Tom Clancy’s The Division Review: United We Stand
Game Reviewed: Tom Clancy’s: The Division
Release Date: March 8th, 2016
Developer: Ubisoft Massive
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platform: [Reviewed: PlayStation 4], Xbox One, PC
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
Rated: M for Mature
So many games nowadays are strictly run and gun. Rarely will you find yourself picking up a title that you not only enjoy, but genuinely invest all of your time in to. A massive MMORPG that isn’t Destiny; in fact, it’s everything Destiny was missing and more. In the empty streets terrorized by a virus and street thugs, it is up to you and the crew you find, or join to take the city back. Welcome to the Division.
The story takes place in New York, Manhattan where many are looking to be extracted, looking for help and quite honestly struggling to survive the virus that has spread abroad. As for you, the protagonist, it’s all about grabbing your gear and saving the city. Conversations are taking place almost everywhere you go. As you listen in, they’re ultimately depending on you.
The environment is expansive, and as you continue to level up the map opens for explorations. The city doesn’t look as stunning (graphically) as the early E3 videos led on, but visually there is so much to see and quite detailed in complementing its current state.
Keep in mind that The Division is cover-based shooter and stealth is essential. Campers, this may be your game as this isn’t your usual run and gun and you aren’t starring as Sam Fisher. Unfortunately, the cover system feels handicapped as the street thugs that always tend to run after you, allowing themselves to become easy targets.
There were also times where I felt the game moved much slower than expected when trying to come out of cover or even dodging grenades.
And its from there where it honestly becomes quite repetitive. Whether you’re helping soldiers in the streets or saving the lives on doctors, enemies tend to come in waves, similar to Gears of War, in an attempt to take you out. And as they continuously run directly towards you, thugs will occasionally drop ammo and weapons, and rations such as water and snacks. You can also collect unique items by sharing your findings with civilians and hidden backpacks.
One thing that left me uneasy however was the insane amount of bullets it took to kill each enemy, especially when getting headshots at point blank range. So 
many bullets would only make enemies stagger. What the heck!? I also noticed the take down mechanics that weren’t effectively in place when I was face to face with the thugs. In short, bullets are indeed essential in The Division, so make every one count.
Your character can hold up to three weapons: primary, secondary and handgun. You are also given a special skill, allowing you to utilize one of three abilities at a time. Abilities can continue to be upgraded throughout as you unlock areas in different medical wings inside of the headquarters. In addition, you are able to craft weapons and items to unlock premium upgrades that money can’t buy.
While on the topic of weaponry, the reload system felt extremely sluggish, again reminding me of Gears of War as I ran out of bullets and waited almost forever to reload, ultimately becoming an easy target.
Outside of the mission is the Dark Zone, opening PvP where players can work together or turn on each other in an instant. In what should have been an impressive co-op felt a little disappointing, and only a little!
You as well as your fellow online competitors are in search of loot to extract at certain locations within a set amount of time. The biggest twist in this scenario is that anyone can turn on you, similar to a Heist in Kane & Lynch. As players betray each other, they turn red, indicating that they’ve gone rouge and take indeed take you out next.
It’s incredibly fun to expect the unexpected, rather than die unexpectedly as you attempt to collect special items that can be quarantined and used in-game . The only challenge is finding the extraction points as there isn’t a map guiding you, contrary to the singular story mission.
The Division has proven to not only be the contender for Destiny with its unique form of RPG, but it’s more popular must have. The Division left me in awe and wanting more. Believe me, The Division is still that jaw-dropping game you seen at E3, and the top of everyone’s playlist. Graphically wanting more, but Tom Clancy has done more than enough to greatly satisfy gamers all-around and will be a GOTY nominee, guaranteed.
The Scores
Gameplay: 4.5/5
Visuals: 4.25/5
Audio: 4.25/5
Controls: 4.5/5
Replay Value: 4.5/5
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