The Division
Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Developer: Ubisoft Massive
Publisher: Ubisoft
Author: S.A.
The Division is an open world explorer that has recently dropped into the gaming world. It’s been met with mediocre success but still remains one of the few games that let you actively play with your friends. So for that alone, if you have to waste money on an average game, this game would be my pick.
The premise for this game centers on the idea that on Black Friday, an American shopping holiday, the world goes to hell. A devastating smallpox pandemic is released, transmitted by a virus on banknotes, and destroys New York City. The disease is called “Green Poison” or “The Dollar Flu,” and causes the whole city to be placed under quarantine. Upon noticing the devastating toll being taken on the denizens of America, the U.S. Government dispatches various sleeper agents in the population to protect what’s left of the populace. This unit is called “The Division” and they are tasked with restoring order, and finding a cure of some sort if possible.
The Division is an open world playground, possessing a destructive environment made for players to explore at their leisure. We as the player can only carry up to three weapons, and a variety of side tools such as sticky bombs. Players can take cover behind objects to avoid taking fire fight damage, and of course to add to your own tactical advantage while fighting.
As players progress, they can earn experience points and currency. All of which can be used to either buy new weapons and gear, or upgrade their own skill set. In typical Destiny fashion, the gear is divided into a variety of levels. The gear ranges into five tiers: common, good, rare, superior and high end, all of which are color coded.
Either buy gear, or find it by slaughtering some foes. The storyline missions that involve different areas of your safe zone can help upgrade different wings. That is to say, the player’s safe place is divided into three areas. The Medical, Security, and Tech wing. Players can undertake specific missions for those wings and gain points that in turn give them access to new talents, perks and facilities within their main base of operations.
So don’t neglect these areas.
Yes I’m looking at you, Mr/Mrs smash through the storyline mission.
The game features a cool, time based weather system which can have beneficial or detrimental effects on a player. What this means for you is that a storm can hinder a player’s visibility and make aiming difficult. Also the game features a day and night cycle which has an effect on the attitudes of the A.I.
An interesting little feature of the game though is “The Dark Zone”. Which is a PVP competitive mode featured within the division, and yields some high end weapons for gamers. It’s completely separate from the main campaign and has its own progression system. The items found within the Dark Zone are considered ‘contaminated’, and can be stolen by other players if not flown out via helicopter. You can have your friends cover your back in this cooperative mode, or some player controlled agents. However, it’s important to note that anyone can turn on you at any given moment.
So I suggest you have some really trust worthy friends.
As you can see, the Division is a pretty standard game by gaming standards. However it seems to have some fun game play mixed into it and allows you to dive into its world with your friends. Being able to take on enemy players around the world should never be underestimated in terms of fun factor.
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