Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
Tom Clancys The Division (Xbox One) Review
Released: 2016
Developer: Ubisoft Massive
Platform: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC
Tom Clancys The Division is an online, open-world, third-person shooter with RPG elements, set in a post-apocalyptic New York City following a deadly virus outbreak. With impressive world design, deep loot mechanics, and engaging co-op gameplay, it had strong foundations, but repetitive missions, a weak story, and endgame grind held it back.
What Works
Incredible Open-World Design
- A stunning recreation of a devastated New York City, with dynamic weather and lighting.
- The attention to detail in abandoned buildings, wrecked streets, and survival elements adds immersion.
Satisfying Cover-Based Combat
- A mix of tactical shooting and RPG-style progression.
- Gunplay is solid, with various weapon types, mods, and abilities.
Strong Co-Op & Multiplayer
- Works best with friends or a squad, making missions and firefights more enjoyable.
- Dark Zone (PvPvE area) adds tension with rogue agents and valuable loot.
Deep Loot & Gear Customization
- Weapons, armor, and abilities can be customized to fit different playstyles.
- RPG mechanics (damage numbers, loot tiers, crafting, etc.) keep progression engaging.
Post-Launch Improvements
- Ubisoft addressed early criticisms with updates, improving loot drops, endgame balance, and difficulty.
What Doesnt Work
Repetitive Missions & Enemy AI
- Most missions follow a predictable formula: go to an area, fight waves of enemies, and extract loot.
- Enemies felt like bullet sponges, making some fights drag on.
Weak Story & Characters
- The plot is generic, with bland dialogue and forgettable NPCs.
- No real emotional connection to the events or characters.
Endgame Grind & Loot Imbalance
- The endgame relies too much on grinding for high-tier loot.
- Some weapons and gear felt unbalanced, making certain builds dominant.
Dark Zone Can Be Frustrating
- PvP mechanics encourage griefing, where rogue agents ambush players trying to extract loot.
- Some players avoided the Dark Zone entirely due to unfair encounters.
Final Verdict
🟢 Final Score: 8/10
The Division offers a stunning open world, great co-op gameplay, and deep customization, but suffers from repetitive missions, a forgettable story, and an endgame grind. Despite its flaws, updates improved the experience, making it a solid choice for tactical shooter and RPG fans.
Pros:
Beautifully detailed post-apocalyptic NYC
Fun tactical combat with deep loot customization
Strong multiplayer and co-op mechanics
Dark Zone adds a unique PvPvE experience
Cons:
Repetitive missions and bullet sponge enemies
Weak story and forgettable characters
Endgame grind can feel tedious
Dark Zone PvP can be frustrating
Recommendation: If you enjoy tactical shooters with RPG progression and team-based gameplay, The Division is worth playing, especially with friends. However, if you're looking for a strong single-player story or balanced PvP, you may want to look elsewhere.
