Now the tux may sound like nothing more than an aesthetic change for role-playing purists, but this is what excites me the most. The ability to immerse yourself in the role of a spy, something other espionage-based games rarely allow you to do. This couple with the fully-fledged RPG storyline and dialogue system will elevate the narrative and experience of Alpha Protocol well above the likes of Splinter Cell and Quantum Of Solace because it will involve more than simply pursuing objectives, going to point A, hacking computer B, taking out target C.

This was demonstrated via a mission to capture an arms dealer. Rolling up to the front gate of the scumbag’s fortress, the hero is approached by a guard, triggering a dialogue tree from which players can choose to reason with the guard, allowing them entry, or take him out, meaning you have potentially one less enemy to deal with later. Upon entry to the fort, players can either sneak into the arms dealer’s office, attempt to hack the security systems or take out his personal guard head on. At any point, they will be able to adapt their strategy and choose another path and the level, which seemed fairly large, was thankfully free of any obvious linearity. So if it’s a stealth game you’re after, Alpha Protocol will suit you fine; if you want an all-out action shooter, the game will still do the job.

Reaching the arms dealer presents you with another choice and another dialogue tree as he pleads for his life. This time, however, players only have a few seconds to make their decision, recreating the split-second tension that on-screen spys must surely feel in similar moments. Killing him may upset your superiors, while arresting him may not prove to progress the story. Better yet, leaving him alive will mean he owes you a favour and will supply you with arms throughout the rest of the game.​