The Agency HQ fansite had a chance to interview a group of developers from SOE Seattle who are working on upcoming MMOFPS/RPG title, The Agency. If you don't know much about this cross-platform game, check out our past coverage and the excellent primer up on Wikipedia. That said, the game is still in development and things may change.
Questions asked during the interview were thought up by fans from the HQ forums, so you know they're going to be insightful. SOE's answers alluded to signature "class" abilities and counters, planned progression motivators with the "you are what you wear" system, a more intensive resource management system (e.g., ammo) than you'll find in most FPS games, and the MacGyvering, er, crafting system based on schematics and resources (e.g., chemicals and minerals).
Perhaps most interesting was their example of how role dynamics can play out in the various group-oriented missions. The tank/combat player will try drawing enemy fire while the stealth/special-ops type will try finding an advantageous position (e.g., sniper's nest) to lay support fire down. Meanwhile the tactical/support will try disabling the area defences (e.g., turrets) and the field medic will give support as needed.. The game will also support those of the soloing persuasion.
Reader Comments (4)
Posted: Feb 27th 2009 4:24PM (Unverified) said
I want to play The Agency so badly. I keep watching Bond films to pass the time :P
Posted: Feb 27th 2009 5:05PM J Brad Hicks said
I am seriously psyched about this game, too. Level-less, unlock based, really interesting looking mechanics for non-combat missions, tradeable and recruitable NPC operatives ... there's some serious innovation in gameplay in this title, if it lives up to its billing. There are other upcoming MMOs that I'm vaguely interested in or curious about; The Agency is the only one I'm excited about.
Posted: Feb 27th 2009 7:00PM (Unverified) said
This is the game that made me forgive SOE. Looks like a d**n fun game, and everytime they release more info I get a lot more excited.
Kind of shame that they're building it with the PS3 in mind but... if we get to PvP against the console players, I can forgive that.
Kind of shame that they're building it with the PS3 in mind but... if we get to PvP against the console players, I can forgive that.
Posted: Mar 2nd 2009 7:17PM (Unverified) said
I really want this game to work, looks like it could be a load of fun.
However as it is a SOE game. I am going to wait a few months past release before even thinking about giving them money.
Of course if they add in Micro Transactions as other sources have indicated they will, then I will save my money for something else.
However as it is a SOE game. I am going to wait a few months past release before even thinking about giving them money.
Of course if they add in Micro Transactions as other sources have indicated they will, then I will save my money for something else.







