Introduction to "Tom Clancy's The Division"

"Tom Clancy's The Division," developed by Massive Entertainment and published by Ubisoft, was released on March 8, 2016. The game introduced players to a meticulously crafted, near-future New York City, ravaged by a devastating pandemic. The premise centred on a smallpox virus spread through contaminated banknotes on Black Friday, leading to societal collapse. This setting crafted a hauntingly plausible scenario of urban disaster, pushing players into the role of Division agents—specially trained operatives activated in times of extreme national crisis, tasked with restoring order and safeguarding what remains of society.

At its launch, "The Division" was heralded for its innovative integration of RPG mechanics with a robust tactical shooter framework and its richly detailed open world. The game's release was met with significant acclaim, noted for its realistic portrayal of a societal breakdown and its dynamic, player-driven environment. The seamless blend of solo and cooperative play, along with the introduction of a competitive and unforgiving Dark Zone, helped carve out a unique niche in the crowded marketplace of online multiplayer games.

The relevance and appeal of "The Division" have endured impressively over the past seven years, a feat not solely attributable to its gameplay and technological achievements. Interestingly, the game's thematic focus on a pandemic-stricken world gained a new layer of significance following the global outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020. This real-world event paralleled the game’s narrative with eerie similarity, thrusting the game's dystopian vision into a new light and renewing interest among both new players and veterans. This resurgence highlighted the game's prescient themes and deepened its narrative impact, making its exploration of societal resilience and chaos more poignant and resonant than ever before.

As we review "The Division" seven years post-release, it's not only a reflection on a well-crafted video game but also an examination of its inadvertent role as a digital prelude to real-world events. The game serves as both a grim reminder of our vulnerabilities and a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. This dual perspective continues to attract a strong following, ensuring the game's place not just in the history of gaming but also in the broader cultural narrative of the 21st century.

Gameplay of "Tom Clancy's The Division"

Core Gameplay Mechanics

"Tom Clancy's The Division" is lauded for its intricate blend of tactical, cover-based shooting mechanics intertwined with action-RPG elements. The gameplay foundation is built upon a dynamic cover system that is crucial for survival and effective combat. Players navigate through a post-pandemic New York City, where every car, barrier, and low wall serves as potential cover from enemy fire. This system necessitates a strategic approach to combat; positioning, flanking, and the timing of movements become as important as shooting accuracy.

The cover system is complemented by a tactical approach to engagements. Players must assess their environment, predict enemy movements, and choose their battles wisely. For instance, engaging a group of enemies without proper cover or backup can lead to a quick defeat. This encourages a slower, more deliberate style of play compared to typical run-and-gun shooters.

Skill System

The Division’s skill system further enriches its tactical gameplay. Players can choose skills from several categories—Medical, Tech, and Security—that not only define their role within a team but also influence their approach to solo play. For example, the Medical skills allow players to heal themselves and their teammates, making them indispensable during prolonged engagements. Tech skills, on the other hand, provide offensive capabilities like deploying turrets or seeker mines, which can turn the tide of a firefight by providing additional or automated firepower. Security skills are crucial for those wishing to tank or control crowds, offering abilities that increase resilience or suppress enemies.

In both solo and multiplayer settings, the choice and combination of these skills can significantly alter how players approach different challenges. In solo play, a balanced set of skills that allow for self-sufficiency—such as self-healing and defensive capabilities—are vital. In contrast, multiplayer gameplay often sees players specializing in complementing each other’s abilities, leading to more strategic depth and team-based tactics.

Dynamic Environments

The role of dynamic environments in "The Division" is a cornerstone of its gameplay realism and immersion. The game features a detailed replication of New York City that includes a fully implemented day-night cycle and a weather system that affects visibility and strategy. For example, nighttime operations require more caution as visibility decreases, making it easier to ambush or be ambushed by enemies. Similarly, a snowstorm can muffle sounds and reduce line of sight, demanding a change in tactics like closer engagement distances or increased reliance on the game’s pulse scanning technology.

Tactical Challenges

Contaminated zones present unique tactical challenges in "The Division." These areas are marked by high levels of virus contamination and require players to wear protective masks with limited filter life. Venturing into these zones is risky but often rewarding, offering access to high-level loot. Players must manage their time effectively within these zones to avoid running out of breathable air, adding a layer of resource management to the already complex gameplay. This mechanic not only heightens the game’s tension but also underscores its theme of survival in a post-disaster scenario.

The game integrates various other mechanics, such as resource scavenging, crafting, and upgrading gear, which are essential for enhancing combat effectiveness and survival capabilities. Each aspect of gameplay in "The Division" is designed to contribute to a cohesive, immersive experience that challenges players' tactical acumen and adaptability.

"Tom Clancy's The Division" offers a rich, strategic gameplay experience that combines sophisticated shooting mechanics with RPG elements and a dynamic environment. This complexity ensures that the game remains engaging and challenging, encouraging players to think critically and strategize both in solo and multiplayer modes.

Narrative and Setting of "Tom Clancy's The Division"

Storyline and Post-Pandemic New York City

"Tom Clancy's The Division" is set in a meticulously realized world where a catastrophic pandemic has swept through New York City, precipitated by the spread of a smallpox virus on Black Friday through contaminated banknotes. This bio-attack, known in the game as the "Dollar Flu," leads to the swift collapse of the city's essential services, plunging the metropolis into chaos. With the government in disarray and basic services failing, society crumbles quickly, leaving the city under the control of various hostile factions.

The game's narrative captures the grim reality of societal breakdown in vivid detail. Players navigate a city where chaos reigns, encountering abandoned cars, deserted streets, and buildings that serve as stark reminders of the catastrophe. The setting is not just a backdrop but a character in its own right, conveying the desperation and lawlessness of a city in despair. The Christmas setting adds a layer of poignant contrast, with festive decorations juxtaposed against the backdrop of disaster, enhancing the emotional impact of the game’s atmosphere.

Role and Function of Division Agents

Players assume the role of agents of the Strategic Homeland Division, commonly referred to as "The Division." These agents are a group of civilian sleeper cells activated in the direst circumstances. Their primary mission is to restore order by any means necessary, operating independently of any remaining governmental structure. This premise taps into themes of autonomy, resilience, and the moral complexities faced when ordinary laws no longer apply.

The Division agents are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, allowing them to operate effectively within the devastated New York City. Their role extends beyond mere combatants; they are part of a broader effort to investigate the cause of the pandemic, maintain hope for the civilians still trapped in the city, and pave the way for recovery. This multi-faceted role enhances the depth of the gameplay, as players are tasked with missions that range from rescuing hostages to gathering critical data that could prevent another outbreak.

Integration of Narrative and Gameplay

The integration of narrative and gameplay in "The Division" is a critical element that enhances player immersion. The narrative-driven missions are designed to make players feel integral to the storyline's progression. Each mission and encounter is framed around the broader narrative of fighting back against chaos and helping rebuild society. For instance, restoring power, securing supply lines, or recapturing strategic locations all serve the dual purpose of aiding the player's progression and advancing the narrative of reclaiming New York.

The game’s environment reinforces this narrative through ECHO (Evidence Correlation Holographic Overlay), a technology in the game that reconstructs past events using surveillance data and holograms. This feature allows players to witness events that occurred prior to their arrival, providing context and depth to their missions and the overall story. It's an innovative narrative technique that bridges gameplay and storytelling, providing a richer, more immersive experience.

The game’s atmosphere is heavily influenced by the narrative. The somber mood, the sense of urgency, and the moral dilemmas faced by players resonate deeply due to the game’s setting in a realistic, pandemic-stricken world. The Division does not just ask players to shoot and advance; it asks them to make choices, prioritize missions, and consider the impact of their actions on the future of New York City and its survivors.

In summary, the narrative and setting of "Tom Clancy's The Division" are intricately woven into the gameplay, creating a cohesive and immersive experience that extends beyond traditional gaming mechanics. This integration not only deepens the player’s engagement with the game but also elevates the overall emotional and psychological impact of the story and setting.

Graphics and Atmosphere of "Tom Clancy's The Division"

Review of Graphical Performance

"Tom Clancy's The Division" stands as a testament to graphical excellence, with its visual presentation remaining impressively resilient over time. Launched in 2016, the game was a showcase of the capabilities of the Snowdrop engine, developed specifically to handle the high demands of dynamic global illumination, stunning procedural destruction, and detailed environmental interactivity. The engine's power was fully leveraged to create a highly immersive and visually coherent world. The level of detail in the game’s rendition of a post-pandemic New York City is meticulous, from the steam rising off the grates to the individual snowflakes that settle on surfaces and characters.

The game’s textures, lighting, and particle effects have held up remarkably well against more recent titles. The Division’s world is rendered with a realism that remains visually compelling, ensuring that the visual experience still feels current and engaging for players, even years after its initial release. This enduring graphical fidelity is crucial, as it continues to support the immersive experience intended in the game's design.

Atmospheric Effects of the Winter Setting

The choice of a winter setting in "The Division" is a key element in its atmospheric design. The game features a dynamic weather system that significantly influences both the visual tone and gameplay. Snowstorms can sweep in, reducing visibility and muffling sounds, which adds a tactical layer to the game as players must adjust their approach to combat and exploration. The accumulation of snow and ice on surfaces not only contributes to the game's visual authenticity but also affects the movement and strategic decisions of the player.

Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing these atmospheric conditions. The low winter sun creates long shadows and highlights the detailed textures of the snow-covered city, while the diffuse glow of street lamps during snowfall adds a moody, almost noir-like quality to the visuals. This careful manipulation of light and weather not only enhances the realism of the environment but also amplifies the sense of isolation and desolation in the game’s world.

Emotional and Nostalgic Impact of Christmas-themed Decorations

Incorporating Christmas-themed decorations into the game’s setting introduces a poignant contrast between the festive season and the catastrophic backdrop of the pandemic. This juxtaposition is emotionally powerful, as the remnants of holiday cheer with decorated trees, lights, and garlands stand stark against the bleak, chaotic conditions of a city in distress. This setting invokes a deep sense of nostalgia and loss, reminding players of a time of joy and normalcy now shattered by the crisis.

The Christmas decorations also enhance the game's mood, infusing it with both a sense of melancholy and a glimmer of hope. They serve as a narrative device to emphasize the human aspect of the tragedy, highlighting what was lost and what the players are fighting to regain. This use of thematic and seasonal elements in the game’s visual design deepens the emotional engagement of players, making the experience more memorable and affecting.

The graphics and atmosphere in "Tom Clancy's The Division" are integral to its identity and success as a game. The enduring graphical quality ensures that it continues to offer a visually satisfying experience, while the atmospheric and seasonal elements contribute deeply to the immersive and emotional depth of the game. Together, they create a compelling world that resonates with players, evoking a range of feelings from nostalgia to a determined hope, which keeps them engaged and connected to the game’s narrative and setting.

The technology of "Tom Clancy's The Division."

Overview of the Snowdrop Engine

When "Tom Clancy's The Division" was first unveiled, much of the excitement centered around its innovative use of the Snowdrop engine. Developed by Massive Entertainment, the Snowdrop engine was designed with an emphasis on flexibility, efficiency, and visual fidelity, specifically tailored to support the complex and dynamic world of The Division. One of the key features of this engine is its ability to handle highly detailed environments, advanced lighting, and realistic weather systems—all crucial for creating the immersive and interactive world that the game presents.

The Snowdrop engine's capabilities include real-time destruction, which is more than just a visual spectacle; it affects gameplay by dynamically altering the environment. For example, players can shoot out lights to create darkness for tactical advantage or blast holes in walls to create new shooting cover. These interactions contribute to a deeper level of strategic gameplay that responds in real time to player actions.

Another significant feature is the global illumination technology, which enhances the game's visual realism. This system ensures that lighting naturally reflects off surfaces and objects, mimicking the way light behaves in the real world. This not only creates stunning visual scenes but also adds depth and authenticity to the game environment, making it more believable and engaging for the player.

Technological Aspects Sustaining Visual Appeal

Over the years, "The Division" has maintained a visually appealing stature, largely thanks to the robust foundation laid by the Snowdrop engine. The game's ability to stand the test of time can be attributed to several key technological aspects:

1. Scalability and Optimization: The Snowdrop engine was built with scalability in mind, allowing it to perform efficiently across various hardware configurations. This adaptability has made it possible for the game to look impressive whether on older consoles or the latest gaming PCs. Optimization techniques used in the engine ensure that the game runs smoothly while maintaining high graphical quality, enhancing the overall player experience.

2. Advanced Particle Effects and Environmental Interaction: The Division showcases complex particle effects that contribute to its realistic environmental simulation. Smoke, fire, and snow are rendered with high detail, reacting to other elements and player actions. These effects are not just cosmetic; they play a role in gameplay, affecting visibility and player strategy.

3. Procedural Destruction and Material Simulation: The engine's ability to simulate realistic material responses adds another layer of realism. Different materials react in unique ways to gunfire and explosions, which not only supports the game's realism but also impacts tactical decisions during combat.

4. Continuous Updates and Enhancements: The ongoing support and updates from Ubisoft have helped keep the game's technology current. These updates have included graphical enhancements and optimizations that ensure the game continues to operate efficiently on new hardware and maintain its visual quality.

The technology behind "Tom Clancy's The Division," particularly the Snowdrop engine, has played a pivotal role in the game's long-term success. Its forward-thinking design and continuous refinement have kept the game relevant and visually impressive, setting a benchmark for how technology can enhance and sustain the gaming experience. These technological innovations not only provide immediate benefits upon the game's release but have also ensured its enduring appeal in a rapidly evolving video game landscape.

Community and Multiplayer Experience in "Tom Clancy's The Division"

The Dark Zone: A Unique Blend of PvE and PvP

One of the most innovative and talked-about features of "Tom Clancy's The Division" is the Dark Zone, a quarantine zone in the middle of Manhattan that serves as the setting for the game's most distinctive blend of PvE (Player vs. Environment) and PvP (Player vs. Player) gameplay. Within the walls of the Dark Zone, the rules change: players encounter high-level AI enemies and have the chance to find some of the best loot in the game. However, this loot must be extracted at designated points and can be stolen by other players. This introduces a tense and often unpredictable element as players must decide whether to collaborate with or betray their fellow agents.

This area is critically acclaimed for the way it seamlessly integrates high stakes and high rewards, creating a dynamically tense atmosphere that can shift from cooperation to betrayal in moments. The psychological gameplay, paired with the practical risk of losing valuable gear, provides a thrilling experience that tests both player skill and strategic decision-making.

Expansions and Special Modes

The ongoing development and release of expansions and special game modes have significantly contributed to the variety and depth of gameplay in "The Division." These additions have been vital for maintaining community engagement over the years.

• Underground Expansion: This expansion introduced a new area and mode where players explore the mazes of tunnels and subways beneath Manhattan. The Underground mode features procedurally generated missions and environments, providing a fresh and unique challenge each time. This randomness adds significant replay value and has been popular among players looking for new challenges and strategies.

• Survival Mode: Perhaps one of the most drastic shifts in gameplay, Survival mode strips players of all their gear upon entry, requiring them to scavenge for survival essentials in a hostile environment. The mode is set during a harsh blizzard, adding environmental threats to the list of challenges. Survival mode tests players' resource management skills and situational awareness, offering a tense, survivalist experience that contrasts sharply with the main game's more equipped and technology-reliant gameplay.

Community-Driven Events

"Tom Clancy's The Division" also features a variety of community-driven events that have played a crucial role in sustaining player interest and interaction. These events often involve special missions, time-limited challenges, or thematic content that encourages the community to come together. Examples include:

• Global Events: These are time-limited occasions that introduce special modifiers to the game, rewarding players with exclusive gear and items. Such events provide a temporary change to the usual game mechanics, encouraging players to adapt new strategies and team up in new ways.

• Seasonal Events: Aligning with real-world holidays or significant dates, these events tap into the festive spirit by offering themed missions, decorations, or rewards. They not only refresh the game environment but also boost community engagement through festive cheer and communal activities.

Each of these elements—The Dark Zone, expansions, and community-driven events—works in concert to create a rich, multifaceted multiplayer experience. They encourage ongoing engagement through both competitive and cooperative play, fostering a vibrant and active community. This has helped to maintain a strong player base and has kept "The Division" relevant in the competitive landscape of online multiplayer games long after its initial release.

Expansions and Special Modes in "Tom Clancy's The Division"

The Dark Zone: Mechanics, Community Impact, and Gameplay Dynamics

The Dark Zone stands out as one of the most distinctive features of "Tom Clancy's The Division," blending PvE and PvP elements in a single, high-risk environment. This zone is where the game's narrative and mechanics fuse into a unique gameplay experience that can shift from cooperation to intense competition within moments. Players enter the Dark Zone to battle against powerful AI enemies and obtain high-tier loot, but the real challenge often comes from other players who can turn from allies to adversaries.

Extraction zones, where players must secure their loot by calling in a helicopter, are focal points of tension. Players must defend their position while the extraction timer counts down, vulnerable to attacks from both NPCs and other players. This mechanic introduces a thrilling mix of strategy, trust, and betrayal, heavily influencing the community dynamic as reputations are built and rivalries are formed. The uncertainty and potential rewards of the Dark Zone keep the community engaged, continually pulling players back into its high-stakes world.

Underground Expansion: Randomly Generated Missions and Replayability

The Underground expansion adds a significant layer of depth and variety to "The Division" through its introduction of randomly generated missions. Set in the maze-like subways and tunnels beneath New York City, the Underground features environments that change layout each time they are played, ensuring that no two missions are the same. This procedural generation of levels is complemented by objectives and enemy types that also vary, requiring players to adapt their tactics with each session.

This level of variability greatly enhances the game's replayability. Players can dive into the Underground repeatedly and experience a fresh challenge every time, which is a stark contrast to the main game's more static mission environments. The expansion has been well-received for keeping the gameplay experience novel and engaging, ensuring long-term player engagement and providing seasoned players with new hurdles to overcome.

Survival Mode: Survivalist Elements and Diverse Gameplay Experiences

Survival Mode offers a stark departure from the main game's focus on accumulating powerful gear and technology. In this mode, players are stripped of all equipment and must scavenge for basic necessities such as food, water, clothing, and weapons. The mode is set against the backdrop of a harsh winter storm, which adds environmental hazards to the mix. Players must manage their core body temperature, hunger, and disease, all while navigating through a blizzard to reach the centre of the map for extraction.

This mode shifts the emphasis from high-tech combat to basic survival instincts, offering a raw, gritty, and intensely tactical experience. Players are challenged to make every bullet count and use their wits to avoid or engage in combat strategically. The survivalist elements profoundly diversify the gameplay of "The Division," appealing to those who seek a more hardcore, unforgiving challenge. It also tests players' resource management skills and situational awareness to the limit, offering a tense, immersive experience that contrasts significantly with the more equipped and resource-abundant scenarios of the main game.

The expansions and special modes in "Tom Clancy's The Division" serve to refresh and diversify the gameplay, keeping the community engaged and offering varied experiences that cater to different player preferences. From the high-risk, high-reward dynamics of the Dark Zone to the unpredictable challenges of the Underground and the raw survivalist appeal of Survival Mode, these features ensure that "The Division" continues to offer a rich, evolving game world that players can return to repeatedly. Each mode not only enhances the core game but also solidifies its standing as a versatile and enduringly popular title in the action-RPG genre.

Lasting Appeal and Legacy of "Tom Clancy's The Division"

Discussion on Why "The Division" Remains a Popular Title in the Gaming Community

"Tom Clancy's The Division" continues to be a popular title within the gaming community years after its initial release for several key reasons:

1. Rich Narrative and Dynamic World: At its core, The Division offers a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of a meticulously crafted post-pandemic New York City. The game's storyline, which combines elements of crisis, conspiracy, and recovery, resonates deeply with players, providing more than just backdrop but a world filled with missions that matter and a city that feels alive and reactive.

2. Innovative Gameplay Mechanics: The Division's blend of RPG elements with tactical third-person shooting, coupled with its complex skill system and strategic cover mechanics, offers a deeply engaging gameplay experience. The introduction of environments that players can interact with and modify during combat, such as closing car doors for cover or blasting through obstacles, adds layers of strategic depth that are appealing to both casual and hardcore gamers.

3. Social and Cooperative Play: One of the strongest aspects of The Division is its emphasis on cooperative play. The game is designed to be played with others, whether in the PvE missions of the main campaign, the mixed PvE and PvP environment of the Dark Zone, or through the team-based tactics required in special modes like Survival. This social component has fostered a strong and active community, creating lasting bonds among players and keeping them engaged over the years.

4. Continuous Updates and Expansions: Ubisoft has continually supported The Division with updates, expansions, and community-driven events that have added new content, fixed gameplay issues, and kept the game fresh and engaging. This consistent support has helped maintain a dedicated player base and kept interest in the game alive.

Analysis of Its Influence on Subsequent Video Games

The influence of "The Division" extends beyond its own series and can be seen across a broad spectrum of subsequent video games:

1. Open-World Design and Urban Settings: The Division set a high bar for open-world design in urban settings, blending realistic environments with dynamic weather systems and day-night cycles that impact gameplay. This approach has inspired other developers to invest in similar levels of detail and interactivity in urban open-world games.

2. Seamless Multiplayer Integration: The way The Division integrates multiplayer elements with its main campaign has been influential. The game's structure allows for easy drop-in, drop-out cooperative play, and the Dark Zone's innovative blend of PvE and PvP has inspired similar mechanics in other games looking to merge these two aspects of gameplay in creative ways.

3. Survival Elements in Mainstream Titles: The Division’s Survival mode reintroduced the appeal of survival mechanics with high stakes to the mainstream audience. This has influenced other titles to explore how survival elements can be incorporated into different genres to add depth and challenge.

4. Narrative Depth in Action Games: Finally, The Division has demonstrated that deep narrative storytelling can be successfully integrated into action-focused games without sacrificing the thrill of gameplay. This has encouraged more developers to craft games where story and action complement one another, enhancing the overall player experience.

The lasting appeal and legacy of "Tom Clancy's The Division" are a testament to its innovative design, compelling storytelling, and strong community engagement. It has not only set benchmarks within its genre but has also influenced the broader landscape of video gaming in meaningful ways. As the game continues to be played and appreciated, its impact on the gaming industry is likely to endure, inspiring future titles and shaping gaming trends for years to come.

Conclusion: Reflecting on "Tom Clancy's The Division"

As we conclude our comprehensive review of "Tom Clancy's The Division," it is essential to revisit and summarize the key points that contribute to its enduring appeal and influential status in the gaming world.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Engaging Gameplay: "The Division" combines robust tactical shooter mechanics with rich RPG elements, creating a deeply engaging and strategic gameplay experience. The game’s cover system, skill paths, and tactical challenges provide a compelling mix of action and strategy, appealing to a broad range of players.

2. Immersive Narrative and Setting: Set against the backdrop of a pandemic-stricken New York City, the narrative of The Division is both captivating and eerily prescient. The game's world is rendered with meticulous detail, making the city not just a setting but a character in its own right, enhancing the immersion and emotional impact of the gameplay.

3. Graphical Fidelity and Atmosphere: Powered by the Snowdrop engine, The Division boasts impressive graphics that have stood the test of time. The atmospheric effects of the winter setting and the detailed, dynamic environment contribute significantly to the game's sense of immersion.

4. Community and Multiplayer Experience: The Division shines in its multiplayer experience, from the cooperative gameplay in missions and PvE areas to the tense, unpredictable encounters in the PvP-enabled Dark Zone. This social gameplay aspect has helped cultivate a strong and dedicated community.

5. Continuous Support and Expansion: Ongoing updates, expansions like Underground and Survival mode, and community-driven events have kept the game fresh and engaging for existing players while attracting new ones. This continued support has been crucial in sustaining the game’s popularity over the years.

6. Influence on Subsequent Games: The Division has had a notable influence on subsequent video games, setting new standards in terms of integrating multiplayer experiences in a narrative-driven campaign, applying survival elements in mainstream action games, and pushing forward the capabilities of open-world urban settings.

Final Reflections on the Game's Status and Legacy:

"Tom Clancy's The Division" is more than just a game; it is a modern classic that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of video games. Its forward-thinking design and execution have not only defined a genre but have also pushed the boundaries of what is possible in terms of narrative depth, player immersion, and community engagement in video games. The Division’s ability to blend story and gameplay, alongside its dynamic and responsive world, has set a high benchmark for future titles.

Its eerie prediction and depiction of a global pandemic added an unexpected layer of relevance due to real-world events, bringing new attention and reflection on the role of video games in understanding and processing complex social issues.

As "Tom Clancy's The Division" continues to be played and appreciated, its legacy is secured not just by the enjoyment it provides but also by the conversations it inspires and the future games it influences. It stands as a testament to the power of video games as both entertainment and art, proving that great games do indeed stand the test of time.