EpicBattleAxe » Alpha Protocol

uREVIEW: Alpha Protocol

"TheAxeWielder" — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:48:27 +0000

Empowering the EBA Community with a voice to collaboratively review the industry’s hottest titles, the EpicBattleAxe.com uREVIEW (about) delivers real insight from real gamers about The GOOD, The BAD, and The UGLY pertaining to the biggest games in the world. This is the EpicBattleAxe.com uREVIEW for Alpha Protocol. Let’s get started:

FACTS:

Publisher: SEGA Developer: Obsidian
Genre(s): Action, Role-Playing
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
Release Date: June 1, 2010
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3. PC
Official Website

GAME SUMMARY:

Alpha Protocol is an espionage role-playing game set in the modern world. Loyalty carries a price and no one knows this more than agent Michael Thorton. A talented young agent cast out by his government, Thorton is the only one with the information needed to stop an impending international catastrophe. To do so means he must cut himself off from the very people he is sworn to protect. As players determine how to accomplish different objectives, the decisions made and actions taken in each mission will ultimately transform the type of secret agent Michael Thorton will become. Every choice the player makes as Michael Thorton will carry consequences for his future and the fate of the world. [Sega]

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Alpha Protocol: Small World, Big Action

"TheAxeWielder" — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:54:22 +0000

Well, we’ve got just a few weeks to go until the long-awaited Alpha Protocol is FINALLY released and today we get a bit more insight into the game via this “Small World” trailer. The vid showcases the global nature of the game by highlighting the various locales and ensuing drama that will take Agent Michael Thorton around the world one tactical espionage mission at a time.

Having been o the bandwagon early for this one, I’m kind of getting cold feet as we near launch. As I’ve stated many times before, I think the concept of the game is fantastic, but having seen it demoed a while back and having watched the vast majority of media leading up to launch, I’m a bit worried that the game won’t live up to expectations for various reasons. I do, however, truly hope that my worries will be laid to rest by a core gameplay experience that delivers both choice and consequence. I hope there is a good balance between the game’s RPG and action elements, that the presentation is top notch, and most of all, I hope to immerse myself in an engaging (non-cheesy) story set iin a world that I grow to care about with characters that are both meaningful and memorable.

As long as my hopes aren’t too high, right???

So, what are you all thinking about Alpah Protocol right about now? Let your fellow Axe Heads know in the comments below.

Festival Of Videos From GDC

"EpicBadAxe" — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:24:48 +0000

As you might have imagined, there is a plethora of game videos coming from GDC right now. So we thought we’d put together a small collection of links so you can browse some of the ones we’ve seen so far. We also found a video on 1UP.com that is not from GDC – but it is still worth a look! It is called Lust Cause 2. Cast your gaze below for the rest of the list.

The GDC List:

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Alpha Protocol

Brink

Alpha Protocol Developer Walkthrough

"TheAxeWielder" — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:40:43 +0000

So yesterday I had the chance to sit down with SEGA’s Matthew Hickman to check out some new gameplay from the upcoming espionage RPG Alpha Protocol by Obsidian. The walkthrough, which you can check out in full right here, showcased the game’s blend of action and RPG elements while highlighting a few specific ways that you’ll be able to grow your character’s skill set based on how you want to play.

All in all, the game is looking pretty sweet. IMO, the level of success it enjoys will be directly tied to the game’s story and the player’s ability to care about and be immersed in Alpha Protocol’s characters and world.

Anyway, check out the walkthrough and let us know how you’re feeling about Alpha Protocol as we near the game’s launch here in the states on June 1, 2010.

MEMBER BATTLECRY: Loss of Conviction

"Viking Brent" Adams — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:44:11 +0000

Greetings! As the discussion continues this week on delays and whether they help or hurt the games we play, we bring you another stellar Member BattleCry. We’re seeing a lot of good points raised in the dialogue on this subject and many people are pointing out two situations; one where the delay helped and the other where not so much.

Coky14 checks in with not only two such examples, but also so insightful comments on how gamers perception affects their attitude about the delay as well as the psychological impact of a firm street date being broken vs a vague release window changing. Let’s turn things over to him…

Coky14 Says:

Here’s my Epic Battle Member Cry,

I really prefer to see a game delayed so they can work on it a litle longer so we, as gamers and customers, get a better and more refined experience. The problem, as the last choice of the poll says, is that publishers shouldn’t announce a clear date when they don’t know if they’re gonna ship in time.

The best example of how to do it is, God of War III. Announced for MARCH 2010, in June 2009, they gave themselves a large window to see if other games could make them change their idea or if the developpement went faster or slower than supposed. I also feel that if God of War would have been delayed, because the date wasn’t set in stone, it would not have been taken so harshly by the community.

The counter-example, is Splinter Cell : Conviction. How to completely destroy momentum. The game was awaited for so long. They released a trailer this winter where it the release was dated for 23.02.10. The whole point of the trailer was to say the release date. Now, the codeofconviction.com thingy (which I participated in) helped us get the real release date as for April 13th. After 5 years more or less of developpement it really didn’t need that. Shame on marketing or the developpement team for that bad decision. We’d better get our cash out of that game or else you’ll have a line of frustrated gamers ready to NOT buy another Splinter Cell game as they will have lost their faith on the franchise.

Finally, the positive affects are mostly unappreciable by gamers as we will never get to understand the amount of polish that was made during the time of the delay (of whatever the game was actually delayed for). It’s mostly intengible. This is why we see so much delays as a bad thing.

The negative effect is mostly dangerous for smaller franchises or new IPs. God of War III and FFXIII will sell as much on March or on April. It could sell well in Christmas time, Easter, Halloween, etc. People have confidance in their developpers and know they’re doing the right choice. Alpha Protocol (sorry Daniel), as much as they can delay that game, it’s not looking too good. I’d be happy for SEGA if they get a 85 from critics. The game looks clunky, the style seems weird, caracters empty, and delays won’t change that. As said, we haven’t been conditionned to think SEGA will release triple A titles.

Finally, my Battle Cry is in fact to developpers who have to make the heart breaking choice to make these delays happen or not. Will you break the momentum to make a better game? Can think of what I would do I such a position.

End

People can agree or disagree on his assessment of how delays have affected God of War III and Splinter Cell: Conviction. However, I think he makes an extremely good point about why gamers often view delays as inherently bad…we often have no basis for comparison; we don’t know how bad things were to begin with or how much better they are after some more time is spent tweaking things. I also appreciate him taking a look at things from the devs or publishers point of view. These can’t be easy decisions to make, especially when we gamers can be as hard to please as we often are.

So what do you all think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below and if you have something else entirely that you’d like to sound off on, then feel free to do that over on this week’s topics starter post where you can SUBMIT A NEW TOPIC:

SUBMIT YOUR MEMBER BATTLECRY IN THE COMMENTS SECTION HERE.

That’s gonna do it for now, but we hope you continue having an awesome week and keep your rants, raves, and recommendations coming here on EpicBattleAxe.com!

Stay Brutal,
Viking Brent

EBC Skirmish 065: Big Stylus

"Viking Brent" Adams — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:04:43 +0000

Sharpen thine knives and ready thine hammer, its time for another edition of EpicBattleCry! In this week’s skirmish, we check out the Just Cause 2 demo, new Mass Effect 2 DLC, a Batman: The Brave and the Bold game headed to Nintendo consoles, and hope that Alpha Protocol finally has a firm release date.

First up in the main course, we run down the details from last week’s Nintendo Media Summit and get ready for big N to bring the pain in the first half of the year. Next up, we examine how the details of how the launch day DLC for Battlefield: Bad Company 2, may just be the thing to drive down GameStop’s prices.

The Battle Cry of the Week goes to Neo Geo‘s recent birthday (and King of Fighters XIII), Joe Danger, Transformers: War for Cybertron, and calls on game publishers to think about creating their own game console.

Got a comment on this week’s skirmish? Sound off below! If you’d like to submit a Battle Cry, click here! Stay sharp.

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EBA's End of the Weak: 2/27/10

"TheAxeWielder" — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:32:29 +0000

What’s up ye Children of the ‘Axe? DK here to slay the boredom of the weekend with this edition of EpicBattleAxe.com’s End of the Weak! Now, we just kicked this thing off recently and this is only the second edition (see last week’s post for more of an explanation on WTF this is all about), but we’re hoping this feature finds a nice, comfy home in your browser once the weekend rolls around.

So, with this past week’s news about Alpha Protocol getting a firm release date, it reminded me about HOW FREAKIN’ EXCITED I AM for the game….”Why?” you ask…well, I did some soul searching and realized that my love for the IDEA of spy/espionage games has been derived from several classic titles and even a few obscure ones…Obviously, playing Golden Eye for countless hours with friends and going through the single player campaign helped set the bar high, but that was pretty much an ACTION game and didn’t dive deep into all that an espionage title could offer as something within the RPG genre could.

Of course, Metal Gear on NES provided a lot of depth within its gameplay and did in-fact make you feel like quite the bad-ass throughout. “Feeling” like you’re sneaking around, involved with “super secret” intel, living the globe-trotting life of a secret agent, accessing crazy-ass equipment that combines ultra high tech with explosive carnage…THAT’s what I want out of an espionage RPG and several AAA titles delivered bits and pieces of that experience.

Despite those titles though, my long hours of reflection have brought me to the conclusion at one semi-popular game is at the center of my desire to see the mysterious, intriguing, sexy world of espionage unfold in an RPG and even though the game is technically about an assassin, Golgo 13 on the NES is primarily responsible for my love of all things spy/sniper/espionage.

Read on to find out why “Only You Can Help Him Save The World!”…

Golgo 13 (wiki)

Now, this is one of those games that INSTANTLY creates a bond between gamers that bring it up…In my experience, the question “Did you ever play Golgo 13?” is usually returned with a flat, dry “Nope” or the “OMG! Yes, that game was freakin’ AMAZING!” spoken with an excitement level comparable to that of a 14 year old boy locked inside a Victoria Secret’s. Sure, the game is based on a Japanese manga, but when you’re a 10-year-old living in New York and you didn’t have the internet to research the hell out of everything under the sun, the game’s intriguigin characters, mysterious setting, and mature themes made you feel like the ULTIMATE secret agent/assassin/bad-ass for playing it…

One thing that has stuck in my head about this game until this day is its theme song…Embedded in my brain somewhere next to my social security number and the famous Konami code lies this little gem of a theme that crops up every time I think of anything spy or assassin related…It’s pretty sweet, and while the below vid featuring said theme song is a little boring, I recommend you check it out to “set the mood” should you be feeling all Spy-y…

Obviously, I did a quick search on YouTube to see what I can find about the game and came across this commercial that until now, I’ve never seen…In fact, after watching it, I can’t tell if it was an ACTUAL commercial or something someone cut together to ACT like a commercial…Anyway, it’s pretty neato, so check it out…

Theme songs, commercials, yeah, they’re cool, but it was the GAME itself that forever resides in my wanna-be bad-ass-secret-agent-heart…and so, here it is…some actual GAMEPLAY from Golgo 13 that will no doubt convince you of this game’s AWESOMENESS… Over six minutes of End of the Weak goodness to inform and inspire…Now, before you watch it, please put on your “I’m a 10-year-old kid that just got this game when I probably shouldn’t have it” goggles and see the super secret/sexy world the game presents from that perspective…It’s what memories are made of…

Well, there ya go…Feel free to sound off in the comments section below and let us know how YOU felt about Golgo 13, GoldenEye, or the original MGS on NES (assuming you’re old enough to have actually played them…I’m guessing a lot of you weren’t even born back then…). Also, if you have a different game that reminds you of the spy/espionage theme, then let us know about that too! Again, I know Golgo 13 isn’t DIRECTLY an espionage game, but it sure did feel like one to me back in the day!!!

I hope you enjoyed this look back at some of my personal favorite games of all-time. Its titles like these and the experiences/memories we share with them that help solidify our love for interactive entertainment. Hopefully, a game like Alpha Protocol will provide NEW memories and thrills for us this summer…I know I can’t wait to find out!!!

EBA’s End of the Weak: 2/27/10

"TheAxeWielder" — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:32:29 +0000

Read on to find out why “Only You Can Help Him Save The World!”…

Golgo 13 (wiki)

Alpha Protocol Coming This Summer

"TheAxeWielder" — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:50:27 +0000

With a certain sense of deja vu, SEGA has announced that Obsidian Entertainment’s long awaited Alpha Protocol will finally hit store shelves this summer. The espionage game, being described by SEGA as a “fiercely original take on the role playing game genre”, will launch in Europe on May 28 and in North America on June 1st for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. Accompanying the announcement are several new screens showcasing rookie spy Michael Thorton doing his thing. You can check those out right here.

“The wait has been worth it. It is time for an RPG to go beyond fantasy and space,” said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing for SEGA of America. “The genre needs a shot in the arm, and renowned developer Obsidian has delivered. Alpha Protocol will be the absolute best it can be, and we look forward to revealing fresh aspects of it to the community in the upcoming months.”

Additionally, those of you that pre-order Alpha Protocol through GameStop will receive the Exclusive Assault Pack, containing exclusive weapons and ammo like the UC Regulator high damage shotgun and Rittergroupen Grizzly high accuracy rifle. If you’re intrested in getting all grizzly, then just head here.

For more info and deets on the “Dear god please let it be good” Alpha Protocol, visit the game’s official website.

The Rumor KILL: 02/13/10

'The Canasian Sensation' Lucas Archer — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:59:54 +0000

Another dry work week is finally over which means it’s time to look at the latest buzz from the world of gaming in this week’s edition of The Rumor KILL. My first order of business is to wish everyone in the EBA community a Happy Valentine’s Day; I know I made one flower shop owner’s Valentine’s Day quite happy after paying what equals to the street value of a kidney for a bouquet of roses. Anyway, you’re not here to read wild ramblings about the second most corporate holiday in existence, you want rumors dammit and rumors I have. So let’s begin shall we?

THE RUMOR: Sonic The Hedgehog will be a playable character in Super Mario Galaxy 2

THE SOURCE: Destructoid

MY TAKE: Man, isn’t Sonic’s career mirroring a failed child actor? I mean, when he was young and first debuted he was the hottest thing since sliced bread. Children loved him, adults appreciated his work propelling him on top of the world. Then as he grew older he was forced into roles he wasn’t comfortable with (aka 3D) and he began to tank. Now he’s making cameos in Mario games and soon he will fade into obscurity like other failed stars. Seriously though it just seems weird that Sonic would randomly be playable for only one level in the game, unless the level has true blue Sonic style running through loops gameplay in 3D (since 3D Sonic gameplay never, EVER fails).

THE VERDICT: SPARE IT!!!

Sonic has already tag teamed with Mario in a few occasions so for him to cameo in a true Mario game wouldn’t be a stretch. Still, how could this possibly fit into Super Mario Galaxy 2 in any logical way?? Will Mario end up in some alternate galaxy and find his way into Sonic’s universe? Is Dr. Eggman the main antagonist? Is George Costanza’s worst nightmare coming true and WORLDS ARE COLLIDING???? I don’t know, but I think we should leave this rumor for now and wait for Nintendo to give the word because if the next step is Solid Snake appearing in my Zelda games I will quit gaming and become Amish…and if you think I’m joking Nintendo then try me!

THE RUMOR: inFamous 2 will be released in 2010

THE SOURCE: Joystiq

MY TAKE: It’s fair to say that inFamous was a shocking success and is a great base to build a franchise from so a sequel was pretty much inevitable. Still it does seem a little soon for a sequel. Now, I know everyone who loved the first one is tempted to flame me for not wanting a sequel yet but calm down fanboys, it’s for the better. Presentation is very important in sandbox games because the world must be unique and enjoyable to explore or else it becomes dry and dull. Empire City is great but if it’s basically the same as the first one with only minor changes and small graphics upgrade it won’t be as immersive. Therefore, I think Sucker Punch should take its time and create a true sequel instead of making inFamous 1.5.

THE VERDICT: KILL IT!!!

For the sake of the franchise this shouldn’t happen. Taking your time with a sandbox is never a bad thing…take Grand Theft Auto as a perfect example. With some exceptions Rockstar generally doesn’t release two of its console games within a year of each other. They take their time building a dynamic city for you to explore and that formula makes for some of the greatest games of all time. I mean GTAIV was their most successful game and we still haven’t heard word of another installment (no, the episodes don’t count people). If Sucker Punch wants inFamous to become their next great franchise they should do it right and not shove it out the door this year. I’m putting my money on a Q2 2011 release but don’t circle the calendar just yet…I’m just a friendly neighborhood speculator and I could EASILY be wrong.

THE RUMOR: Dead Space Extraction and Planet Cracker are coming to XBLA and PSN

THE SOURCE: Kotaku

MY TAKE: This has the potential to be very interesting. An HD overhaul of Dead Space Extraction would be nice for those who missed the game’s original Wii release, which was ALOT of people since the game sold like crap in a hobo’s sleeping bag. It’s too bad because the game wasn’t bad at all but in general, releasing a hardcore game on the Wii is like giving kindergartners a spreadsheet, they have no clue what to do with it so they move on to similar things like workout games. Planet Cracker though sounds like Fable II Pub Games with the tedious grind included. If the gameplay is decent and the rewards are worth it the game could turn into something worthwhile instead of the craptastic Pub Games we were blessed with last year.

THE VERDICT: BELEIVE IT!!!

This move makes perfect sense for the franchise. I played Dead Space Extraction a little bit at my friend’s house and although it was not the same as the original title on its own merits it was a fun rail shooter. More exposure on the XBLA and PSN could move more units. Tying Planet Cracker into a rewards system for Dead Space 2 would be a good way to expand on the experience for the game’s sequel. Also, these games being included as part of a pre-order bonus would be…well, a bonus and definitely incentive to pre-order. I don’t really see why EA would pass this opportunity to expand their new horror franchise so I would expect to see these games popping up on an online service near you. Just don’t piss yourself playing like I almost did…

THE RUMOR: Alpha Protocol pushed back AGAIN to Summer 2010

THE SOURCE: Eurogamer

MY TAKE: Last week I gave Gran Turismo 5 hell for the possibility of another delay and trust me, Alpha Protocol is NOT going to escape my wrath. The last delay saddened me because I was looking forward to seeing the game compete with the big boys in Q4 2009. Instead, Obsidian completely pussed out and delayed the game to spring 2010 for “general polish, graphical and feature improvements”. That my friend is a load of horse piss! Now, I’m no developer or publisher or have any programming experience of any kind but if all the game needs is “polish”, why in all that is holy does Obsidian need ANOTHER delay. Are they taking their developing practices from 3D Realms??? Well anyway until the $10 penalty I mentioned last week gets put into effect this crap will keep coming so all I can do is complain about it and hope someone from one of these companies hears my cries of despair.

THE VERDICT: BELIEVE IT!!!

We’ve heard almost nothing from this game since the initial delay so why should I even consider this rumor to be a lie? To be honest, I have lost all interest in Alpha Protocol and if it does indeed find its way onto store shelves by some miracle I’m going to pass because I’d rather buy games from developers who give a release date and STICK TO IT. Seriously, if I wanted to write about people double-dealing the public I would write about politics.

THE FINAL SAY

I have a quick message to all developers and publishers. QUIT JERKING US AROUND. I know delays are part of the industry and I know sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances that cause delays but if you’re going to delay a game for almost a year for POLISH you should just shut down the project and put us out of our misery. Do you see movies put out a trailer for a Spring 2010 release then all of a sudden pull the trailer and say we need to polish the CGI so the movies delayed till 2011??? No, because if that happened someone would be FIRED!!!

So, do you agree with me or think I’m a complete tosser? Let me know below by giving your own opinion on whether these rumors should be KILLED, BELIEVED or SPARED. As always if you can prove these rumors to be fact or fiction with 100% certainty then let us know and feel like a genius for the day! Enjoy your weekend folks and I’ll catch you next week for more juicy gossip in another edition of EpicBattleAxe.com’s The Rumor KILL.