As reported a few days ago, The Division Alpha test has been available for Xbox One in the last three days (it’s due to end today) and despite Ubisoft’s hopes, some users have still managed to leak screenshots and information.
In particular, Neogaf user Theorry posted some screenshots directly from The Division Alpha and they are quite a sight. Considering that it’s still just an Alpha test on Xbox One, it isn’t far fetched to imagine the final PC version to look very close to the original, stunning reveal back during E3 2013. Perhaps the downgrade cries were simply a bit rushed, this time around.
Considering that Ubisoft has partnered with NVIDIA on every major title in the last few years, it’s also fair to assume that additional effects like HBAO+, TXAA and possibly others will be featured on PC.
It’s not just the visuals that reassured those who are testing The Division Alpha, though. First impressions on the game have been very positive so far; we’ve gathered some “reviews” posted on Reddit and Neogaf below to give you an idea.
THE GOOD
Just about everything. Graphics, combat, animations, immersion, sound..its all perfect.
-I especially love the combat. Me and my buddy just patrolled for hours because the small firefights we got into were so much fun. Doing the one mission over and over again never got old and always looking forward to that reward in the end was the topping on the cake.
-The simple animations of how they walk and vault over objects is so smooth. It feels like I AM this person and that is hard to do in a 3rd person game. I feel like an actual soldier where just how they hold the gun to when they slouch down when combat is near..you just feel like a freakinmarine in a real firefight (not that Ive been in one but I have seen some movies)
-The environment is SO immersive. Especially night time when the streets are quiet and the only light are from the street lamps and lanterns in apartments. I almost FEEL cold walking around at night. I dont live in NY but I have seen some posts on this sub where people who do say it is just about the exact same.
THE BAD
-It may just be alpha but doing encounters basically completes them forever. They are not repeatable by the looks of it and dont want to “clear” the map of things to do. I would like them to constantly pop up. There are random events that happen that I would also like to happen more often.
-I would like occasional ambient music while patrolling. Maybe that would kill the immersion but you can always turn it off if you wanted. Adding music tracks is probably too late by now but just my two cents there.
-Flashlights. We need flashlights. I can see that being a craft-able item or mod that would replace the grip or something. But it is frakin dark in some areas.
-Crouching would be nice. I know the cover system does it for you but sometimes you just need a nice crouch. Even for immersion sake when you are waiting on a teammate so you take a knee.These are all really small gripes that don’t affect my overall review for The Division alpha really. The game is a 10/10 in my book. Probably the most fun Ive had in a LONG time. It has potential to be the greatest game Ive ever played. Im a fan of Destiny (dont hold that against me) I mean that in the whole “loot shooter” and not an MMO but a group encouraged co op game..and this will put Destiny in the dust for me. My biggest concern is endgame and how they will keep us playing once all the skills have been acquired. DLC is always a thing but hey..I would like something like raids to have some really good rewards and not just guns that do more damage. We shall see though!###################################################################but for people wondering what its like, the graphics at this point are remarkable. IMO almost the best we have seen simply due to the alpha effects and attention to detail. I cant fathom how long it took to make the world look the way it does, its simply awe inspiring. Frame rate is near silky smooth as well. If the game was to release tomorrow, looking like it does right now I would be perfectly fine with it. I think we are all in a real treat on what the game will look like months from now when it comes out. Ubi has done a complete 180 from their typical downgraded wonky frame rate games of the past 2 years with this title and need to be applauded.Controls are workable and the cover system is very smart. Probably the best in this genre of cover based shooters. There are some issues here and there that im sure will be improved but the basic premise of the cover system is this; when your locked in cover you simply look where you want to go and hold A and it just works. There is a little line that shows the path you will take to get there and it seems there is no constraint on distance. There is no need to fumble with complexity for no reason, no need to press a button to get out of cover, press a button to run/parkour over object and get back into cover. Point and go and simply release A if you change your mind.Atmosphere and ambient music really pull you in. Remember that trailer? yeah, goosebumps.I wont go into huge details due to NDA, so here is just some basic info in order for you guys to remain hyped, its worth it. As long as the content matches the rest of the top tier stuff we dabbled in The Division alpha ubi has a real winner on their hands.####################################################################I hope that I wont break any NDA by just saying that this game is just incredible.
Also I am stunned that it looks that good on xbox one, pc version will melt my face.###################################################################
This game is amazing. The dark zone PVP sounds boring but it works so well and the map looks big as the Alpha parts are bigger than Destiny. Makes me hope D2 has something similar.##############################################################
Game looks great, AA is incredible.Not sure if I can say more, lol.Excellent##############################################################
Played The Division Alpha for like 4 hours yesterday, tried a little bit of everything, and I think I’m done. It’s absolutely fantastic so far, but I don’t want to see too much before March.###########################################################
So Ubisoft, LOVE the game so far. I know it’s an alpha, so I am keeping that in the back of my mind. But, for those wondering, I will give you my general impressions and things to look forward to without breaking that NDA. (let me know if I mention anything I shouldn’t).First, the game is a wonderful combination of old Ubisoft games that I grew up loving, it has elements of splinter cell, ghost recon, and rainbow 6. Which aspects? You will have to wait to find out.second, I found myself genuinely communicating with my team. This game makes me feel like part of something bigger and that I matter with my friends. They are depending on me to be tactical and have fun. I find myself wandering the streets looking for stuff with my buddies and calling things out in a tactical way. “Hey guys, map just pinged X, do you want to check it out?”, “sure”, “ok, I have a mark down, follow me.” In combat you work together and call things out, it’s how you survive.Overall, Great alpha, I haven’t wanted to encourage friends to buy a game in a long time, but I can’t help but to tell everyone to pre-order so that they can get in to the beta when it starts. It is a game I want to get home and play, and it’s only in ALPHA!
Of course, these first impressions from The Division Alpha should be taken with a grain of salt. Nonetheless, some of the gaming community seemed to be ready to write off The Division before it’s even released and it looks like that could be a mistake.
The game launches on March 8, 2016 for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. A beta test is scheduled for early 2016 on all these platforms.
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