When The Division was released in 2016 I gave the game a chance, but after several hours I felt the game was a grind-fest, and mostly the rewards were simply cosmetics and clothing. I lost interest after leveling up several levels, and that was that. As the lead up to The Division 2's release came this year, I found myself wanting to give the sequel a chance, and see if it was indeed an improvement on the original game. I was left impressed, now over fifty hours into the End-game content I am still finding rewards of loot, and weapons as well as more level classes unlocked as you start the End-game content.
Since it's release there have already been several updates, and even post-launch DLC missions and raids that are accessible after the End-game content is completed as well as more DLC promised in the coming months. Every aspect of the game is improved upon, from graphics, to matchmaking, co-op, loot and of course customization of weapons, kit, equipment is almost end-less as I am still crafting new mods for my weapons, and pieces of equipment. As you explore the city of Washington D.C. following the virus epidemic that started in the first game, you find yourself up against three factions fighting for territory and control of the city. As you hit their outposts, complete missions against their leaders, and wrestle territory from their control you soon enough wrestle control of the city back to the Division, and survivor settlements.
I thought the game was at an end, following the dismantling of the three factions at which by this time I was already over fifty hours into the game. Now I am undertaking the end-game content fighting a more mysterious, military based enemy faction who retakes the city from you, and raises the difficulty as you work through invasion missions against Black Tusk. By this time the highest-tiers of weapons, kits and crafting have been reached. Upon starting the end-game content, new levels of loot and skills are introduced adding further hours of gameplay which I am taking my time in completing. I feel as if I have already had my money's worth with The Division 2 from the main campaign, with end-game content and incoming DLC I feel as if I am being rewarded for continuing to play. This was missing in games such as Anthem and Fallout 76, other looter shooters that do not reward you for playing on after end-game content.
As for micro-transactions, they are here in The Division 2, however it is simply cosmetic and clothing but you loot these very same items through the game, via exploring and looting around the city to completing missions, and gaining loot boxes. I have already decked out my character as a paramilitary with red beret and combats to my liking, simply from looting and purchasing clothing through in-game credits rewarded to you and in so no extra money has been spent on the game since it's launch, and paying it's full retail price on release.
The Good:
- A solid online co-op looter shooter, set in a Post-Apocalypse world following the release of a virus.
- The three enemy factions of the main campaign, range from mindless sadomasochist raiders, to former test subjects of the government's biological weapons, to remnants of JTF and Division agents who want to control the city.
- Graphically the game is beautiful as you explore an abandoned, dangerous city with apocalyptic scenes and environments.
- Many side missions, raids, bounty hunts, strongholds to complete either solo or with three other players online.
- In depth weapon customization, kits, equipment and apparel and clothing to tailor to your personal preferences. Modding for weapons, equipment, clothing and kit is also in depth allowing changing of coloring to armor and even backpacks.
- Class leveling is varied, allowing you to unlock eight perks such as drones, turrets and more to use in combat. Then further modding and customization of your perk equipment adds more layers of customization to your combat style. After completing the main campaign, End-game content begins with new loot, weapons, equipment and kit.
- After completion of main campaign, End-game content is unlocked adding further hours of gameplay, with a new enemy faction; Black Tusk to fight.
- Since launch, further DLC updates and episodic content are being released by Ubisoft.
- A smooth matchmaking system allows in-and-out gaming, working in teams to undertakes an in-game activity together.
The Bad:
- The occasional visual bug, with textures slow to materialize perhaps due to internet signals but it is not game-breaking.
All in all I am very happy and impressed by The Division 2, and will still put further hours into the End-game content and post-launch DLC. For the original price of the game that I paid which was £50 I believe I had got my money's worth, and are still getting value for money with it's replayability, and new loot to play for.