First and foremost, it must be clarified that this is a MMO Loot Shooter. If this is something you're interested in, read on. If not, turn about, this is not the Tom Clancy game you're looking for.

Pros:
+ Visually Stunning game that actually runs well on lower systems
+ Plenty to do for the price, the map is pact with activities
+ Great appearance system that lets your look not be determined by your gear
+ Varied equipment, talents, and skills, opting for many varied builds and playstyles
+ Optional PVP in the Dark Zone, balanced for PvErs as well in mind, bringing a huge risk / reward angle
+ Dark Zone is OPTIONAL
+ Robust VOIP

Cons:
- MMO mission tropes, missions can get a little repetitive
- Online only. Even if you're running solo, you still need to be online
- Some features not well explained, Fast Travel glossed over
- Crafting is a bit meaningless, gear you find in the field often is still better than what you can make (Until you hit end game. Thanks, Z.)
- Limited character customization at the start outside of clothing.
- Glasses or accessories are pretty much glued to your character's face on creation.

Need more? Here's the meat.

The Division is by far a loot shooter, typically akin to Borderlands, the cover shooting mechanics of Gears of War, and slathered with a paint of Modern-Military Shooters. However, unlike most Tom Clancy games, this is far from your standard ultra-realism shooter you've come to expect. Headshots, while always putting down heavy bonus damage, are not instant kill, enemies can sometimes take a full mag to bring down, and loot, loot, loot, loot, loot.

Now that then bares the question: 'Then how's this a Tom Clancy game?' The answer is 'In Story Only', and even that's being debated. However, even if it was missing 'Tom Clancy' in its title, and simply was The Division, it would hardly change anything regarding this game.

Now performance-wise, this has been one of the better MMO launches I've seen in a long time, with only one 1.5 hour server downtime after the US launch, the servers have remained stable and near lag free since, save for a maintenance downtime here and there. While the game can be played solo, it will always carry an Online-Only requirement, which can be dropped points for many people, but so far it hasn't caused much of a detriment to the game. For its benefit, though, matchmaking is made rather easy, and the Dark Zone, a PvE with optional PVP element area, is a smooth transition from single play to online multiplay.

A make or brake in this game will be the PVP and how its implemented. At this time PVP is purely done in the Dark Zone, and it is known as 'Going Rogue'. In the Dark Zone, friendly fire is active (save against teammates), shooting or even killing another fellow Operative will cause you to go 'Rogue' a state that flags you for PVP for a set amount of time. If you scratch or accidentally hit your target, you get a warning. Significantly hit your target and harm them, you're flagged Rogue for 19 seconds. If you KILL the operative, you are flagged for 90 seconds. Now, from what I've seen in the community, accidents do happen, some chucklenut will run right in front of your shot. This happens, and thankfully clearing your name is as easy as a quick VOIP callout for a misfire. Most folks I've run into have stayed from their triggers if you do this, letting you run down your timer. However, this is not garunteed. Why? Here's where things get interesting. Going Rogue has lots of rewards, huge Dark Zone XP bonus, and a huge DZ Credit reward, very tempting, and rises with every kill. However, while Rogue, you are marked as a 'Free for All' target, meaning any and all players are fully legal to gun you down without consequence, and if they do, they get a bounty off your kill and a credit payout, as well as getting a shot of your loot (not equipped gear), and credits. Stay Rogue for too long, and you are marked for a Man Hunt, which puts you on the map for everyone, and gives them all the all clear to take you down. Massive risk reward, but that's the Dark Zone in a nutshell. There is no complete PVP yet, but there sounds like plans soon, so keep an ear to the wind.

Now, is The Division FUN? Again, everyone's milage may vary, but after pumping several hours into this game, I'm coming out with a definite yes. Gameplay is solid, enemies are engaging, and the gun play varies pending on your playstyle. Enemy AI is varied, when you start out, you face rioters, who arn't very bright ... standing out in the open to shoot at you, making poor times to run for cover, even trying to be brave and run up to your cover out in the open. But as the game progresses, you face far more intelegent foes, coming to the point of facing mercenaries, who will move, act, and strategize more efficiently, using tactics against you and your team. Apperance items, gun variation, skill sets, talents, loot, etc, etc. Its all here to make a solid Action MMO.

Second question: Is it worth the price tag? I'll be honest, I'd have prefered the cost at a sale, the Season Pass and DLC can be a bit pricey for most folks, but overall, the game is living up to the hype in its own way. Its not what a lot of folks expected, but it surely delivers in other ways.

In conclusion, The Division brings a great new game with an unexpected setup. Though Ubisoft was crystal clear on the context of what they were delivering, it still came as a mixed bag of some very good ideas, with a few undesirable assets still found in MMOs today.

Time to be activated, Agent.