When I started playing Tom Clancy’s The Division I was excited. The prospect of fighting for survival – not to mention the future of the human race – in an apocalyptic city-scape was tantalizing to me.
But for the most part The Division failed to deliver for me.
Everyone Looks The Same
Although there is some variation in player models and ways to upgrade it’s all based on the same theme. We’re all the Average Joe who also happens to be the secret agent. Ok, fine, I get it – but that doesn’t mean all the models and clothing has to looks so similar.
Perhaps the developers of this game need to go outside and take a look at real human beings? What is more all the upgrades will not show on your actual character. They are just stats and not real equipment. Even if you progress your character for days you won’t look any different.
The Story Line Limps Along
The story is rather thin and you’ll find yourself encountering the same historical echo’s and relics from something that happened years ago over and over again. Nothing seems to progress into a tangible and unfolding story that you can get excited about.
The story line seems to exist simply to justify the action, rather than the action existing to support the story line. This is a mistake the game designers have made, and and one that is made all too often in modern game development. Perhaps due to corporate pressure and the breaking up of content in order to integrate DLCs.
The Action Is Repetitive
Imagine an endless sea of bullet sponges attacking you. Sometimes moving around tactically, sometimes acting like obvious bots. So, in other words, a bit like what we are used to.
So the question therefore becomes, apart from the nice atmospheric graphics and scenery why shouldn’t we play some other game with more dynamic action. I couldn’t seem to find an answer for that problem.
The Environments Are Pedestrian
I’ll admit I was very impressed with the environments. You can shoot up cars and the tires will blow up and the windows will crumble. And when you jump on top of it you’ll leave snowy footprints. The city looks real and you get a real sense of the apocalypse.
The game feels pedestrian, because that is what you are, a pedestrian.
But after a while it starts to feel like you’re wandering around a Hollywood set. A set which you’ve become lost in.
Conclusion
I can’t criticize the Division too much. It’s no better or worse than most titles released nowadays on the Playstation. But it certainly did not surpass my expectations in many areas. And considering the high price of this game I expected much more.
Playstation NewsWire 