[ecosse_011172]

If you haven't done so too, it's possible to jump around to a different hub and come back to Moscow after you've leveled up a bit and put a few more skills into weapons.

Will I have to redo the whole of Moscow in that case?

[Raijin_Cain]

Ok, time for an update: Im almost done with the game. already way into the final mission.

I decided to tackle each mission separetely. I was afraid Id forget some of the players and it turned out all right.

By now, I have full stealth, pistol and a bit on Technical Aptitude. The game has been really easy unless for a couple of moments where I was too gung ho and got surrounded by a bunch of enemies.

Have to say, the story (that was good at first) sort of lost power in the end. Still better than a lot of games, but didnt hold my interest as much. I still love the dialogue options and how they effectivily change what happens next.

The boss fights so far have been easy (Darcy was ridiculous - Shadow Operative - get near him - chain shot - all headshots - Darcy is dead lol).

I havent finished the game but Id say its worth the money I paid for. If it cost more it wouldnt have been worthy.

[XiaNaphryz]

Will I have to redo the whole of Moscow in that case?

No, whenever you leave a hub you keep your progress done there so far. It's best to jump between all the locations rather than try to finish them one by one.

[ecosse_011172]

No, whenever you leave a hub you keep your progress done there so far. It's best to jump between all the locations rather than try to finish them one by one.

That's brilliant, I'll def get back to it now (once I finished Yakuza 4).
Thanks a bunch!

[zkylon]

Ok, time for an update: Im almost done with the game. already way into the final mission. I decided to tackle each mission separetely. I was afraid Id forget some of the players and it turned out all right. By now, I have full stealth, pistol and a bit on Technical Aptitude. The game has been really easy unless for a couple of moments where I was too gung ho and got surrounded by a bunch of enemies. Have to say, the story (that was good at first) sort of lost power in the end. Still better than a lot of games, but didnt hold my interest as much. I still love the dialogue options and how they effectivily change what happens next. The boss fights so far have been easy (Darcy was ridiculous - Shadow Operative - get near him - chain shot - all headshots - Darcy is dead lol). I havent finished the game but Id say its worth the money I paid for. If it cost more it wouldnt have been worthy.

Good man. Story really isn't all anything worth mentioning (even for spy movies standards) but it's the dialogue and C&C that really makes the game. If you haven't done it already, I recommend playing the game again as asshole Thorton (if you haven't done already). There's a lot of great douchy dialogue to be had.

[Jezabel]

bought this for 15 bucks yesterday. just finished basic training and am about to start the first mission. Thinking im gonna go with stealthy/douchebag Thorton then another playthrough as action/ suave Thornton.

[Veezy]

Is this game worth getting on the PS3? I heard there were some pretty terrible bugs in the game, does anybody know if they were patched?

[Raijin_Cain]

Is this game worth getting on the PS3? I heard there were some pretty terrible bugs in the game, does anybody know if they were patched?

I plyed the game on PS3 and had a major bug only once. A room on a mission wouldnt load, so id fall lol :D

I restarted the mission and it went fine after that.

Has some slowdown a couple of times, but nothing major.

Play it.

[Ventilaator]

Bought this. Played a bunch of it. So...when do I get to the part where this game isn't easily one of the best games this gen, reviewers?

Progress-wise I went through Saudi Arabia, then stopped an assassination in Taipei and then had a guy in Rome tell me to back the fuck off or people will die

[Sunflower]

Nice to see a small bump. I started another playthrough for the first time in a couple years. I adore this game. Put it on hard, plan on cheesing my way past and killing everyone I see.

The game holds up remarkably well. Still my GOTY when it came out, no doubt. So goddamn good. This game has it all.

[Kabuki Quantum Lover]

Bought this game for 360 a few weeks ago. Buggy as hell and it has inconsistent combat... but it's still so good. I completed it with a smile on my face. It's too bad the game didn't finish with Turn Up The Radio.

[Jipan]

I just started doing my second run as Psychopath douche bag Mike. It's been very funny (especially since I customized him so that he looks like Dudebro); I offed Sis; felt really bad about it afterwards, but everyone that needs to die in this run, is gonna die.I just realized that the Yacht level reminded me a lot of Max Payne 3's Panama level It's been funny seeing how people react to him telling him to calm down. Chain Shot+Technical Aptitude+Stealth or Toughness (Iron Will) breaks the game.

As for the last boss battle, on my first run, since I had a ton of points invested into Toughness and Martial Arts, I got close to Westridge, activated Iron Will, rushed into the room that he's in, and beat his ass silly; it's another game breaking way to take him out since fisticuffs are overpowered in this game too. On my next run, I'm gonna sleep with everyone and go for the Thornton Inc. achievement.

[Clydefrog]

I’ve had this game on Steam for way over a year now. I remember trying it a while ago but it just seemed so buggy with the camera and control system that I gave up after 2 hours.

This time around, I did lots of research to fix all that crap. Fixed the terrible mouse jank. Updated the graphics to the max including FSAA; the game looks great! I'll try and post some screenshots when I get home. The shooting mechanisms are still a little wonky, but I think I can finally enjoy the story.

I started as a Recruit and am going through the various tutorial stages right now. After gaining that first level, I put two points into sabotage and one point into martial arts. Sabotage should make the horrible computer hacking part easier and I’m going to try and use martial arts so I don’t have to rely on guns. Excited to keep playing this now!

[Patryn]

I’ve had this game on Steam for way over a year now. I remember trying it a while ago but it just seemed so buggy with the camera and control system that I gave up after 2 hours. This time around, I did lots of research to fix all that crap. Fixed the terrible mouse jank. Updated the graphics to the max including FSAA; the game looks great! I'll try and post some screenshots when I get home. The shooting mechanisms are still a little wonky, but I think I can finally enjoy the story. I started as a Recruit and am going through the various tutorial stages right now. After gaining that first level, I put two points into sabotage and one point into martial arts. Sabotage should make the horrible computer hacking part easier and I’m going to try and use martial arts so I don’t have to rely on guns. Excited to keep playing this now!

If you're going to try martial arts as a recruit.... just telling you now: Be prepared to be frustrated.

It's possible, but you've chosen the hardest class to start as (because you lose at least 21 upgrade points going recruit), and using the most difficult offensive weapon in the game.

Also: If you're going martial arts, please think about putting points in stealth or you'll really be screwed.

[Clydefrog]

If you're going to try martial arts as a recruit.... just telling you now: Be prepared to be frustrated. It's possible, but you've chosen the hardest class to start as (because you lose at least 21 upgrade points going recruit), and using the most difficult offensive weapon in the game. Also: If you're going martial arts, please think about putting points in stealth or you'll really be screwed.

duly noted. thanks, man.

i assume i can't go 100% martial arts and will need some gunskill. but i will accept the challenge!

[Ferrio]

If you're going to try martial arts as a recruit.... just telling you now: Be prepared to be frustrated. It's possible, but you've chosen the hardest class to start as (because you lose at least 21 upgrade points going recruit), and using the most difficult offensive weapon in the game. Also: If you're going martial arts, please think about putting points in stealth or you'll really be screwed.

I went martial arts/stealth in my only playthrough in this game. It was a cakewalk. Stealth is so overpowered.

[Labadal]

I went martial arts/stealth in my only playthrough in this game. It was a cakewalk. Stealth is so overpowered.

But he's playing as a recruit, wich means you get less skill points compared to a "regular" playthrough.

[Danne-Danger]

But he's playing as a recruit, wich means you get less skill points compared to a "regular" playthrough.

*flashbang**flashbang**flashbang*
*flashbang* Still a cakewalk. *flashbang*
*flashbang**flashbang**flashbang*

[zkylon]

Just put a few points towards Pistols so you can get chain shot. That makes the frustrating parts easy.

[LQX]

Just finished this game. Easily now one of my favorite games this gen. I have good 25 hours in and I'm pretty sure its suppose to be good 10 hour or so game normally.

If this game was named Metal Gear Solid the reviews would be through the roof. Speaking of MGS, I think this as a stealth games 1Ups it in every category except maybe coolness. If you love MGS4 for the stealth factor I think you will also love this game.

Recommendations:
Max out Pistols (chain shot is an amazing thing), easily the deadliest weapon.
Put only two points into sabotage to make hacking easier.
Don't waste your money.
Moscow first. I did it last and hate that I missed out on some nice story.

[Typographenia]

Moscow first. I did it last and hate that I missed out on some nice story.

I inSISt you listen to this man.

[XiaNaphryz]

Recommendations: Moscow first. I did it last and hate that I missed out on some nice story.

You shouldn't be going through the locations one by one though, but rather go between all three. Do a few missions here, then a few in another, then a few in another, etc. Knowing certain NPCs in one location may affect reputation/interaction in another. No real missing out on story this way either.

[zkylon]

Just finished this game. Easily now one of my favorite games this gen. I have good 25 hours in and I'm pretty sure its suppose to be good 10 hour or so game normally. If this game was named Metal Gear Solid the reviews would be through the roof. Speaking of MGS, I think this as a stealth games 1Ups it in every category except maybe coolness. If you love MGS4 for the stealth factor I think you will also love this game. Recommendations: Max out Pistols (chain shot is an amazing thing), easily the deadliest weapon. Put only two points into sabotage to make hacking easier. Don't waste your money. Moscow first. I did it last and hate that I missed out on some nice story.

Wouldn't call AP a successful stealth game but I like that it has some kind of "old-school" thing in which it's very much like a puzzle game, until you completely break it with invisibility and permanent enemy markers.

It's easily the best of the gameplay systems, if you ignore the dialogue/reactivity, which single-handily makes the game. AP is amazing if you let yourself love it :)

[Clydefrog]

Dossier this, Dossier that. Pretty fun game so far. I think I'm almost done with Saudi Arabia. Might have to trim my beard after this.

[dragonlife]

Seeing this thread pop up warms my heart. I'm probably going to reinstall it now that I have a new HDD with enough space.

[Hambone]

Seeing this thread pop up warms my heart. I'm probably going to reinstall it now...

i-know-that-feel-bro.jpg

That's the first thing I thought when I saw this this thread. I love popping in here, and reading new player impressions.

My last run was veteran, asshole (maybe even psychopathic) Thorton, who shot first, and asked questions later. Shotguns and grenades were my preferred weapons of choice. Loud and proud. Needless to say, some people are not happy with the way I handled certain missions. ;)

Must...resist...playing....again.

[Clydefrog]

Damn, that Brayko boss was a nuisance! Great fight though :)

[zkylon]

Damn, that Brayko boss was a nuisance! Great fight though :)

The song in that part is awesomeeeeeeeee. One of my favorite parts of the game :)

[Dresden]

Pistols (and the ability to pop Chain Shot on bosses + being able to line up criticals from cover) make things easy.

I went Pistol / Stealth / Technical Aptitude, and the last, with Brilliance to reset cooldown on Shadow Operative, made a lot of frustrating sections easy. (Last few bosses spoiler) Darcy or whatever his fucking name was went down like a chump--went invisible, grabbed the sniper rifle, popped him in the head a few times.

Damn, that Brayko boss was a nuisance! Great fight though :)

For some reason I found that fight hilarious.

I think my biggest disappointment with the game was that I didn't see much more of Sis.

[zkylon]

I think my biggest disappointment with the game was that I didn't see much more of Sis.

Totally. I loved her to death, it's such a crime she doesn't get more screen time. I have hopes that AP sold so bad SEGA will sell the IP back to Obsidian for pennies.

[ecosse_011172]

No, whenever you leave a hub you keep your progress done there so far. It's best to jump between all the locations rather than try to finish them one by one.

I went back and finished it, Stealth and Fisticuffs all the way, great game with great characters.

[Dresden]

Totally. I loved her to death, it's such a crime she doesn't get more screen time. I have hopes that AP sold so bad SEGA will sell the IP back to Obsidian for pennies.

We can dream. ;____;

I started a second playthrough soon after the first (intending to go brute Shotgun / Toughness), but just didn't have the energy for it. Shotguns are fun after going stealth the whole time, though.

[Sunflower]

I think my biggest disappointment with the game was that I didn't see much more of Sis.

I never gave her a chance to do anything except point guns at me.

Kudos to Obsidian to not be afraid to cut out a reasonably major arc based on your choices.

[Dresden]

Kudos to Obsidian to not be afraid to cut out a reasonably major arc based on your choices.

More like it's just not there at all after a certain point.

[Clydefrog]

I never gave her a chance to do anything except point guns at me. Kudos to Obsidian to not be afraid to cut out a reasonably major arc based on your choices.

yeah same here. she came out of nowhere and started shooting and I was like "who the hell is this? oh well, DIE"

Beat the game tonight! 16 hours of awesomeness. What a great little gem this turned out to be. Played as a recruit and ended up maxing pistols and toughness, with lots of martial arts thrown in and about 8 points of stealth, I think. The end battle was laughable but the game was so much fun! My favorite part was definitely the fight with Brayko. The game also has little bits of humor every now and then that just made me LOL. I will definitely replay this in the near future on that veteran level or whatever it is.

my many faces of Thorton




bonus pic (spoilers): http://i.imgur.com/EgLTe.jpg

[TheSeks]

Is there anyway to slow the timer down while I'm reading the subtitles? It seems like Obsidian wants to throw 20 damn text items (tutorial, subtitles, stances) on the screen and it's waaay too much to take in within the short little time available to make choices. I know they said something about Endurance/armor having an effect from the corner of my eye while reading the main headdude's subtitles at the time, but didn't catch all of it.

Also pissing Mina off with a comment about getting drunk and having sex with her to maintain my cover: worth it.

[zkylon]

Is there anyway to slow the timer down while I'm reading the subtitles? It seems like Obsidian wants to throw 20 damn text items (tutorial, subtitles, stances) on the screen and it's waaay too much to take in within the short little time available to make choices. I know they said something about Endurance/armor having an effect from the corner of my eye while reading the main headdude's subtitles at the time, but didn't catch all of it. Also pissing Mina off with a comment about getting drunk and having sex with her to maintain my cover: worth it.

No, unfortunately there's no way to slow down the timer. It's kind of unforgiving for people who's english isn't their first language, but you learn to read faster as the game goes :P

[nel e nel]

No, unfortunately there's no way to slow down the timer. It's kind of unforgiving for people who's english isn't their first language, but you learn to read faster as the game goes :P

Yeah, it's a bit disconcerting, but keep in mind that it's similar to Mass Effect in that each stance is located in the same position, regardless of how the response sounds:

Suave: left
Aggressive: top
Professional: right
Unique*: bottom

*Unique being either recruit or veteran responses for the most part.

@clydefrog: Big YES on the burly bearded Thorton. I had a blast playing as Fidel Thorton.

[TheSeks]

Man, I'm pissing people off light, right, and center. I'm not even attempting to play Dick Shepard Thorton, either. It's just some of the most hilarious responses are the dick options. :/

[Martial]

Been wanting to play this game for a long time. It's like 13 bucks on amazon right now for the 360, should I go for it? I really like games with a story.

I haven't played a lot of rpgs, Mass Effect and a little bit of Fallout 3 are as close as I've gotten. All I know about this game is that it's a spy rpg, and I freaking love anything with spies.

[Labadal]

Been wanting to play this game for a long time. It's like 13 bucks on amazon right now for the 360, should I go for it? I really like games with a story. I haven't played a lot of rpgs, Mass Effect and a little bit of Fallout 3 are as close as I've gotten. All I know about this game is that it's a spy rpg, and I freaking love anything with spies.

If story and characters are important to you, then you've come to the right place.

[TheSeks]

Been wanting to play this game for a long time. It's like 13 bucks on amazon right now for the 360, should I go for it? I really like games with a story.

You can get it at Gamestop for $7, though. So why go Amazon other than loyalty?

Did the arms dealer mission in the Middle East. The elite soldier dude in the last room was pissing me off until I somehow was able to get behind him in plain sight (I guess that invisible 6 second perk DOES have a use now and then?) and JUDO-CHOP him.

Extorted the Arms Dealer. While arms trading is still going to happen in the region apparently intel can be gathered from him. Not sure if that's made him an ally but~

[Patryn]

You can get it at Gamestop for $7, though. So why go Amazon other than loyalty? Did the arms dealer mission in the Middle East. The elite soldier dude in the last room was pissing me off until I somehow was able to get behind him in plain sight (I guess that invisible 6 second perk DOES have a use now and then?) and JUDO-CHOP him. Extorted the Arms Dealer. While arms trading is still going to happen in the region apparently intel can be gathered from him. Not sure if that's made him an ally but~

The panic you go invisible ability? That thing's invaluable.

[Piano]

After playing it for a couple of hours over a year ago and forgetting about it in the last few days I've FINALLY been able to overcome the jank and start enjoying the hell out of Alpha Protocol.

Decided to pull up the OT to see what GAF had to say and...

No, whenever you leave a hub you keep your progress done there so far. It's best to jump between all the locations rather than try to finish them one by one.

Whoops. I've been doing all of the Rome missions in order. Guess I'll switch now?

Recommendations: Max out Pistols (chain shot is an amazing thing), easily the deadliest weapon. Put only two points into sabotage to make hacking easier. Don't waste your money. Moscow first. I did it last and hate that I missed out on some nice story.

Double whoops. Been investing in sabotage, though I guess on second thought it doesn't seem that useful.

Triple whoops, I went to Rome first.

And what's a waste of money? I've been buying almost all available intel.

[TheSeks]

The panic you go invisible ability? That thing's invaluable.

No, but that thing is invaluable given the janky stealth play the game has.

I'm talking the "go invisible so long as no one can see you" ability. It has a 6 second timer but I used it and ran right into the dudes face as he turned around and knocked him out.

I think I'm going to start investing in Pistols since investing in stealth doesn't seem to benefit much now that I have the awareness always on ability up.

That or Sabotage. Does Sabotage work on that circuit minigame because that shit sucks compared to the "find the packet" hacking mini-game.

[Pakkidis]

After playing it for a couple of hours over a year ago and forgetting about it in the last few days I've FINALLY been able to overcome the jank and start enjoying the hell out of Alpha Protocol. Decided to pull up the OT to see what GAF had to say and... Whoops. I've been doing all of the Rome missions in order. Guess I'll switch now? Double whoops. Been investing in sabotage, though I guess on second thought it doesn't seem that useful. Triple whoops, I went to Rome first. And what's a waste of money? I've been buying almost all available intel.

The order you play the missions effect dialogue and story later on, don't worry about going to Rome first, the game is meant to be played the way you want.

With that said sabotage is not a good skill to invest.

If you want the game to be easy, pistol, stealth and technical make the game a cakewalk especially when you max all 3 out.

[zkylon]

After playing it for a couple of hours over a year ago and forgetting about it in the last few days I've FINALLY been able to overcome the jank and start enjoying the hell out of Alpha Protocol. Decided to pull up the OT to see what GAF had to say and... Whoops. I've been doing all of the Rome missions in order. Guess I'll switch now? Double whoops. Been investing in sabotage, though I guess on second thought it doesn't seem that useful. Triple whoops, I went to Rome first. And what's a waste of money? I've been buying almost all available intel.

I did everything pretty much like you in my first playthrough and it wasn't such big deal. The reason for doing Moscow first is that it has some nice repercussions, but nothing you'll miss. Follow your heart and you'll be fine ;)

Just make sure to put a few points into Chain Shot so you don't get stuck in a boss fight or something...

No, but that thing is invaluable given the janky stealth play the game has. I'm talking the "go invisible so long as no one can see you" ability. It has a 6 second timer but I used it and ran right into the dudes face as he turned around and knocked him out. I think I'm going to start investing in Pistols since investing in stealth doesn't seem to benefit much now that I have the awareness always on ability up. That or Sabotage. Does Sabotage work on that circuit minigame because that shit sucks compared to the "find the packet" hacking mini-game.

Can't remember but I'm gonna bet YES, you throw an EMP 'nade and minigame solved.

[TheSeks]

Finished the Middle East. Question: Which people need to be friendly for the Thorton, Inc. trophy?

[Patryn]

No, but that thing is invaluable given the janky stealth play the game has. I'm talking the "go invisible so long as no one can see you" ability. It has a 6 second timer but I used it and ran right into the dudes face as he turned around and knocked him out. I think I'm going to start investing in Pistols since investing in stealth doesn't seem to benefit much now that I have the awareness always on ability up. That or Sabotage. Does Sabotage work on that circuit minigame because that shit sucks compared to the "find the packet" hacking mini-game.

Oh, the stealth button. That thing's both reality-breaking and game-breaking once you get it to the highest level. At that point, I would run into a room of like 6 guys and just take them all out without any of them seeing me. And I mean I would literally RUN, since at that point nothing will break the stealth effect.

Finished the Middle East. Question: Which people need to be friendly for the Thorton, Inc. trophy?

Just don't kill any story people, and accept/force any offer for them to work for you.

[TheSeks]

Just don't kill any story people, and accept/force any offer for them to work for you.

I told Albatross I didn't want his alliance, just his dossier info. Did I fuck up?

Also is there anyway to get through the SIE introduction mission in Moscow (at the trainyard) without an alert or killing people? Or am I going to have to go in all Rambo on these fools?

I may just fly to Rome to plant bugs and stuff and continue the Moscow later if not. I did the Albatross, get intel, and the boat mission in Moscow so far and it's opened up the main storyline mission but I don't want to do those until I've done these side-quests first.