My Own Burn Notice

One of 2010’s most intriguing games is Obsidian Entertainment’s Alpha Protocol. This game will put the player in the no-squeak shoes of a modern day spy who must stop an “international catastrophe” from occurring. Similar to USA Network’s excellent Burn Notice (if you’re not watching it, what are you waiting for?!? Sheesh!), the player must go rogue and work the international espionage system to get the answers he needs and stop the nefarious plot before it is too late. Promising a nice dose of role playing, along with plenty of action enhanced by all the cool gadgets and weaponry that goes with spycraft, Alpha Protocol sort of reminds me of the espionage equivalent of Mass Effect.

I am really looking forward to this game. I haven’t played a good spy game since…well Spy vs. Spy back on the 8-bit machines. When you stop and think about it, it’s a clear shame because espionage would seem to be a natural setting for conflict-based gaming. Even on the Atari 800XL, there was nothing as sweet as laying a deviously clever trap for the black spy (I always played the good spy) and laughing with joy when it was sprung with all its malice.

Unfortunately, Alpha Protocol had some developmental issues that precluded its original 2009 release window. The devs have been busy at work ever since and now we finally have the new release date: June 1, 2010. The press release reads:

“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.”

This is one would-be spy that can’t wait for his own burn notice!

Enjoy this vid: