Tom Clancy's The Division is right around the corner, and here are five reasons that gamers should be excited to explore virus-ridden NYC in the game next month.
Even though Tom Clancy's The Division is still a month out from release, the game has already proven to be divisive in the gaming community. There are those that are hailing it as the next big online multiplayer shooter, while others have doubts, with some unfavorably comparing it to Destiny.
After having spent extensive time with the beta for The Division, it's clear that the game is doing its own thing, and comparisons to existing shooters, like Destiny, are mostly unfounded. However, this means that it's harder to predict if The Division will resonate with fans of Destiny and other popular shooters.
For shooter fans on the fence about whether or not The Division should be a game worth keeping on their radar, here are five reasons why it may just meet meet or exceed expectations.
1. Dark Zone Offers Unique Gameplay Opportunities
One of the most advertised gameplay features in The Division is the Dark Zone. This PvP area reportedly features some of the game's best loot, but comes with its own dangers, mainly in the form of other players.
While in the Dark Zone, fellow players are able to steal loot and kill each other, which results in tense situations where one can't be sure who outside of their own teammates to trust. This, in turn, creates an interesting dynamic where some players work together and others are just out to steal and kill, and it's something that's rarely explored in multiplayer games. Let's just hope Ubisoft irons out the Dark Zone exploits discovered during the beta ahead of the game's launch.
2. Intriguing Premise
The Division's story is one of the game's main draws. The game is set in New York, following the spread of a virus that ran rampant during the peak shopping hours of Black Friday. As agents, players are meant to gain control of the situation, saving civilians while dealing with the roving gangs of violent looters that run amok.
The Division's beta offered a small glimpse into what the game's story will be like, and it seems as though it will be an interesting ride. The story missions themselves were entertaining and well-designed, so hopefully The Division keeps up that level of mission quality throughout the game.
3. Large World with Plenty of Depth
No, The Division's map isn't as big as Los Santos in Grand Theft Auto 5, but it still offers a relatively large open world nevertheless. Some would argue that The Division's map makes up for its lack of size with its depth, as it features a number of buildings that players are able to explore at their leisure, along with extensive underground subway systems.
4. Rewarding Loot System
Anyone that played The Division's beta knows that loot collecting will be a major part of the experience come launch. Loot in The Division includes a variety of weapons as well as interesting cosmetic options, which should help each agent roaming New York City feel distinct from one another. Ubisoft is counting on this loot system to hook players long after the game's story wraps up, and considering how fun it was in the beta, it seems safe to assume the loot collecting will be even better in the full game.
5. Seamless and Simple Online Multiplayer Experience
With most online titles bogged down by constant load screens, realizing that there are no virtually no load screens in The Division after the initial startup felt like a breath of fresh air. The Division's lack of load screens along with it allowing players to form groups with friends almost instantaneously helps players get into the action as quickly as possible, making it one of the most seamless and simple online experiences in recent years.
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There's been a mixed reaction to The Division after the game's beta. Some are expecting the game to flop, while others feel as though it could potentially be one of the biggest hits of the year. Hype has been surrounding The Division ever since its E3 2013 reveal trailer, and while the beta gave everyone a taste of what to expect, we will soon find out definitively if the full version of The Division lives up to that hype. In the meantime, the features listed here give us hope that it will do just that.
Did you play The Division beta? Are you expecting the game to be a success, or do you think it will fail? Do you plan on picking it up next month? Sound off in the comments below and leave us your thoughts on Tom Clancy's The Division.
Tom Clancy's The Division will be available on March 8th for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.