The Fourth Protocol is a work of interactive fiction that is based on Frederick Forsyth’s best-selling spy novel of the same name. The book also inspired a movie, which is also quite similar to this game. This game features a detective theme and is primarily menu driven, similar to The Vera Cruz Affair or Floor 13. The Fourth Protocol was released in the middle eighties by Hutchinson. It was programmed by the Electronic Pencil Company with the lead port being the ZX Spectrum.
Commodore and Amstrad conversions quickly followed, with the personal computer being the last port released after some serious re-working by Ariolasoft.
The Fourth Protocol is divided into three main sections, with codes separating each one. The sections include: the NATO Documents; the Bomb; and the SAS Assault. In the NATO Documents, the gamer will be in John Preston’s office, played by the gamer. Preston is the new head of a CIA type of bureau called the Section C1. While stealing the fabled Glen Diamonds from a London location, a burglar also manages to acquire some NATO documentation. This opener is filled with espionage and intelligence as Preston tries to determine who is leaking what
information to whom. Many events will rapidly unfold in this portion of the game, leading the user to the next area. The Bomb begins as the plots from the NATO Documents are uncovered. The game remains menu driven, making game play very similar to the first scene, but the setting has changed to the field with Preston on the trail of a nuclear device that is being smuggled into the country. More icons and controls are added, since it more than just an information gleaning session and items will have to actually be manipulated in this portion. In the SAS Assault, the final portion of the game, is the area where Preston will find the bomb. Here, the gamer will have to use all the clues that he has amassed from the previous two sections of the game in order to work out how to do this. This is the most unique part of the game, and it actually requires some textual input.
Overall, the Fourth Protocol is a good game of interactive fiction. It has a sound plot line, thanks to the inspiration from Forsyth, which is one of the most important ingredients in a game of this nature. The controls are simple enough, and the fact that they evolve as the game progresses is very unique and entertaining. All gumshoes need to give this one a try.
