Game Time: 'Alpha Protocol'

Alpha Protocol X360, PS3, PC/$49.99-$59.99/June 1

It's been a while since we've heard from Obsidian Entertainment. The California-based developer has delighted RPG fans for years with its critically acclaimed titles "Neverwinter Nights 2" and "Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords." With their keen eye for detail and ability to weave stories organically around gameplay, it was only a matter of time until the folks at Obsidian put their talents to use in the exciting genre of modern espionage. Franchises such as "Splinter Cell" and "Metal Gear" are proof positive that the action genre is the perfect playground for the spy game, but Obsidian is bringing something new to the table, and it's worth more than a glance.

You are Michael Thorton, a U.S. agent brought in specifically to investigate a horrible disaster: A weapon that originated in the United States was responsible for the destruction of a commercial airliner in Eastern Europe. With conspiracy, deception and lies flowing from both friends and foes, you'll be forced to use every trick in the book to bring the appropriate parties to justice.

You may be thinking that your greatest weapon in "Alpha Protocol" is a giant machine gun or even a cool wristwatch laser, but that's not the case. From start to finish, your most important weapon will be choice. At the game's onset, you'll be forced to choose a handler, each of which has its own style, benefits and enemies. Another important element of choice is the Dialogue Stance System. Every encounter, whether it's with an arms dealer or a lowly guard, is enhanced with actual conversation that is important to the mission at hand. As people talk to you, you'll be presented with actions and tones to respond with that need to be picked on the fly. Every choice and every action will result in a different outcome, some good and some considerably less than good. Either way, it's your decisions that cause the plot to progress.

Since "Alpha Protocol" is an RPG, there needs to be some amount of character customization. As you complete missions and gain skill, your character will increase its abilities in hand-to-hand combat, weapons, gadgets and, of course, seduction. You will also have the option to change your character's appearance, from hairstyle to clothes, all of which have an impact on gameplay.

If you love a great story, solid gameplay and globe-trotting adventures, "Alpha Protocol" is right up your alley.

Media Link: Grey DeLisle, the voice of Uli Booi, voices Brianna in "Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil" Saturdays on Disney XD.