Rumor: Obsidian unveils 'Alpha Protocol,' a spy-focused action RPG

The latest issue of Game Informer reportedly has details on Obsidian Entertainment's next title: an action RPG called Alpha Protocol (via Obsidian forums and NeoGAF). The game will feature third person gameplay described as being similar to Mass Effect, and a storyline that comprises Bond-like romances and Bauer-like espionage. We haven't managed to snag a copy yet of the latest Game Informer to confirm it.

Players take on the role of Michael Thorton, an inexperienced secret agent who has to deal with the ramifications of a mission gone haywire. An open-ended approach to objective-based gameplay seems to be at the core, with skill trees allowing players to build up particular play-styles. It all sounds nice on paper, but we'll have to see if Obsidian is up to the task of melding Mass Effect with 24.