10 Severely Underrated RPGs You Need To Check Out

9. Alpha Protocol

RPG maestros Obsidian have always been top of the pack when it comes to video game storytelling, bringing us brilliantly realised characters and engaging worlds in the likes of Fallout: New Vegas, South Park: The Stick of Truth and, most recently, Pillars of Eternity.

For the most part, Obsidian's games have deservedly been hits, but one of their babies that didn't enjoy the same level of success was the undeniably odd and flawed stealthy RPG Alpha Protocol. In the game, you play arrogant (some would say psychopathic) CIA special agent Michael Thorton, working his way through various world-saving missions using gadgets, special abilities and Kenpo techniques. While much of the game plays out like an inferior Metal Gear Solid, it features an intriguing dialogue system in which you get to engage with characters as nicely or nastily as you please - from romancing your colleagues, to smooth-talking them over to your side, to ruthlessly murdering every key character you meet.

Each decision has consequence, and you can play through the game several times with almost completely different conversations and outcomes. This, along with a robust levelling system in which you can specialise Thorton to be exactly the kind of agent you want him to be, make Alpha Protocol immensely replayable. It's technically dodgy, weird, and the dialogue is intentionally schlocky, but all this contributes to the game's off-the-wall charm.