The Agency

Developer: Sony
Format: PS3, PC
Genre: MMO

Online espionage in this super spy shooter



On-line persistent worlds are normally the speciality of fantasy RPG titles but not so with The Agency - a fast-paced, action shooter exclusive to the PS3 and PC. Players will live the life of an elite agent in a world of superspies and rugged mercenaries, who use both high technology and low tactics to accomplish their missions and goals. Featuring cooperative and competitive play, The Agency is designed to provide instant action and long-term strategy - according to the development team at Sony.

Players jet around the globe to exotic locales picking up intel, forming networks and taking out criminal masterminds for a multitude of non-linear missions with numerous goals. With gameplay ranging from sneaky infiltration to all out firefight assaults, there's something for every aspiring agent.

The Agency blends the action of a shooter with the persistence of an online virtual world. At any point, PS3 or PC players can jump right in and frag opponents in head-to-head combat or advance the ranks through the game's narrative plot line.

Players can choose to operate as a slick super spy or a gritty mercenary, administering arms deals, executing assassinations, managing espionage and engaging in counter intelligence. Wannabe super sleuths are tasked with collecting the right weaponry, gadgets, gear, attire and aliases to gain access to numerous locales and influence over the people within them.

As players advance through the ranks of their faction, they'll also begin building their own Agencies. Players increase their power even further by creating Joint Agencies with others - creating, what is hoped to be a truly interactive game where players will be undertaking missions for more senior gamers.

The title has been in development for what seems like an age (we first heard about it all the way back in 2006), but there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel - with unconfirmed rumours suggesting a release by the end of the year.