Alpha Protocol infiltrates stores June 1

Any good spy knows the value of counterintelligence operations, as evidenced by the Obsidian Entertainment-developed espionage-themed role-playing game Alpha Protocol and its numerous ersatz release windows. Originally announced by Sega in early 2008, the game's release date has been pushed back more than a year from its original first quarter of 2009 window.

That string of counterintelligence either ceased entirely or extended once again today, as Sega has set a specific release date for Obsidian's latest. Alpha Protocol is set to launch for the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 in North America on June 1, preceded by a European debut May 28.

Alpha Protocol is the first original game from Obsidian Entertainment. To date, the studio's body of work has consisted of follow-ups to other company's blockbusters. Neverwinter Nights 2 and Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II were sequels to BioWare games, while the upcoming Fallout: New Vegas builds on Bethesda Softworks' successful franchise. Obsidian had been working on a new Aliens role-playing game for Sega, but that title was shelved last year.

With a story not unlike Robert Ludlum's popular Jason Bourne novels, Alpha Protocol follows Michael Thorton, a secret agent who has turned rogue after being disavowed by his government. The game accommodates a branching storyline, and players can assume a variety of undercover personas, ranging from a suave James Bond-style spy to one like the maniacal Jack Bauer of 24 fame.

For more on Alpha Protocol, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.