Choosing an Agency

When you first get invited by a Spymaster to join the game, you have to choose between joining the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), or the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). Each agency essentially includes the same gameplay, but there are a few subtle differences.

The big differences come by way of currency and bonus earnings of either money, energy, or health. As a member of the CIA, you’ll accrue 10% more money, which can afford you more weapons and defense, or help you build up a nice chunk of change to put in your Swiss Bank account. You might also opt for the CIA to make up for the money you won’t accrue if you have notifications turned off (see below).

If you’re looking to level up quickly, then you’ll want to opt for the MI6 because you’ll earn 10% more energy. Energy is required for completing tasks, and becoming proficient at tasks will help you advance to the next level. The more energy you have, the faster you can level up.

On the flip side, the FSB offers 10% more health which will come in handy if you’re the attacking type. Since you need health to avoid getting assassinated in battles, accruing health at a higher rate is key for staying alive.

Inside spies at the Directorate tell us that the MI6 currently dominates the other two agencies in Spymasters. We have reason to believe it’s because we all secretly want to be James Bond.

Although not a huge factor just yet, currency will become an important part of game play as it matures. Right now you’ll notice that Russians deal in rubles, Americans in dollars, and the Brits in pounds. Currencies are linked to their real-world exchange rates. In the future, the game will have a flux economy of its own, so you’ll need to watch real-world markets to find the best times to do wire transfers to Spymasters in other agencies.

via Mashable: http://mashable.com/2009/06/07/spymaster-twitter/