(Photo credit: Tom Clancy’s The Division 2. Screenshot by me. During a mission in an apartment complex, I find some interesting graffiti with a loot chest in front of it.) QuantumPunk89
What constitutes a Tom Clancy game, after his passing? The answer is a little complicated. They have a long history of success in the video game industry, with hits like Rainbow Six. Ubisoft bought the rights to the Tom Clancy name while he was still alive, and made their first “Tom Clancy” game not based on one of his books: Ghost Recon. A series that still runs today. Nowadays the Tom Clancy brand basically means it is in the theater of political and military conflict, with a conservative leniency. The first Division came out after Clancy’s passing, but I think he would be proud of this product.
The Division 2 takes us from New York City, the setting of the first game, to Washington D.C. for a brilliantly crafted world much like the first game. I admit I almost miss the snow of the first game, but the fairer weather makes for some gorgeous scenery. In the post-apocalypse caused by a violent illness, D.C. has become overgrown, and filled with wonderful loot. I saw an ad for this game calling it a looter-shooter, I suppose my typing it as a third-person shooter alone is bit dated and nonspecific. The world is littered with ammo and crafting materials, and every so often you find some real juicy gear for your character ranging from weapons, to armor, to cosmetic items.
If you played the first game, all the games concepts will be familiar. I am not surprised at Ubisoft basically exactly reproducing the first game, nor am I upset. I just loved the first game so much, I honestly don’t mind the same core mechanics just upgraded with new setting and story. The intricate massively-multiplayer-online world feels alive, and having friendlies in your party makes the game more interesting, and a real treat if you have more than one person on voice chat.
In the weekend this game was free on Xbox Live Gold, I made it to level 12 in about ten or so hours of play. I primarily rolled semi-automatic rifles with a healing drone and personal turret. With the turret I figure I can recreate the experience of another player on the battlefield who doesn’t talk to me if matchmaking can’t find anyone on my mission to pair with. There are other great skills available, but you can only have two equipped at a time and need to return to the main base to adjust them. And as for my proficiency in single shot rifles, they always seemed to have great damage, and that style of play works well with the Division’s method of controlled bursts of fire.
I would strongly consider buying this game, perhaps if it goes on a good sale for the holidays that will be a good time to get it. My only caveat is I am not a fan of the Dark Zone, which are the player-versus-player areas. I recognize some people like the high stakes thrill of it all, but to me fighting like that for a little bit of good loot is not worth it. I also can’t stand getting basically trolled by experienced players in the Dark Zone.
HereticDerek 