Since the other thread is locked. Some screenshots and blurbs from Warcry (http://www.warcry.com/news/view/72742-The-Agency-WarCrys-Preview) . And a video (http://kotaku.com/gaming/ps3/the-agency-for-ps3-pc-detailed-267416.php?autoplay=true) originally posted by joe from Kotaku. And more screenies at IGN (http://media.pc.ign.com/media/848/848448/imgs_1.html) . Oh, and a Q&A at Gamasutra (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=14269) .
Matt Wilson: The basic premise behind The Agency is to live the life of an elite spy agent. We intend to do this by really immersing the player in what they've been used to seeing in movies like James Bond or the Bourne series or in TV shows like 24 or Alias, to really give them that experience of living the life of an elite agent. Whether that comes from the lifestyle, the locations or the over-the-top action moments that people love to see. We want to give them something exciting that they would typically expect in that kind of action/intrigue genre.
Despite its early phase, The Agency looked like a refreshing blast during our recent look. However, if experience has taught me anything, most early (and tightly controlled) demonstrations always look good. It was clear that they'd carefully produced what they showed us and there are still countless questions to answer before the full picture of the game comes together, but so far, SOE Seattle is off to a fantastic start.
EDIT - new INFO (http://games.kikizo.com/news/200706/034.asp).
SOE has jettisoned the traditional class system typically found in online games for something more visual. It calls this the "You are what you wear" approach. Essentially, clothing and accessories dictate your skills, letting you boost combat, support, stealth or cover abilities.
Operatives are persistent characters who work in the background, helping you through missions. They're persistent because they'll carry on performing duties (building vehicles, gathering intelligence, etc.) even if you log off. You'll also be able to keep track of them through e-mail or instant messages.
EDIT - Some new info from GC '07 (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6177367.html)
After showing a short "making of" video of the upcoming Sony spy-themed MMO, Smedley explained that, "We worked to create a world where adults live out their fantasy of being an elite super agent."
The Agency will combine a number of different business models, including in-game ads, and the 'velvet rope' model, with some areas off-limits unless players gain access. Smedley also says that The Agency will eventually be following the business model of Free Realms. He said, "We also see this game going a similar style to that of Free Realms, although I think that the velvet rope model in this case, we're also going to be bringing that in quite a bit because this is also appealing to a more hardcore gamer."
http://gamersinfo.net/gallery/photos/2330/med_1181526795-23303.jpg
http://gamersinfo.net/gallery/photos/2330/med_1181526795-23305.jpg
http://www.msprotege.com/members/Ord/the-agency-20070610114940184.jpg
http://www.msprotege.com/members/Ord/the-agency-20070610114942981.jpg
edit- found some more reasonable sized images

Thanks. Too much whining in that thread for my taste.

I like the theme, not the graphics. I'm not expecting spectacular graphics for an MMO game but I think they can improve them a little bit.

^^

Seems like they're trying to do something similar as the new team fortress or whatever. The graphics are sorta like comics (if you know what I mean).

Personally I like the art style. Comes off as more of a grafic novel feel, and is clearly distinctive from other more realistic looking games. If they can make a finished product play as well as the premise sounds, they may have a real winner on their hands.

Personally, I like games that go for their own graphic style and have good gameplay....as an example, when Zelda - Wind Waker came out, it wasn't graphically impressive but still quite enjoyable. The Agency looks fun and sounds like a great concept. Let's hope that it ends up being a good game.

Is it me or is that cell shading? If the game play and PvP is good, i'm all over it.

Finally, an MMO for the Waitstation. ;)

Personally, I like games that go for their own graphic style and have good gameplay....as an example, when Zelda - Wind Waker came out, it wasn't graphically impressive but still quite enjoyable. The Agency looks fun and sounds like a great concept. Let's hope that it ends up being a good game.

Viewtiful Joe was a great game with that cool art style.

I'm just happy to see an MMO that isn't set in a fantasy world with elves and trolls. This is one I might actually consider playing...

Perfect Dark ?

That reminds me of the old Fear Effect art style on the PS1

That reminds me of the old Fear Effect art style on the PS1

Wow I remember that game. It looks like even more of a copy off that then Team Fortress 2!!

Sorry for the stupid question, but what does MMO mean? :confused:

Sorry for the stupid question, but what does MMO mean? :confused:
Mass Multiplayer Online [insert genre here].

IE: MMORPG = Mass Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game.

It's all very City of Heroes-like. Which could be fun if the controls and gameplay is more fluid.

here's another "it looks like": i'd say "beyond good and evil"

Mass Multiplayer Online [insert genre here].

IE: MMORPG = Mass Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game.

Cool, thanks :D

I'm just happy to see an MMO that isn't set in a fantasy world with elves and trolls. This is one I might actually consider playing...
Same here
:)

I added this to the first post as well:
EDIT - Some new info from GC '07 (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6177367.html)
After showing a short "making of" video of the upcoming Sony spy-themed MMO, Smedley explained that, "We worked to create a world where adults live out their fantasy of being an elite super agent."
The Agency will combine a number of different business models, including in-game ads, and the 'velvet rope' model, with some areas off-limits unless players gain access. Smedley also says that The Agency will eventually be following the business model of Free Realms. He said, "We also see this game going a similar style to that of Free Realms, although I think that the velvet rope model in this case, we're also going to be bringing that in quite a bit because this is also appealing to a more hardcore gamer."
It's nice to see that, like HOME, they're tailoring this MMO for adults as well. I know it's purely for financial reasons on their part, as they can squeeze more money out of us, especially with the "microtransaction" business model, but it makes these games more appealing to me.