Alpha Protocol

Alpha Protocol is probably one of the most buggy and flawed games I have ever played, and I absolutely loved it. Yes, you read that right. This game is a bug-ridden mess, and yet somehow, it became one of my favorite experiences. Even by 2010 standards, it's pretty ugly; I had a friend who compared its graphics to something from the Dreamcast era. The animations are awkward, and when your character crouches, it looks downright silly. The gunplay? Let's just say it's not great. Aiming feels clunky, and there were times when pulling off a simple shot felt like a test of patience.

The upgrade system doesn't do the game any favors, either. I found myself limited to just two gun types: pistols and assault rifles. The gameplay sometimes feels like it's trying to channel Splinter Cell with stealth mechanics, but if you take an enemy out, they just vanish without a trace. I can't tell you how many times I had to battle certain bosses because the mechanics made defeating them feel more like a chore than anything rewarding.

So, why do I love this game despite all its flaws? The answer lies in its story. Honestly, the story mechanics are some of the best I've ever encountered. You play as an international spy, diving into a mystery surrounding a downed commercial aircraft. The dialogue options are varied, and while they're limited, each choice you make can shift the narrative and affect your relationships with other characters. I don't think I've ever played a spy action RPG quite like this before, and it completely drew me in.

I was invested from start to finish, which spanned well over 20 hours. Every decision felt important, making me feel like a real spy navigating through a tangled web of intrigue and deception.

Will there ever be a sequel? It seems unlikely, but I can't help but hope. Maybe with some support from Microsoft, we might just see Alpha Protocol rise from the ashes. Until then, I'll fondly remember my time with this messy yet captivating game.