Alpha Protocol

It's funny how the games business works. Big successes become popular franchises, we keep buying 'em because they keep getting better, and developers keep churning 'em out. Later, we'll complain about Call of Duty being the same stupid thing, buy it, verify our complaint, and keep the cycle strong. What about the stuff that doesn't review well, though, or doesn't sell, or doesn't quite live up to the hype? Those games are usually left for dead, and an original IP hoping to make its big break becomes a one-shot failure.

Aren't these the games we should see sequels to? Disappointing games are the ones that need the most improving, and are the games that'd benefit the most from a second chance. Remember, Assassin's Creed eventually became Assassin's Creed II. We'd love to see some of this generation's biggest bummers – even if they had a lot going for them – take off bigger than they have...

On the fifth anniversary of the beginning of the current console generation, we decided to take a little look back. The difference is while most people are looking at this generation's successes with reverence, examining the wonders these machines have brought us, we’re choosing instead to use this milestone as another chance to mock some of the most epic failures we’ve ever seen.

Though the reasons these things to fall on their face so incredibly hard vary from game to game, the mocking part is universally, consistently fun. It’s really their own damn fault. If the video game industry wasn’t so hell bent on pretending every single product was going to bring about the techno-singularity, we wouldn’t have license to kick them when they’re down. But they do. So we do too. Here, in no particular order, are a baker’s dozen of the worst crash-and-burners of this generation...

The dirt on Alpha Protocol, plus we explore gaming’s worst attempts at sound effects and historical accuracy. Better still: A Sex and the City 2 discussion too fabulous for those other game podcats to even attempt!

Sam Fisher, Jason Bourne, James Bond... these are spooks we know and love. Sega's upcoming espionage thriller Alpha Protocol introduces a new super-spy who goes by the name of Michael Thornton. But who is Michael Thornton? Thanks to Alpha Protocol's branching story and malleable alliances, he's whoever you make him. But whichever path you take, it looks like there will be plenty of shooty, sexy fun to be had. Exclusive trailer after the jump!

In the concluding part of our in-depth look at Alpha Protocol, Obsidian's new espionage RPG, today we're revealing new and exclusive details about the game's sexy femme fatales and how getting into bed with a female operative is about more than just carnal desire.

We’ve already considered armed conflict, stealth and gadgets as essential parts of the super spy’s armoury, but there’s one more vital component which no successful operative can ignore and that’s the language d’amour; or to put it another way, the ability to sweet talk the honeys into giving you just what you require.

Continuing our in-depth look at Alpha Protocol, Obsidian's new espionage RPG, today we're revealing new and exclusive details about the game's shady world of stealth and the creative ways you can use it to murderise.

The life of a secret agent may have its fair share of full-on frontal assaults and gadget-laden takedowns, but perhaps the most satisfying path to advancement is when you can strike, vanish like a phantom and no-one even knows you’ve ever been there. If this is your preferred kind of play style, then Alpha Protocol certainly has plenty to offer you as a stealth-based secret agent.

In the coming week we'll be going in deep with Alpha Protocol, Obsidian's new espionage RPG and revealing new and exclusive details. Each day we'll post new info on a particular element of the game: today we're looking at the best gadgets and spy tools that will be at your dispsosal.

It’s difficult to disagree with Obsidian’s opinion that, you can’t make a espionage game without a full range of secret agent’s toys and Alpha Protocol lets you experiment with a full compliment of gadgets and goodies. All are rooted in the real rather than the James Bond world, so don’t expect laser watches and submarine cars, but rather a more authentic mix of explosives, traps and counter-surveillance devices.

In the coming week we'll be going in deep with Alpha Protocol, Obsidian's new espionage RPG and revealing new and exclusive details. Each day we'll post new info on a particular element of the game: today we're looking at the array of weapons at your disposal and customisable combat system.

In Alpha Protocol, your biggest weapon may be choice, but as any serious super spy will tell you, it doesn’t hurt to back up your choices with a locker full of deadly firepower. Fortunately Michael Thorton, Alpha Protocol’s protagonist, doesn’t just rely on silky smooth seduction skills, gadget mania or stealthy lurking about in the shadows, but can draw on a veritable arsenal of destruction every bit as impressive as any Bourne or Bond.

In the coming week we'll be going in deep with Alpha Protocol, Obsidian's new espionage RPG and revealing new and exclusive details. Each day we'll post new info on a particular element of the game: today we're looking at the innovative way Alpha Protocol uses dialogue, and how this effects your progress through the story.

Guns and gadgets may get all the headlines in the espionage world, but they’re pretty blunt instruments. For the true master spy, it’s the more subtle skills of intelligence gathering, conversation, subterfuge, charm, seduction and of course downright aggression which are better employed to achieve his aims.

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.