Tom Clancy’s The Division™

The Division is a game that I cant seem to forget, which is a good thing. After so many years of playing to late game then stopping for a long while, coming back and doing it again and again, it never ceases to amaze me how much this game gets correct. Its one of the best ways ever to do an MMO style game. The entire game, all of it, can be played entirely solo if you want, and its segmented sections of open world play mixed with story based raids that are similar to dungeons in a standard fantasy setting, give this game such an approachable style of gameplay for almost all people while also feeling very gripping. aside from the repeating voice lines over and over if you die often enough, the dialogue that will play between main characters while you are in a mission is actually pretty good, these people feel like they are written characters, they arnt perfect, but they arnt terrible either, they are written like people so you can relate to them on their level. The musical stings and over all soundtrack of this game is fantastic, it hits at the right moments and it has subtle and differing victory themes when you complete a raid that feels not only satisfying but provides this asthenic like you are playing through a film. Contrast this with so many MMO's out there and its stark how The Divisions presentation does kinda dwarf thoes other games when comparing it to a memorable experience. As you progress not only do you fee more used to your surroundings in the city but areas of the city become safer, more civilians show up and even greet you, even if its scripted, its one of the rare instances where in a video game, esp an MMO, it feels like im actually making a difference when I help the city while doing missions and removing threats. The reason the dev team was able to accomplish this level of instancing is the game is separated between solo / co-op play and an entirely different section of the city that is devoted to PVEVP, called the Dark Zone. This makes the game a winning combo in my book as it allows you to enjoy the game you bought while not being forced into PVP or even to group up at all, if you want to. but its there to engage with if you are interested. Over all the game, to me, is a gem and will stand the test of time in its environmental story telling, interesting and believable characters, fantastic sound track and solid game play that keeps me coming back year after year.