Since the announcement at E3 2013 of the next title in the Tom Clancy’s series by Ubisoft, The Division, we automatically noticed the beauty of the world the game is set in. A post-apocalyptic Manhattan after a plague is released upon the country during Black Friday, with the island becoming  quarantined in less than a week.

Day and Night Cycle:

Both time of day and weather play a large role in how it affects the game physically and visually. From sunny to stormy, day to night, the visual layout of the city leaves fantastic visual effects. With the game set at the start of winter, there will be dramatic changes in the chilling climate while exploring the world. Said from the Senior Game Designer, Fredrik Thylander:

“when in a full storm, visibility is hindered, both for NPCs and the agent. Our worst storm conditions that can hit will affect aim assist and detection ranges for both players and NPCs.”

With the transition from day to night, the change in lighting is more vivid during the night cycle. More visual of light sources to draw attention to key areas in Manhattan, as compared to other areas completely blacked out. Which also results in affecting the experience as you play through the game.

Manhattan’s Infrastructure:

Set in the “city that never sleeps”, or as it use to be known as, Manhattan is still occupied by buildings and skyscrapers, as well as the underground tunnels below the streets left for the player to explore. From it’s size to look, the buildings being replicated from Manhattan into The Division will leave the feeling you would get when walking around the city. When traveling from one neighborhood to another, there’s a distinctive look depending on the location, like higher buildings and advertisements to residential buildings. But they’re not only for looks, the buildings could be used as an alternative route or just to hide from the harsh weather. With lighting and visual effects being more unique, it leaves a more confined feeling than the open space of the streets.

As the year ends, the release comes closer to The Division. With delays of the game since 2013, the official date as of right now is March 8th, 2016. The game will be available on Xbox One, Playstation 4 and PC.