The Division, PS4 and Xbox One review diary, Day One: ‘photorealistic visuals, and impressive multiplayer elements’

Last week, Ubisoft finally unleashed The Division – the long-awaited third-person RPG shooter set in a New York ravaged by a deadly virus.

With society collapsing under the strain of over-stretched resources, civilians turn to arms to defend themselves from violent thugs looking to prosper amidst the chaos – and it’s up to an elite band of soldiers to step up and return order.

The title offers a huge world map in the form of New York City, and a central online multiplayer area, the Dark Zone, that’s set to change and grow over time.

Offering his thoughts across a week of gameplay, Talal Musa reports from the front line.

Day 1

New York City is in chaos. It's hard to recognise myself in the cracked car window. That's largely because the character customisation options perhaps aren't as detailed as I was hoping for. Nonetheless, I choose a perp who has the most likeness to me and set off on my journey.

Immediately, I notice the visuals; the crisp, winter sun reflecting off the vehicles; Brooklyn's snow-covered buildings boasting perfectly modelled bricks. It's almost photorealistic.

I press on, following an orange marker on my map to a safe house. Here, I meet other players and am shown how to restock supplies and trade loot. It’s all a bit daunting to start with but this safe haven soon becomes invaluable.

After many unsuccessful attempts to get others to join me, I set out on my first side quest – alone – to clear an area of hostiles.

Shooting isn't exactly what I expected. Enemies take an enormous amount of damage to bring them down – regardless of whether they're wearing a bullet-proof vest or a hoodie. Rather than bullets making a notable impact à la Max Payne, they simply travel 'though' enemies - immediately drawing references to other MMO games, such as Destiny. Numbers appear with each successful impact, with a deep red figure flashing if major damage has been delivered.

The firefight also serves to get me used to the cover system – playing like a hybrid of Gears of War and Splinter Cell: Conviction. It's very effective, and essential. Enemies are incredibly unforgiving, charging in with baseball bats and throwing toxic gas grenades if I stay in cover for too long.

After familiarising myself with the mechanics, I take on my first story mission – which shows off The Division's impressive multiplayer element.

Simply arriving at a main mission brings up a matchmaking icon – allowing me to link up with nearby players before tackling the quest. When I tried taking this mission on myself, I was gunned down in seconds. With back up, it was a different story.

Our squad of four weaves in and out dropping foes like flies before flanking a 'boss' at the end and stealing his loot.

My headset – a Steel-Series Siberia 200 – was up to the task, allowing me to relay instructions quickly and clearly to my teammates. We celebrate by doing star jumps. The group then disbands after someone logs off for his dinner.

All of my loot is then taken back to the safe house and traded for upgraded weapons and gear, such as body armour or gas masks. I nab it all, as it’s sure to come in handy as the Dark Zone skirmishes come ever closer.

I also add new skills, choosing a large deployable shield from the impressive skills tree. It's slightly comical but works a treat – proving invaluable as I tackle a few more side quests.

I even make a new friend – but his combat ability is questionable at the very least. We quickly disband.

A few hours in and it's been a blast so far... bar a niggling sense of repetition starting to creep in. Environments are not as destructible as I would have liked, with the odd red explosive fuel tank or barrel leaving no lasting damage after the impressive explosion.