Since release of Overlord we have become aware of two critical issues which were not discovered during the extensive internal testing at Codemasters.
The first issue relates to the uninstaller for both the demo and the full game and applies if you installed the game to a custom directory. Anyone who installed to a custom directory should install this patch.
The other issue relates to a potential progress block late in the full game. If you are unable to apply the patch, this document will describe how to avoid triggering this blockage.

Workaround (for those who cannot patch)
There is no workaround once the bug has been triggered and saved, unless you have an Autosave slot with a save from an earlier part of the game.
However, you can avoid triggering the bug by:
1) When you find the first spoke have a minion pick it up, carry it to the wheel and attach it.
2) Only pick-up the second spoke if you have enough minions available (>12 in your horde, or in a Minion gate) to turn the wheel
3) When you have attached the second spoke, ensure that you turn the wheel fully before leaving the level.

If for some reason this is impossible (e.g. you have totally run out of minions) use the 'Change Autosave Slot' option in the pause menu at the start of The Brewery to keep the game progress up to this point stored in a different slot. The save game in this slot can be opened again later from the Load Game option in the main menu.
This use of 'Change Autosave Slot' is also a useful way to allow you save 'checkpoints' that you can return to at another time.

- Codemasters forum

Persistent character development allows players to supplement their gear with exotic and powerful skills that make them feel like the elite agents they've always dreamt of becoming. Additionally, in lieu of the typical class systems in many other games, The Agency's approach is simply, "You Are What You Wear." Players will customize their character's attire based on the mission at hand, emphasizing combat, support, stealth, or even cover identities.

[...]

Operatives are "living loot" characters that wait in the wings for orders to build that new sports car, gather intel for the next mission, or provide that satellite scan to expose the enemy. As players advance through the game, they will collect more powerful Operatives that will better assist them with missions. Players can use their roster to help themselves or their team and even trade Operatives with other players.

"SOE is looking to take the online gaming industry to new places with The Agency, not only in terms of its theme, but also in its design. It's accessible to all types of players, blending genres and changing up established conventions. It's different from anything SOE has released before," said Matt Wilson, Director of Development, SOE Seattle. "Our goal is to break from traditional online games and provide players with a 'fun now, no waiting' gameplay experience in a dynamic, ever-evolving online world."

- Official Press Release