The Secret World

[Lycanthrope]

After my utter loss of faith in Aion, I stumbled on this very interesting-sounding MMO which is being developed by Funcom (Anarchy Online; Age of Conan), obviously entitled The Secret World. According to Wikipedia, during its development, it has also gone by the names of Cabal and The World Online.

I thought I'd try and convey as much as I know about it and hopefully spark at least a small interest in you guys, so that if some of you find out more, you might share.

I've also taken the liberty of uploading the trailer to Zoopy for any of you who might be interested but are stuck on local-only. Please watch it, it really does get the blood flowing. I've also added the four screenshots (epic amount, I know) that I've been able to find on their main site to an album here on MyG.

What I find most compelling about the (little) information I have on this game so far, is its conspiracy factor. As a major fanboi with an epic love-interest for the Tremere, a secretive clan of Vampire blood mages from White Wolf's P&P World of Darkness RPG, the idea of hidden world orders with their own secrets and ambitions, myths and magic has my imagination buzzing.

The following information is from Gamespot, however, feel free to do the Initiation Test on their official website (listed at the bottom of this post) as well! The three factions are:

The Dragon

The Dragon faction, based in The Secret World's version of Seoul, South Korea, has existed in some form for thousands of years. This faction specializes in indirectly influencing the flow of history by using subtle political suggestions, strategic alliances, and maybe a quiet assassination here and there to turn its enemies against each other and eventually get its way. While members of the Dragon faction don't fear using force, they also don't believe in excessive use of it; they prefer instead to humbly listen to their elders, peers, and the universe. They especially like it when you underestimate them, and those that do underestimate members of this faction generally come to regret doing so sooner or later.

The Illuminati

The Secret World's Illuminati faction is based in New York City and considered to be the "bad boys" of the underworld. The faction's roots date back to the days of ancient Egypt, though today, it's known for fabulously extravagant parties held by its rich-and-famous members, who are celebrities and captains of industry alike. This faction believes that honor is a myth, the dollar is indeed almighty, and survival should be enjoyed only by the fittest. While it takes wealth, power, and ambition just to gain entry to the Illuminati, it also takes complete ruthlessness and a single-minded focus on ransacking every store of wealth on the planet to truly advance oneself here.

The Templars

The Templars, based in The Secret World's version of London, is a zealous faction that has battled evil for centuries and is perhaps the least secret of the secret societies. Its syndicate has combined military might with religious clout and often operated openly since the days of the Babylonian empire. While the so-called "Knights Templar," an offshoot of this faction, has been identified by conspiracy theorists as an influential group, the true Templar faction possesses far more resources and influence across all of Europe, as well as spans parliamentary seats and even members of royal families. Templars believe that right makes might and that liberal applications of both will win the war against darkness.

While this sort of thing might not appeal to everyone, it certainly strikes a cacophonous chord with me. I like to believe that Funcom has learnt from its Age of Conan troubles, stating that it will only announce a date when it believes the game is ready. While I'm not exactly bouncing off my cushioned walls for this release just yet, it has definitely caught my eye.

Right now, the only upcoming MMOs left that I'm looking forward to are Star Trek Online, Star Wars: The Old Republic and The Secret World. At least there's still hope.

Oh, and it's also going to be released for the 360.

The official site: Dark Days Are Coming
Gamespot: An Exclusive Look at the Factions
Gamespot: Updated Impressions
Zoopy: The Secret World Trailer
Zoopy: The Secret World - GameSpot PAX Interview

[tehNihilist]

I am curious as always, but you already know my feelings of wariness with Funcom.

Got to admit though that this does sound interesting. But like Funcom, you should also learn from your mistakes. Don't get too hyped, I think that is what really ruined Aion for you.

Lets hope someone finally makes a good new MMO with the right balance of new and old ideas, all wrapped up in a new setting rather than the typical high fantasy.

Still, I think it is going to take a long time to undo the work that was done to the genre with WoW (for all its good and bad points). Seems every new MMO that seems different, largely ends up just being a re-skin of WoW in many ways.

[Lydon]

I took the initiation test a few days back - Illuminati for me.

However, trusting Funcom is not something I'm quite willing to do. So I'm not going to get all excited about it.

[Deceptor]

Is there any release date for it yet?

[Solitude]

Ooo this looks more like my kind of game. I like the screenshots and the idea behind the game. Unfortunately I'm not that clued up about MMO's but from the look of the posts in front of me we'll have to wait for a review before getting excited about it.

[rainynight65]

I am so looking forward to this game...

[Voicy]

Welcome to the forums Rainy

Now go introduce yourself in the intro forums before I kick you inna panty

[Lycanthrope]

I am curious as always, but you already know my feelings of wariness with Funcom.

*nod* Like I said, I'm not bouncing off the walls just yet, but definitely going to keep an eye on it.

Got to admit though that this does sound interesting. But like Funcom, you should also learn from your mistakes. Don't get too hyped, I think that is what really ruined Aion for you.

Nooo, the fact that only a margin of Aion's features appealed to me and that the rest was as tacky as an obese person in tights is what ruined it for me.

Lets hope someone finally makes a good new MMO with the right balance of new and old ideas, all wrapped up in a new setting rather than the typical high fantasy.

This I would like very, very much. I want something new, challenging and beautiful. Something full of life, AI and PC alike. Something that will keep you on the edge of your seat and gawking at (almost) everything around you.

Still, I think it is going to take a long time to undo the work that was done to the genre with WoW (for all its good and bad points). Seems every new MMO that seems different, largely ends up just being a re-skin of WoW in many ways.

Ugh... Aint that the truth...

I took the initiation test a few days back - Illuminati for me.

Dragon here :3

Is there any release date for it yet?

Nope, Funcom has said that they will only announce a release date once they believe the game is ready. This leads me to believe that they're going to put a fair bit of TLC into it, although, I could be wrong.

Ooo this looks more like my kind of game. I like the screenshots and the idea behind the game. Unfortunately I'm not that clued up about MMO's but from the look of the posts in front of me we'll have to wait for a review before getting excited about it.

I want to get into the damn beta At least then I can see for myself as well!

I am so looking forward to this game...

Welcome! And me too

[Lycanthrope]

There's a new GameSpot PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) interview of Secret World. You can watch it in high-def at GameSpot's site, but, again, I've also uploaded it to Zoopy for the convenience of you local people

There are some beautiful cinematics in the interview, give it a look and let me know what you think

[Lydon]

I'm going to crack myself if Funcom stuffs this up too After the *wonderful* Anarchy Online and Age of Conan launches and all...