Taking back the Big Apple.
After playing the the game for a few weeks, we’re finally able to give our full review on The Division.
The new release from Ubisoft places you in the middle of a pandemic-stricken New York city. You play as a member of (that’s right, you guessed it) The Division – a secret task force of agents who are tasked with retaking the city.
That means shooting loads of bullets at marauders and evil opportunists until the army can sweep in and save the day.
While it appears to be a simple cover shooter at first, the game adds more and more depth, making it clear that this game is way more of an RPG than it seems at first sight. You can level up your character with different Perks, Abilities, Skill trees, Talents, Weapon Mods and a properly smart XP system.
This level of depth – much like wanking – can be hard to wrap your head around at first, but feels rewarding once you begin to get the hang of it.
The real strengths of The Division shine through once you start teaming up with other players online. Using co-op tactics to flank enemies and combining your attacking power (in teams of up to four) is when the game is at its most satisfying.
The game’s enemies usually feel like bullet-sponges, but become a bit more easy to tackle when your mates are helping.
The Division isn’t without its flaws. The city can feel unpopulated, with vast expanses of space liable to make you feel lonely as you run block after block between missions. Parts of the story (especially towards the end) feel underdeveloped, with opportunities for more character depth missed out on.
Still, the graphics will occasionally stop you in your tracks. The setting of midtown Manhattan has been so painstakingly recreated, that you’ll really feel a part of the world.
From piles of trash to quarantine zones to abandoned cars, the world they’ve created is one of the most visually engaging since Grand Theft Auto. It would be a perfect game if only they could populate it with the same life and sense of wonder to keep you engaged a little longer.
Ubisoft Massive’s commitment to release further DLC down the line should be commended, and it’ll be interesting to see how they mix things up over the next year build on what has been a pretty solid foundation.
Check out our video below for more some slick gameplay and snarky comments about The Division.
The Division is out now for PS4, Xbox One and PC.
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