Mass Effect 2 vs. Alpha Protocol: Round Three

Blend Games finishes off their “Mass Effect 2 vs. Alpha Protocol” feature (archive link) by comparing the character customization each game provides.

Mass Effect 2 Vs Alpha Protocol: Final Round – Customization

By William Usher: 2009-10-02

We’re up to the final week in our comparisons of Mass Effect 2 and Alpha Protocol. So far Mass Effect 2 has taken both previous rounds in a sweeping effort of votes. Nevertheless, there is still time for Alpha Protocol to make a comeback in this third and final round as we tackle the subject matter of customization here at the Blend Games.

Now despite delays put forward for Alpha Protocol, it certainly doesn’t change the very vital aspect of its customization features, especially for character development and gameplay. So in this round we’re going to take a look at how the customization aspects of both games play into the overall quality of both Mass Effect 2 and Alpha Protocol. We’re joined once more by Electronic Theatre’s ManPac and l.m.h, so let’s get this thing rolling.

Mass Effect 2

ET – ManPac: By now, most gamers will be familiar with the character customization feature from the original Mass Effect. Limited though it may be, the realization that your Commander Sheppard is an entirely different person to the one starring in your friends’ adventures never falls short of amazing. And this customization goes beyond simple aesthetics – in-game decisions can affect the way your story plays-out. A hopeless romantic or a tragic loser? A forgiving leader or a vengeful psychopath? The player decides, creating their own story within the inspired trilogy.

BG – William: Mass Effect 2 really does open new doors for story progression and customizable character development. When it comes to the actual customization features it’s more-so with skill development for combat, story choices and the character’s facial appearance. The game offers up multiple play-throughs alone based on all the different personality and skill options available for players to outfit their character with. The game is also affected based on said personality traits, making each play through a unique experience based on choices made for the player character and the teammates they choose to tag along with them.

Alpha Protocol

ET – l.m.h: Alpha Protocol goes further than merely offering the opportunity to customize your avatars’ face, granting the player with costumes, hair dye and face masks with which to perform their covert operations. As a spy-based Role-Playing Game, Alpha Protocol should, by default, enable the player to take on a multitude of personas for infiltration and espionage. This isn’t Splinter Cell; shuffling up drainpipes may well be a fitting entrance for Sam Fisher, but Alpha Protocol gives you the opportunity to play-out your greatest James Bond fantasies: don that tux and walk in the front door. Just hope that your disguise doesn’t raise alarm.

BG – William: I agree that this isn’t Splinter Cell and that the options of customizing the character actually players a role in how the game plays out. That’s a pretty cool concept for a game like this. I’m also sure that Obsidian is taking the time of the game’s delay to further explore how to use the customized weapons, gadgets and character changes to affect the outcome of missions and storylines. It’s also pretty neat having the option to alter the character’s skills and traits for missions; players excelled in martial arts will have to use more stealth and try to get close to enemies, while players who have a forte for ambidextrous gunplay will probably be more inclined to take the bullets over brawn tactic. While Mass Effect 2 offers up a lot of story customizing through player choices I think that Alpha Protocol offers more customization in the over gameplay department.