63 people found this review helpful
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Recommended
0.0 hrs last two weeks / 127.0 hrs on record (23.3 hrs at review time)
Posted: Mar 8, 2016 @ 10:28am

Tom Clany's The Division
Note: Each field is weighted differently, and thus affects the overall score differently.

Note: This is not a knee-jerk review. This review is after 27 hours played in closed beta and open beta, along with the hours played since release.
Field
Rating
Review
Graphics
9
A gorgeous game visually, I've found myself stopping several times to admire the environment and take some screenshots. Due to the gameplay style, it can be easy to just rush through areas without stopping and taking a moment to check them out. But if you do you will see some wonderfully unique, and lovingly crafted areas.
The lighting in this game is top notch, and really shines when it begins to snow.
As it begins to snow, you will see it ever so slightly accumulate on the ground and your character (though disappointingly it is extremely subtle).
The animations in the game are fluid and believable.
The sound design is wonderful, and can easily draw you in to the ambiance of a city in turmoil. The only negative thing I have to say about the sound design is that some of the voice acting can be pretty horrendous (though not all).
To top it all off, everything seems to run very smoothly.
Gameplay
8
While being a big fan of the gameplay myself, I am still willing to admit it has its flaws. Much of the game is running between missions gathering resources to expand your base, and most of the enemies look the same from each of the three factions (even the bosses tend to have the same look about them).
That being said, there are several main missions to do, and LOTS of side missions to complete. I was pleasantly surprised by many of the missions as well. They each take place in very unique, interesting environments, and tend to keep the pressure on you quite well, especially when playing in hard mode.
Now, onto where the Division REALLY shines: The Dark Zone. Here you are placed in a tense gameplay mode of PvPvE, where you stand to lose the precious gear you have collected in the Dark Zone to another player. Partaking in the PvP portion is your choice (unless someone draws you into it), but that constant tension of someone coming after your gear always looms in the air. Or perhaps you choose to go Rogue and kill other players to take their gear and extract it. The choice is yours, and there are few boring moments in the Dark Zone. Once you signal for an extraction is generally when the tension levels palpably rise as several agents stare each other down, wondering who will take the first shot (if at all). The Dark Zone is an immensely unique experience that has been crafted in The Division.
On top of all this, the aesthetic system for your character in the game is immense fun. Without affecting your stats, you can totally customize the look of your character by picking from hats, scarves, pants, shoes, shirts, and jackets.
There is also a crafting system in place for weapons and weapon modifications.
At its core, The Division is an RPG, so be sure to make use of the skill trees, perks, and talents. Each of the skills and talents can vastly affect the way you play the game, so be sure to check them all out and find a style you like!
Story
7
The Division's story centers around reclaiming New York from the chaos it has descended into after a weaponized smallpox virus has been unleashed on society. As you reclaim the city, you also attempt to uncover the truth behind who created and distributed this virus. All in all it is a very interesting premise, but lacks the ability to really draw you in tightly. Though I have found that my interest in the story increases when I am actually on the story missions, as each of them is unique, and the environments tell a story in and of themselves.
Multiplayer
10
An absolute blast of a time in co-op. Up to four people can group up to free-roam around Mid-town Manhatten and take on the numerous missions located throughout. Then if you're up for it, all four of you can step into the Dark Zone and engage in PvPvE content together (or betray each other).
It is extremely easy to join up with other players (either through matchmaking, or direct contact, or your U-play/steam friends).
One of the most fun co-op experiences I have had in awhile, The Division scales up the number of enemies thrown at you to increase the challenge based on how many people you are playing with. Work together to employ the various skills and talents you have to get out alive.
Replayability
10
While the game itself is very fun to play and experience (particularly the more challenge Mission modes), the Dark Zone is what gives The Division its true replay value. You can head there time and time again alone, or with your friends, and it's a different experience every time. You can even mix it up and all go rogue yourselves if you want!
Also planned are Daily/weekly events, along with new content (though my score does not include these since i have not experienced them yet, just pointing out that they are on the way and that Massive is in this for the long-haul).
Overall
8.9/10
The Division has been a long time coming, and now that it is finally here we can at last enjoy the effort Massive put into this game. It a difficult experience to explain, as it is such a unique one. If you have even a remote interest in The Division, I would very much recommend it.
Lots of the negative reviews around are simply knee-jerk reactions to the servers initially struggling with the influx of players (millions). This should not be a surprise to anyone who has experienced launch-day MMOs before).
I have found myself easily getting lost in the world of the Division, simply because it does such a wonderful job of drawing you in and keeping you on the move. Toss in the cooperative experience and you have a great game waiting to be enjoyed by you and your friends.
While The Division has its flaws, it knows what it wants to be, and does it wonderfully.

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