Alpha Protocol: Mass Effect + Fallout action-RPG

The April issue of Game Informer reveals that Obsidian Entertainment (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, Neverwinter Nights II) is not only working on the Aliens RPG for SEGA, but also another third-person action-RPG. 'Alpha Protocal' is scheduled for spring 2009 and is a modern-day espionage that takes you on a suspenseful ride in the vein of James Bond, Jack Bauer, and Jason Bourne.

"Alpha Protocol" is a phrase that is used when operatives go underground to work off the grid. It is very dangerous and usually reserved for experienced and senior agents. You play as Michael Thorton, a fully trained but rookie operative whose world is turned upside down when a mission goes badly wrong and is forced to work off the grid.

Alpha Protocol will use battle and dialog systems that are similar to Mass Effect's. The combat will emphasize on real-time gun fight and high-tech gadgetry. The dialog lets the player dictate Thorton's tone in conversations, such as cool, suave, brash and impatient.

The game will also use a skill-based system that's similar to Fallout. (Obsidian is made up of former founders and employees of Black Isle that originally created the Fallout series.) The player will have 10 major skills and 10 ranks for each skill, including enhancements to shooting accuracy and improvements in the way the character can evaluate situations.

It's a large game too, with missions taking place in countries all over the world. The game involves plenty of subplots involving beautiful and dangerous women -- think Bond girls.

[ Notes: Additional information collected from Alternative Sources and forums. ]