Alpha Protocol

Michael Thorton's life before Alpha Protocol no longer exists. A person with a mysterious past, now assigned to a clandestine service without ties to the US government, specializing in covert operations to protect home and country. Thorton's mission: Assassinate Al-Samad leader Shaheed, responsible for destroying a passenger plane in the Middle East. An easy task it would seem, but life is never that easy.

The game progresses by sending the protagonist to Rome, Moscow, and Taipei in any order. Players select and prepare missions, access a TV for news, a weapons locker, and a computer for email and assignments. The Clearinghouse offers black market services where players can sell items, buy gear, or upgrades.

The conversation system offers multiple choices with limited time to respond, affecting relationships and outcomes. Gathering intel is crucial before missions. The Clearinghouse also provides ways to ease missions, such as bribing guards.

Dialogue choices and actions impact relationships and global perception of the player character. Certain attitudes react better to specific people, making some interactions more effective than others.

Missions can be approached with guns, stealth, or a mix of both. Guns increase accuracy but waste ammo, while stealth allows for one-hit take downs and obstacle avoidance. Mini-games are involved in sneaking and hacking.

Each kill, hack, dialogue, and mission completion earns experience points, allowing level ups and upgrades to nine skills, including Stealth and Assault Rifles. Upgrading skills unlocks special abilities like Awareness, which enhances stealth capabilities.