Operatives and PvP in The Agency
A new preview for SOE's The Agency has popped up in the wild. It's a quick look at the upcoming spy-inspired MMO, but there are a couple very interesting subjects that it covers. One of these subjects is on the PvP element and how the developers want it to be optional, but still something players will try out. Their hope is that once cautious players have tried The Agency's PvP and seen that it's not a punishing experience, they will decide to take part in the activities. A lofty goal, trying to create a friendly PvP enviornment -- but one that we think is admirable. If they manage to pull it off, then we'll be right there to experience some of that ego-friendly gameplay.
The second curious gameplay element is that of NPC operatives, or guys who do stuff for you. These are people who you send off to collect intelligence for new missions or make new gadgets/weapons for your use. Once they return -- possibly after several hours, as they mention logging back into the game to discover their mission results -- a player can reallocate them to a new mission. Keep this up and your operatives will gain experience and rank up through their own levels. Oh, levels, we see what you're doing there SOE -- very clever.
This mechanic will definitely be something to watch in anticipation, as it seems like a new and improved twist on EVE Online's skills progression system only with new missions and equipment replacing new skills.
