Our series of articles featuring what's hot in 2009 went underway yesterday, starting with the real-time strategy genre. As promised, here's a list of what all you role-playing game fanatics could expect in the year ahead.
Alpha Protocol
Platforms: Xbox360, PS3, PC
Release Date: Summer 2009
From the pens of Obsidian Entertainment (that was formed by veterans from Black Isle Studios), comes an action RPG that doesn't follow the cliched path of high fantasy. Instead, Alpha Protocol is based in a real world setting where you'll play the role of a CIA field agent named Michael Thorton. After being betrayed by his superiors, Thorton's name moves onto the US government wanted list, and a manhunt ensues. To elude the government, Thorton uses the Alpha Protocol and goes undercover to uncover the conspiracy (just like every other conspiracy Hollywood flick), that he obliviously becomes a part of. What makes this seemingly streamlined action game an RPG, is an extensive skill tree system that allows Thorton to use the 'Advancement Points' he gains to specialize in different fields of expertise such as hand-to-hand combat, gun-play or the other skills that this one man CIA army hones. The game also boasts of a safe house system much like open world games, where the agent will be able to swap equipment and change his outfit/disguise. By the looks of it, Alpha Protocol seems like its shaping up to become a GTA-meets-Borne Conspiracy affair, with ample RPG elements to lend it some depth.
The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf
Platforms: Xbox360, PS3
Release Date: Fall 2009
Rise of the White Wolf puts you in the shoes of the infamous Geralt - one of the few monster-slayer-for-hire 'Witchers' in existence. The original game that released in 2006 - The Witcher - was extensively action oriented and featured a unique combat system, deep skill-tree and alchemy systems, and a plot that border-lined gray areas of morality, making it one of the best mature RPGs of recent times. The storyline is the same as the original, but this time around the game uses the new Da'Vinci Engine that's optimized for consoles. What sets it apart from the PC version is a new interface, redesigned boss battles, and a redesigned character advancement system that features a host of changes to the combat system, the most prominent one being the ability to directly control Geralt's defensive abilities. The game will also feature all the downloadable content, making it a must buy for console gamers who missed the original.
Alpha Protocol Platforms: Xbox360, PS3, PC
Release Date: Summer 2009
From the pens of Obsidian Entertainment (that was formed by veterans from Black Isle Studios), comes an action RPG that doesn't follow the cliched path of high fantasy. Instead, Alpha Protocol is based in a real world setting where you'll play the role of a CIA field agent named Michael Thorton. After being betrayed by his superiors, Thorton's name moves onto the US government wanted list, and a manhunt ensues. To elude the government, Thorton uses the Alpha Protocol and goes undercover to uncover the conspiracy (just like every other conspiracy Hollywood flick), that he obliviously becomes a part of. What makes this seemingly streamlined action game an RPG, is an extensive skill tree system that allows Thorton to use the 'Advancement Points' he gains to specialize in different fields of expertise such as hand-to-hand combat, gun-play or the other skills that this one man CIA army hones. The game also boasts of a safe house system much like open world games, where the agent will be able to swap equipment and change his outfit/disguise. By the looks of it, Alpha Protocol seems like its shaping up to become a GTA-meets-Borne Conspiracy affair, with ample RPG elements to lend it some depth.
The Witcher: Rise of the White WolfPlatforms: Xbox360, PS3
Release Date: Fall 2009
Rise of the White Wolf puts you in the shoes of the infamous Geralt - one of the few monster-slayer-for-hire 'Witchers' in existence. The original game that released in 2006 - The Witcher - was extensively action oriented and featured a unique combat system, deep skill-tree and alchemy systems, and a plot that border-lined gray areas of morality, making it one of the best mature RPGs of recent times. The storyline is the same as the original, but this time around the game uses the new Da'Vinci Engine that's optimized for consoles. What sets it apart from the PC version is a new interface, redesigned boss battles, and a redesigned character advancement system that features a host of changes to the combat system, the most prominent one being the ability to directly control Geralt's defensive abilities. The game will also feature all the downloadable content, making it a must buy for console gamers who missed the original.
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