Curse

The Secret World is Funcom’s third MMO and features a unique modern-day setting. Players will be able to discover real world locations such as New York, London and Seoul as they battle the forces of evil together with thousands of players from around the world. ‘The Secret World’ uses no classes or levels, thus giving the player complete freedom of choice when creating and developing his or her alter-ego.

There are three distinct factions in The Secret World, and you can find out which group you fit into best by taking the test on http://www.darkdaysarecoming.com/! The three factions are The Illuminati, The Dragons, and The Templars. Each of these factions have their own agenda and belief system.

Here are newly released screenshots for The Secret World:

Here's what we were able to learn about each faction at PAX 2009:

The Templars

Crusaders, Judges, The Holy Terror. The Templars are the world's least secretive secret society their military-ideological machine has operated in plain sight since Babylon - a matter of pride, or moral superiority, Conspiracy theorists, obsessed with the minor "Knights Templar" offshoot, underestimate the Templars' true European empire, private armies, members of Parliaments, and Royal families.

The Templars believe they will deliver the world from evil by force, and even their opponents - who call them zealots and warmongers - cannot deny that force. They are powerful and organized, and their resolve is absolute.

As an agent of the Templars you are not just fighting the war on darkness, you "ARE" the war on darkness. Suave and sophisticated, but brutal and uncompromising you use history as a weapon to shape the future.

The Dragons

With a spiritual and philosophical approach to the secret crafts, as an acolyte of the Dragon you are taught to listen, shown how to teach others, and expected to respect the balance of the Universe and to be humble in the face of fate.

Yours is not the path of force, though force is often needed to clear the path. Manipulators and conspirators, the Dragon have survived for millennia by playing their enemies against each other. Since before the first empire, through the aggression of the Mongol Khans and the ebb and tide of political change, a whisper in the right ear, a strategic assassination, alliances carefully crafted and broken - and the world eventually bends to the patient will of the immortal Dragon.

With a spiritual and philosophical approach to the secret crafts, as an acolyte of the dragon you are taught to listen, shown how to teach others, and expected to respect the balance of the universe and to be humble in the face of fate. Yours is not the path of force, though force is often needed to clear the path.

Few know of the Dragon and their long history, and that is how the Dragon want it. You are invisible but pervasive, silent but all-knowing, and when the other secret societies have decimated each other, you will rebuild the world from the ruins of their arrogance.

The dragon is too easily underestimated, but those who do so live to regret it - or die before they get the chance.

The Illuminati

The notorious bad boys and girls of the secret world, the Illuminati are also the most ambitious, cut-throat and furtive of secret societies.

From the gilded halls of the ancient pharaohs to the private clubs and decadent parties of the famously rich and egocentrically famous, from leaders of industry and Hollywood agents to presidents and popes, the Illuminati have weaved their intricate web with ruthless cunning and acute skill.

The Illuminati seek to plunder heaven and hell by any means necessary, and god help those who stand in their way. They rule their corporate pyramid with cold opportunism, and only the strongest members survive. They will stop at nothing to get ahead, and the only thing that matters is accruing power and respect. This is a ruthless faction, but a highly successful one. 

Their secrets can make you rich and powerful beyond compare - or they may destroy your soul and sanity with it. As a member of the Illuminati, you don't play by anybody's rules. There are no rules. There is no honor.

Here's a look at the most recent Secret World Release Trailer: