Behind EverQuest expansions, Rome's rise, and a flurry of mobile games, something top secret is about to shake up the massively multiplayer genre. Over a month following the company's Gamers Day in Los Angeles, Sony Online Entertainment is now declassifying intel on its groundbreaking new online game. Less a traditional massively multiplayer game than an online-enabled shooter, The Agency embarks on a radically new approach to the genre. My early look at this action-packed spy game has me hoping i'll be recruited to The Agency.

While it can technically be pegged as a massively multiplayer, The Agency intends on bringing the experience of a console action game online. Espionage and action hold the starring roles in this third-person shooter, set in a modern-day world where intelligence agencies combat nefarious underground crime syndicates. You take on the role of a newly recruited agent, tackling various missions solo or in a small group with up to three other players.

When you first join The Agency, you'll have a choice in joining two initial agencies: the ultra sleek and stealth UNITE or the guns-blazing, shoot-first-think-later ParaGON. As your character advances and gains experience, you'll open up the option of establishing your own agency. Other players can join up with you or even form their own and sign a joint agency agreement. Sony Online Entertainment refused to elaborate on potential player-versus-player mechanics, but it would only seem natural for player-created agencies to form rivalries.

Before you even get far enough in the game to start thinking about cutting the ribbon on your own agency, you'll need to do a little work on your character. The Agency promises a dynamic character development system based on equipment. The types of weapons, gear, vehicles, and disguises you use all factor into the look and and feel of your avatar. Expect a wide range of weapons from sniper rifles and machine guns to pistols and grenades, as well as different vehicles, gadgets, and disguises (known as aliases in the game).

I was shown a pre-designed character, a UNITE spy by the name of Cassie Nova, who completely utilized sleek spy gear. The buxom brunette was clothed in black patent leather and combat heels, a deadly spin on traditional high heels. Cassie's slick get up made her primed for close-quarters combat; change her equipment, though, and her set of abilities changes.

You'll have complete freedom to tailor your character; even better, you don't have to permanently settle on a style. Equip a stylish tuxedo and a few tricky gadgets to fancy yourself a sneaky spy; later on, perhaps you'd rather load up on a hulking machine gun and a muscle tank for that mercenary look. While you won't be able to change equipment during a mission, you'll have free range to alter your load out when standing by.