Quitch
1881
This is why mini-games in every other game suck.
shang
1882
Heh, I was stuck at the first hacking mini game for some time too, before I finally got the hang of it. Definitely doesn’t give a good early impression for a new player. However, in time, you learn to spot the sequences quickly and move the codes despite the clunky controls, and the rest of the game is easily worth that trouble.
First, make sure your mouse settings are optimal, for which there are many options. Second, consider trying it with a 360 controller, if that’s an option that’s available.
The minigame is inordinately difficult out of the box with the mouse (because it’s not immediately easy even with good controls), but it does become very rewarding once you get the hang of it. Rage uninstalling it is not a good solution.
You can also invest three skill points into the Sabotage tree to give you the option of automatically bypassing any minigame at the cost of consuming one EMP.
As far as hacking minigames go, Bioshock’s version of Pipe Dream is probably my favorite since it’s, well, Pipe Dream. But I really like AP’s pattern recognition thing. They could’ve made the tutorial a smoother introduction via color coding the proper cells if it looks like the player is stuck or making the correct code sequences longer so there’s more static characters on the screen, but oh well.
Digging the game a lot. I like “achievements” being in-game perks and the conversation system. Don’t like the objective marker/quest arrow but can understand why they put it in as some of these corriders and hallways of rooms start to look the same. I hardly use cover even as a Soldier type character so it seems an unnecessary addition to me.
Yeah it’s clunky in some areas with typical Obsidian level polish but definitely not deserving of some of the low reviews it received.
Quitch
1886
I liked Bioshock’s hacking game, but only the first hundred times. It would also suck less if there wasn’t an ability which allowed you to completely bypass the consequences of failure, in a tedious and time consuming way. Urgh.
I’ll try again but to be honest my tolerance is almost zero for time wasting mini-games. I’ll redistribute skills and see if that helps.
Pfffffff, you are going through what we all went through right out of the gate. I was stuck on that stupid tutorial hacking mini-game and frustrated to all hell too. Right now, I can complete that easy pissant mini-game so fast it’ll make your head spin. That’s the beauty of it. Alpha Protocol’s mini-games are designed to be completed VERY QUICKLY assuming you know what your doing. Also entirely unlike other games, Alpha Protocol does not PAUSE when you are actually doing the mini-game, so guards can spot you, shoot you and trigger the alarm while you attempt it.
Yes, Alpha Protocol has the best mini-games ever once you’ve figured them out. And I was stuck on the hacking thing at first, too, even with a gamepad.
shang
1890
Ironically, cover is the least useful for soldier types since they have the best armor and weapon skills. It’s absolutely critical for a stealth type character, especially in the early game when you aren’t wearing any armor at all, and because you can do stealth kills/takedowns from cover.
Quitch
1891
I do recall the tutorial didn’t explain the hacking minigame very well.
shang
1894
YES! Probably the only game ever where I’ve started a new play-through immediately after completing it once.
Just finished Saudi Arabia with my Veteran. 0 kills, every enemy downed with fists or electricity traps and no alarms triggered (except the scripted one). I was also able to take down the first boss down purely by stealth. I wish that was an option for more of the bosses (or maybe it is, depending on your choices?)
OrfBC
1895
Rumors if it being an unplayable buggy mess are greatly exaggerated. I bought it during the Thanksgiving sale for $7.50 and have been very pleasantly surprised. It plays way better than you might expect from reading the complaints about it. It’s still an Obsidian game with Obsidian issues, but it’s no worse than their other games, and the conversation system and perks are just a blast.
Some significant flaws, but it does other things very well. Give it a shot, and stick with it for a little while.
OOOOH. I won’t miss it this time around. Though it will cause my backlog to grow.
Jerky
1898
Got it for Christmas on the PS3. It’s fast become a favorite RPG for me, even though I only romanced one lady. Also, I rage-executed Brayko. I hear he gives you all sorts of money, but I was so annoyed with that boss fight that I just shot him. Ha!
Also, first post!
The Brayko battle is much more enjoyable once you’ve finished the game once and gone back as a veteran. Easier to stand toe-to-toe with him.
