Here is a new hands on preview from CVG. Sounds like they thought it was fairly solid, other than not being able to explore any of the locations beween missions. In their words, the mission structure is very "rigid" because of this.

 

Anyway, at least it's a new preview from someone that actually got to play the game and that is better than hearing nothing. Here you go-

 

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=223828

I believe the game was marketed more as an "Action RPG" type, so I'm not too surprised that there isn't that much for exploration.

I think free-roam/sandbox is a concept that, while in theory ideal, is somewhat overrated. Unless there's something to do in it, exploring a huge area has lost its novelty for me. It also consumes substantial developer resources for a gameplay feature that doesn't directly improve character or story in any way.

 

I also note that they've axed the "leveling up makes your bullets stronger" mechanic, which I applaud.

best preview ive read.. thanks. & i agree with whats said above about free roam. i was actually hoping this game didnt have it, BUT, atleast feel a bit like Hitman missions where you also have your innocent bystanders. ---i shall now finish my reading.

I think free-roam/sandbox is a concept that, while in theory ideal, is somewhat overrated. Unless there's something to do in it, exploring a huge area has lost its novelty for me. It also consumes substantial developer resources for a gameplay feature that doesn't directly improve character or story in any way.

 

I also note that they've axed the "leveling up makes your bullets stronger" mechanic, which I applaud.

 

I quite agree. I think that the story, action, customization and the depth of c&c will be more than enough to carry this game. A very streamlined, yet deep design at the same time. In which sense, it has the makings of a very unique RPG (or ARPG, if you prefer).

I also note that they've axed the "leveling up makes your bullets stronger" mechanic, which I applaud.

 

Thank god.

Was that in there before? Whew, ya, sounds like a good idea to axe that.

This game now reminds me of Deus Ex.

 

Please be like Deus Ex.

With realese date so close I have expected review. Not another 2 hours long hands on.

Typically, you only get really early reviews (weeks before the release day) on titles that have a lot of hype surrounding them. Unfortunatly, AP really doesn't have that sort of hype right now

 

And hell, it hasn't even gone gold yet (or at least, there's been no announcement of it going gold).

This game now reminds me of Deus Ex.

 

Please be like Deus Ex.

The Gaming Gods are pleased with you indeed, Young One.

No. I hope it is nothing like Deus Ex. Deus Ex was a shooter. AP is an RPG.

Pfft, details.

Besides, AP is the same, only TPS, improved C&C, and a lot more dialogue choices.

Edited September 22, 200916 yr by Oner

Well, Deus Ex had some actual exploration, AP won't. Just some "small detail", huh?

Well, Deus Ex had some actual exploration, AP won't. Just some "small detail", huh?

For me it is.

(BTW, see above my edited post)

This game now reminds me of Deus Ex.

 

Please be like Deus Ex.

Deus Ex had 'free roam' so apparently it will not be like Deus Ex. I'm actually surprised that it is missing this feature, or did CVG not describe it properly? I have never played an action RPG that didn't have at least some amount of exploration, that's a defining characteristic of the genre! Gameplay previews seem to describe an action game with light RPG elements like NOLF or BioShock while Obsidian videos seem to describe an RPG with action elements like Mass Effect. I'm confused as to just what to expect from Alpha Protocol.

Deus Ex's "freeroam" was almost an illusion. There really wasn't much to it.

Deus Ex's "freeroam" was almost an illusion. There really wasn't much to it.

 

I was actually thinking the same thing. It was more a question of having a more leisurely pace in a series of linear missions.

Deus Ex's "freeroam" was almost an illusion. There really wasn't much to it.

 

Well, I wouldn't call it freeform, but Deus Ex's level design was... what's the right word here? Wider? It gave you plenty of space and the choice of a frontal attack or a backdoor approach. Not to mention that it usually had side objectives. Again, not really freeform, but it's one of the things I loved about it the most. So here's hoping Alpha Protocol is built like that, wide.

No. I hope it is nothing like Deus Ex. Deus Ex was a shooter.

 

I don't know why you persist with this delusion.

Deus Ex was a shooter.

Absolutely false. Deus Ex was a Action RPG.

Deus Ex was Deus Ex. It's a whole 'nother category.

Deus Ex was a shooter.

Shun the non-believer, shun!

Deus Ex was more than most games can ever hope to be. That should be enough.

People on this board pick some of the most unusual things to have a strong opinion on.