'Tom Clancy's The Division' Beta Reactions: What Did Players Think Of Their Dark Zone Experience?

Update: 3 p.m. EST — Ubisoft announced over six million people participated in the open beta. "we’re proud to share that more than 6.4 million players explored the pandemic-stricken streets of New York City, making it the biggest beta ever for a new game brand on current generation platforms," Ubisoft wrote.

Original Story:

Players were mostly happy with their experience with "Tom Clancy's The Division" after an open beta ended Monday. Xbox One players who preordered the game were able to play "The Division" on Feb. 18 with PS4 and PC players joining on Feb. 19. Based on the initial reactions from players, there's plenty to like in "The Division," but a few things are holding the game back from true greatness.

The biggest complaint from players on various forums involves the general health and AI of enemies. Players on Reddit note the "sponginess" of enemies — a term used to describe the amount of bullets one can absorb due to an incredible amount of health. Players don't want a more realistic approach where it only requires one bullet, but a more balanced encounter that's based on better enemy intelligence and a slight reduction in health.

Ubisoft gave fans early access to "The Division" through a a closed beta in January. Based on player feedback, "The Division" received a few updates to the game's signature mode: the Dark Zone.

"The Division" follows a team of government agents trying to restore order in New York City after a devastating disease outbreak that was deliberately spread through currency on Black Friday. Players can complete a solo campaign mode or seamlessly engage in a multiplayer experience known as the Dark Zone. Within the Dark Zone, players can partner up and conduct raids to receive upgraded loot, but there's no guarantee other players will not turn traitorous within the Dark Zone. If one player kills another, they turn Rogue. That ranking has its own consequences and potential perks.

Players really enjoy the ability to define their own experience within the Dark Zone. That means finding new tactics when one has gone Rogue to avoid detection or ambush unsuspecting players. Other players feel there is less incentive to go Rogue because there is a bigger bonus for other players hunting traitors.

Aside from minor glitches, many players were satisfied with their experience during the beta for "The Division." With the Dark Zone, Magnus Jansen, the game's creative director, said the experience would be constantly improved and updated based on player feedback.