Spoiler question: Is it possible to convince Alex...

[reed]

...to not build the bomb? I got to the John encounter where we talk to Alex over the radio and try to talk him down, and tried multiple options, but it seems like he always does it anyway.

[Magus]

It is possible to talk Alex out of building the bomb. I have talked Alex into turning down Robert

[Qwertion]

I lied to him that John is not around and when he figured out I lied he got really angry and wanted to hang up, but when he was just about to I told John to tell him about the parents (bet it's the only way).

[Imago]

For everyone looking for a specific answer: https://youtu.be/0l_vOgsV2u4?t=1130

I tried several times on my own before simply copying exactly what was in the video. This sequence seems arbitrary and poorly designed compared to the rest of the game, which is weird considering how important it is.

[reed]

Originally posted by Imago:

For everyone looking for a specific answer: https://youtu.be/0l_vOgsV2u4?t=1130

I tried several times on my own before simply copying exactly what was in the video. This sequence seems arbitrary and poorly designed compared to the rest of the game, which is weird considering how important it is.

This is perfect, thank you. The design of this conversation is even more BS because John specifically says "don't speak down to him" and one of the options you have to select is "You have so much potential, Alex".