Alpha Black Zero: Intrepid Protocol Preview

The year is 2366, and the SolGov Federation faces turmoil. Lieutenant Kyle Hardlaw, leader of specialized commando unit Alpha Black Zero, stands accused of multiple illegal assassinations against his own government. In the courtroom on Qahira, the politically influential planet formerly known as Mars, a military tribunal asserts Hardlaw killed numerous SolGov officials during a secret mission on a rebellious world. Many local populations are hostile to SolGov, having been indoctrinated for years by ultra-right separatist groups. Olympus City, the Qahiran capital brims with intrigue and suspicion. Hardlaw's work is always dangerous, but what actions have resulted in his trial? Behind the courtroom drama, a series of missions is played out that reveal a sinister story of counter espionage and treason in an explosive climate. Hardlaw must fight through a military and political minefield to clear his name. Unravel the conspiracy, and he wins his freedom. Fail and his team will be silenced forever...

Alpha Black Zero: Intrepid Protocol is a futuristic team-based tactical shooter that will feature expansive outdoor terrain and huge indoor levels, squad based tactics, advanced AI for team members and enemies, an involving and gripping storyline and fluid, realistic animations for all characters. Here are some features of the game:

• Squad Based with Tactical and Stealth elements.

• Ability to play through levels stealthily or aggressively.

• Wide array of scenarios.

• Single player mode or cooperative mode. With up to 5 players.

• Expansive outdoor and indoor levels on various planets.

• An immersive storyline in a unique, mature and gritty future universe. Featuring events and intrigue unlike in any other game.

• Challenging artificial intelligence that makes enemies behave like they are living opponents and gives you smart team mates that protect you and each other instinctively - yet intelligently listen to the commands you give them.

The graphics are realistic and the maps are very extensive. Both indoor and outdoor environments are quite stunning and the sound effects are top notch. What I liked most about the game is that the AI is not scripted, this means that although enemies are usually occupying the same area in the terrain, how they behave is dependent on your actions. The full game promises as you progress, the enemy's behavior will gradually become more challenging. The colonists that populate the first few levels hardly have military training and their weapons are weak in comparison to your own. They are easy to scare and will run away in terror if you shoot enough of their buddies. They do not coordinate their attacks and basically come at you in great numbers. This is a huge contrast with the final enemies having the same military training as your team. In the final levels, enemies will duck, run for cover and outflank you if they can. Also you really do not need to play as a team if you do not want to. You can grab one guy from your team of five and play as a one-man army if you prefer. You only need one man to accomplish your mission objectives so the choice is yours. I love this option. I have never been a real fan of tactical team based shooters because I feel I do more baby sitting then anything else. Though I must admit the team AI is quite impressive and found that for the most part, was quite good. This means less baby-sitting and more action. Whatever your choice, the game shows promise for a darn good release this fall.

The only things I would have liked to have seen would have been area maps and binoculars. Though mission objectives are provided with a waypoint, there is not a direct path. The first map, which looks a lot like mars, is nothing but high cliffs and very mountainous terrain. You have to find valleys to walk through to get to your objective. This sometimes means walking in a different direction then your objective. Taking along way around if you will. A map with the valleys shown would have made this a bit easier so you knew you were at least heading in the right direction. Maps of this size people could get lost. Binoculars would have also aided in spotting enemies in the distance. I kept using my sniper scanning the area with his scope made a good alternative. This is not to say maps and binoculars won't be available in the final release. If they do not show up in the final release, the game is definitely still enjoyable.

All in all the game looks and sounds great. I am looking forward to the final release and maybe playing with a few players online with the promised co-op games (up to 5 players).