccarat table all the way to Tom Cruise whining like a baby and sticking explosive chewing gum on a fish tank - the international spy thriller has been a cornerstone of popular culture for decades. So why has it never really translated to games? Only one Bond game was ever any good and the rest were a sequence of gaudy car crashes and poorly clipped death animations. Other stabs at the genre ...

Sega's espionage RPG Alpha Protocol - first shots (News)

Apr 4, 2008

We've got the first screenshots of the lovechild of Sega and Obsidian. No, not Aliens: Colonial Marines... the other one!

Alpha Protocol is a PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 game set in the modern day where you strap on agent boots as Michael Thorton. Thorton's been cast out by his government and possesses information that could stop an impending international catastrophe. Guess who has to save the day?

Sega ...

Alpha Protocol announced (News)

Mar 14, 2008

Aliens: Colonial Marines isn’t the only special project developer Obsidian has going for next-gen gaming. Alpha Protocol, the spy-thriller in the works with Sega of America, is an RPG that aims to raise the bar in interactive next-gen gaming. “Alpha Protocol blends Obsidian’s knack for intricate story, engrossing characters, and significant character advancement with fast-paced modern combat,” said Feargus Urquhart, ...

Game Informer April Cover: Alpha Protocal - From creators of Fallout & Torment (News)

Mar 14, 2008

If you love RPGs but are tired of swinging swords or slogging around in spacesuits, you're in luck. Obsidian Entertainment is drawing on its Fallout and Planescape: Torment roots with its new espionage-based game Alpha Protocol. Drawing on the three J.B.s for inspiration-Jack Bauer, Jason Bourne and James Bond-the developers are giving players plenty of different ways to tackle problems. You can rely on brute force, stealth or gadgets to accomplish missions, and also navigate through a nuanced conversation system.

A modern-day espionage thriller that will change the way you think about Role-Playing Games.

Sega and Obsidian Hand In Hand To Deliver Sexy Spy RPG (News)

Mar 14, 2008

"You asked for more RPG's, you all got it. Sega combines forces with Neverwinter Nights 2 developer Obsidian to bring a "modern day espionage RPG" to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PCs slated for 2009. Alpha Protocol is the name of the upcoming title, and is the second Obsidian RPG that Sega will be publishing. "

Sega Announce Alpha Protocol For 360/PS3/PC (News)

Mar 13, 2008

After some bad times in the last few years it seems Sega are upping the ante once again and presenting us with some interesting games. The latest of these attention-grabbing titles is Alpha Protocol. Sega have revealed they will be publishing the game in 2009 for Xbox 360, the PS3 and PC. The title is currently under development at Obsidian Entertainment. They are probably most famous for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II and Neverwinter Nights 2.

Alpha Protocol: Mass Effect + Fallout action-RPG (News)

Mar 11, 2008

The April issue of Game Informer reveals that Obsidian Entertainment (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, Neverwinter Nights II) is not only working on the Aliens RPG for SEGA, but also another third-person action-RPG. 'Alpha Protocal' is scheduled for spring 2009 and is a modern-day espionage that takes you on a suspenseful ride in the vein of James Bond, Jack Bauer, and Jason Bourne.

"Alpha Protocol" is a phrase that is used when operatives go underground to work off the grid. It is very dangerous and usually reserved for experienced and senior agents. You play as Michael Thorton, a fully trained but rookie operative whose world is turned upside down when a mission goes badly wrong and is forced to work off the grid.

Alpha Protocol will use battle and dialog systems that are similar to Mass Effect's. The combat will emphasize on real-time gun fight and high-tech gadgetry. The dialog lets the player dictate Thorton's tone in conversations, such as cool, suave, brash and impatient.

The game will also use a skill-based system that's similar to Fallout. (Obsidian is made up of former founders and employees of Black Isle that originally created the Fallout series.) The player will have 10 major skills and 10 ranks for each skill, including enhancements to shooting accuracy and improvements in the way the character can evaluate situations.

It's a large game too, with missions taking place in countries all over the world. The game involves plenty of subplots involving beautiful and dangerous women -- think Bond girls.

[ Notes: Additional information collected from Alternative Sources and forums. ]