Tom Clancy’s The Division: A Comprehensive Review

Tom Clancy’s The Division, released in 2016 by Ubisoft, presented players with a compelling vision of a post-pandemic New York City. This online open-world action RPG, built around a cover-based third-person shooter mechanic, quickly captivated audiences with its intriguing premise and promise of cooperative gameplay. However, the journey through the game’s snow-covered streets and crumbling skyscrapers has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, punctuated by updates, expansions, and a dedicated player base that continues to explore its intricate systems. This review aims to provide a comprehensive look at The Division, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and lasting appeal in the ever-evolving landscape of online gaming.

Setting the Stage: A Gripping Premise

The Division plunges players into a near-future New York City ravaged by a genetically engineered virus released on Black Friday. Society collapses rapidly, leaving behind a chaotic landscape where law enforcement struggles to maintain order and criminal gangs rise to power. Players assume the role of agents of the Strategic Homeland Division, an independent tactical unit activated to restore order and uncover the truth behind the outbreak. The atmosphere is palpable, with stunning visuals that capture the desolation and decay of a once-thriving metropolis. The sense of urgency and desperation permeates every corner of the game world, drawing players into its compelling narrative.

The Initial Impact: A Visual Masterpiece

Upon release, The Division was lauded for its breathtaking graphics. The detailed recreation of New York City, complete with realistic weather effects and dynamic lighting, created an immersive and believable environment. From the snow-covered streets of Midtown to the derelict buildings of the Upper East Side, every location felt meticulously crafted. The visual fidelity contributed significantly to the game’s atmosphere, enhancing the sense of isolation and vulnerability.

The Narrative Hook: Unraveling the Conspiracy

The main storyline of The Division revolves around uncovering the origins of the virus and bringing those responsible to justice. Players embark on a series of missions that take them across the city, investigating crime scenes, rescuing survivors, and battling various factions vying for control. While the narrative isn’t particularly groundbreaking, it provides a solid framework for the gameplay and keeps players engaged throughout the campaign. The integration of ECHO technology, which allows players to reconstruct past events, adds depth to the world and provides glimpses into the lives of the city’s inhabitants before the collapse.

Gameplay Mechanics: Cover, Combat, and Customization

At its core, The Division is a cover-based third-person shooter. Players must utilize cover strategically to survive encounters with enemies, utilizing a variety of weapons and skills to gain the upper hand. The game features a robust loot system, allowing players to acquire new gear and upgrade their character’s abilities. The emphasis on teamwork and coordination makes cooperative play a rewarding experience.

Cover-Based Combat: Tactical Engagement

The cover system in The Division is intuitive and responsive, allowing players to quickly move between cover points and engage enemies from a safe distance. Mastering the art of flanking, suppressing fire, and utilizing tactical skills is crucial for success, especially on higher difficulty levels. Enemies are intelligent and will actively try to outflank players, forcing them to adapt their strategies on the fly. The combat is challenging but rewarding, requiring players to think strategically and work together as a team.

Loot and Progression: Gear Up and Level Up

The Division features a deep and rewarding loot system. Players can acquire new weapons, armor, and mods by completing missions, defeating enemies, and exploring the world. The quality of the loot is determined by its rarity, with higher rarity items offering better stats and unique bonuses. Players can customize their character’s build by equipping different gear sets and allocating skill points to various talents and abilities. The constant pursuit of better gear is a major driving force in The Division’s gameplay loop.

Skills and Abilities: Defining Your Role

Players can choose from a variety of skills and abilities to customize their character’s role in combat. These skills range from healing and support abilities to offensive skills like turrets and seeker mines. Experimenting with different skill combinations is key to finding a playstyle that suits your preferences. The ability to adapt your skills to different situations adds another layer of depth to the gameplay.

The Dark Zone: A High-Risk, High-Reward Experience

The Dark Zone is a unique and controversial area within The Division. It’s a lawless PvP zone where players can acquire valuable loot but risk being attacked by other players. The tension and uncertainty of the Dark Zone create a thrilling and unpredictable experience. Successfully extracting loot from the Dark Zone is a significant accomplishment, but the risk of losing it all to rogue agents adds a layer of excitement that is unmatched in other areas of the game.

Going Rogue: The Thrill of the Hunt

In the Dark Zone, players have the option to “go rogue,” attacking other players and stealing their loot. Going rogue comes with significant risks, as it marks the player as a target for other agents. However, the potential rewards for successfully going rogue can be substantial. The risk-reward dynamic of going rogue creates a tense and exhilarating experience that is a major draw for many players.

Extraction: The Ultimate Challenge

Successfully extracting loot from the Dark Zone is the ultimate challenge. Players must call in an extraction helicopter and defend their loot from waves of enemies and other players. The extraction process is often chaotic and unpredictable, with betrayals and unexpected alliances common occurrences. The feeling of relief and accomplishment after successfully extracting valuable loot is unparalleled.

Post-Launch Support and Expansions: A Game Transformed

The Division has undergone significant changes since its initial release, thanks to a series of updates and expansions. These updates have addressed various issues, such as balancing problems, bug fixes, and content additions. The expansions have added new storylines, locations, and gameplay mechanics, significantly expanding the game’s scope and replayability.

Updates and Fixes: Addressing the Issues

Ubisoft has been committed to supporting The Division with regular updates and fixes. These updates have addressed various issues, such as balancing problems, bug fixes, and performance improvements. The developers have listened to player feedback and made adjustments to the game based on their concerns. This commitment to ongoing support has helped to improve the overall quality of the game.

Survival: A Brutal Test of Skill

The Survival expansion introduced a new game mode that challenged players to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. Players start with minimal gear and must scavenge for resources, craft weapons, and fight off enemies while battling the elements. Survival is a brutal test of skill and resource management, offering a unique and challenging experience for experienced players.

Underground: Exploring the Subterranean World

The Underground expansion took players beneath the streets of New York City, into a network of procedurally generated tunnels. Players must navigate these tunnels, completing various objectives and battling enemies. The Underground offers a unique and replayable experience, with each run presenting a new set of challenges.

Last Stand: Team-Based PvP Action

The Last Stand expansion introduced a new team-based PvP mode that pitted two teams of eight players against each other. Players must capture and defend strategic locations on a map, earning points for their team. Last Stand is a fast-paced and action-packed mode that rewards teamwork and coordination.

The Division 2: Building Upon the Foundation

The success of The Division led to the development of a sequel, The Division 2, which was released in 2019. The Division 2 builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, offering improved gameplay mechanics, a more engaging storyline, and a larger and more diverse world to explore. While The Division 2 made many improvements, the original still holds a special place for many players.

Improvements and Enhancements

The Division 2 introduced several improvements and enhancements over the original game. These include a more streamlined user interface, improved enemy AI, and a more diverse range of weapons and skills. The game also features a more robust crafting system and a more engaging endgame. These improvements helped to make The Division 2 a more polished and enjoyable experience.

A New Setting: Washington D.C.

The Division 2 takes place in Washington D.C., several months after the events of the first game. The new setting offers a fresh and visually appealing environment, with iconic landmarks and a more diverse range of locations to explore. The change of scenery helps to keep the gameplay feeling fresh and engaging.

The Community: A Dedicated Player Base

The Division has a dedicated player base that continues to support the game years after its release. The community is active on forums, social media, and in-game, sharing tips, strategies, and experiences. The community’s passion for the game is a testament to its lasting appeal.

Forums and Social Media

The Division community is active on various forums and social media platforms; Players use these platforms to share tips, strategies, and experiences, as well as to organize group activities and find teammates. The community’s online presence is a valuable resource for new and experienced players alike.

In-Game Cooperation

The Division is designed to be played cooperatively, and the community reflects this. Players often team up to complete missions, explore the Dark Zone, and tackle challenging content. The emphasis on teamwork and cooperation fosters a sense of camaraderie within the community.

Final Verdict: A Lasting Legacy

Tom Clancy’s The Division, despite its initial flaws and challenges, has cemented its place as a significant entry in the online RPG landscape. The compelling setting, engaging gameplay loop, and the thrill of the Dark Zone continue to draw players back. Ubisoft’s commitment to post-launch support has transformed the game into a more polished and enjoyable experience. While The Division 2 has taken the franchise forward, the original remains a unique and memorable experience for many. It offered a glimpse into a world teetering on the brink, where cooperation and skill were the only things standing between order and complete chaos.

• Pros:
• Compelling Setting and Atmosphere
• Engaging Cover-Based Combat
• Rewarding Loot and Progression System
• Thrilling Dark Zone Experience
• Dedicated Community

• Cons:
• Repetitive Mission Structure
• Balancing Issues (Especially at Launch)
• Occasional Technical Glitches

Ultimately, The Division is a game that rewards perseverance and teamwork. It’s a testament to the power of online gaming and the ability of developers to transform a flawed initial release into a truly memorable experience. The enduring appeal of The Division lies in its unique blend of tactical combat, RPG progression, and the constant threat of betrayal in the Dark Zone. It’s a world that continues to captivate and challenge players, years after its initial release. The game provided moments of intense cooperation and agonizing loss, forging memories that last long after the servers power down.