4PP 172: Nick's Oogie Boogie Boner

Beast of a boner show...

As Boner Shows go, this must be the greatest of them all.

Simply wonderful show title

I don't usually watch the podcast live, because I like to have the podcast to listen to when I'm commuting or stuck somewhere boring. However, I'm glad I watched this one live.

Poor Nick couldn't get rid of it, could he? It was a fun show guys, keep it up.
Space boner!!

You're right that polish and presentation is the single largest detractive holding back Alpha Protocal, but when you consider the emphasise the game puts on immersion in a espionage story and boasting interactions with characters and multiple gameplay choices, thats a pretty heavy and fair point to make. With todays market and the power of current gen consoles there are standards people expect. Mechanically the running up on a guard with your silent step perk/bonus could work really well, but if the running is late PS1 quality and the enemy clips through the ground, that takes the satisfaction out of it.

And you seem to be overlooking the other legitimal faults of the game to be honest, that, again have to do with polish. Not polish in the sense of adding a few particle effects here and there, but just making gameplay mechanics tighter and enjoyable. There are parts of the game that DO drag back the game. If 5 AI enemies run to a door while you cheaply take them out or the lock picking minigame is frustrating, then that will impact a games review negatively. A lot of reviewers are probably harping on these points harder than they should, but when you get down to it and look past the scores the critics all have a consensus on the game that is understandable.

Its sad about the troubles the developers have faced with the small studio and delays, and the game is at least trying to bring out an interesting take on a genre, but I'd still like to think that the final product should be played and reviewed as any other title would.

Hmm... you know, if somehow they had worked a way to mix SC:C's smooth shooting and stealth with the RPG leveling mechanics and story dialogue of AP, Game of the Year contendee. Only in a alternate reality though.

Great show guys, watched the video recording of it on Jtv. I'm actually pretty keep on giving Alpha Protocol a shot now - I'll probably pick it up over the summer.

I'm with Brad on Shadow of Rome 2, that would be awesome! =P I'm glad Nick tried to bring some more attention to Mafia 2 as well, it looks incredibly promising in terms of story, atmosphere, with solid gameplay in hand. Man, i'm getting a space boner over E3 in general. Sadly, i have two exams on Tuesday 15th, and my final one on the 16th, so i'm gonna be torn between geeking out and freaking out, as it where.

Can't wait to hear thoughts on next week's show, keep it up! :)