In The Division 2, seven months have elapsed since the engineered anthrax outbreak decimated New York’s population. The special forces unit, “The Division,” is now focused on restoring order in Washington D.C., where the Hyenas, a violent gang, are causing widespread disruption. The player’s objective is to re-establish law and order in a city teetering on the brink, a challenging task given the pervasive presence of hostile factions.
Tom Clancy’s The Division was a standout title, consuming a significant portion of my gaming time last year. My friend, known online as Roque, and I spent hundreds of hours exploring New York, and I still have outstanding missions to tackle. Consequently, the announcement of Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 generated considerable anticipation.
Massive Entertainment, based in Malmö, has achieved remarkable visual fidelity. The graphics are exceptional, displaying an impressive level of detail (as experienced on Xbox One X). The environmental design is so detailed that even examining virtual signage becomes compelling. For those unfamiliar with Washington, the game offers an immersive virtual representation. However, the focus shifts from tourism to defense, as players must safeguard the city. The White House serves as the headquarters and initial staging area in The Division 2. From there, players receive assignments and, mirroring the first game, must secure various “Safe Houses” to unlock fast travel points. Exploring the city initially is a rewarding experience before these locations are secured. However, the ability to circumvent extended traversal becomes invaluable due to the ever-present threat and combat encounters.
Returning from the first game are familiar mechanics, including weapon upgrades, blueprint acquisition for crafting, and character customization options. The avatar’s appearance can be extensively modified to create a unique in-game representation. Unwanted weapons and armor can be disassembled to yield resources for crafting or for distribution to those in need within the game world.
A significant improvement in The Division 2 is the enhanced enemy AI. Opponents are now more strategic, utilizing flanking maneuvers, which negates the effectiveness of stationary sniping tactics. Furthermore, grenade explosions now dislodge players from cover, requiring a more dynamic approach to combat. Remaining stationary is ill-advised when facing overwhelming enemy fire.
An interesting design choice in Division 2 is the deviation from a traditional health bar. Instead, as the player character sustains damage, they must perform tactical repairs to their armor. The character visibly replaces damaged components of their bulletproof vest, which introduces a brief but intense vulnerability window during the repair animation.
The core gameplay mechanics will feel familiar to veterans of the first Division. The cover-based movement system remains fluid and responsive, and arguably feels even more refined. Ammunition scarcity is not a significant concern, as resupply points are readily available. While acquiring specific weapons requires in-game currency, fallen enemies routinely drop weapons that can be sold to facilitate desired purchases. The game features a tiered currency system, with varying levels of accessibility.
Are there any drawbacks? Minor ones. The rate of acquiring new cosmetic apparel seemed slightly lower compared to the first game, though this is a negligible concern. The core gameplay loop, characteristic of the genre, may not appeal to all players. The mission structure, which often involves rescuing individuals or recovering specific items under enemy fire, could be perceived as repetitive. However, the adrenaline-fueled intensity of engaging in combat and supporting teammates provides a compelling and engaging experience. The game’s realism is a matter of interpretation. The fact that rudimentary objects like sofas can provide similar levels of cover as reinforced barriers introduces a degree of abstraction. However, this is easily overlooked amidst the overall gameplay experience.
Consistent with the original The Division, The Division 2 will be supported by post-launch content expansions and limited-time events, which offer opportunities to acquire specialized weapons, gear, and other rewards.
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 is highly recommended for fans of the online shooter genre. While similar games have often led to burnout, The Division 2 encourages thorough exploration, urging players to uncover hidden collectibles and unravel the narrative threads. The overarching storyline is engaging, even though it might be temporarily overshadowed by the intensity of combat. Therefore, if you encounter a Division agent online bearing the name Henry Speed while operating in Washington, extend a greeting and collaborate in combating the Hyena threat!
