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D2 - a different kind of survival horror

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: May 07, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I have to give credit where credit is due - Kenji Eno's artistic vision have given birth to a brilliant game world that touches on the pristine beauty of the Canadian countryside, the graphics convey the landscape wonderfully from the blowing snowflakes, the endless valleys of snow, the bouncing bunnies that run away once your presence is discerned -- the environments are breathtaking, the shadows draping down with the sunset, the flocks of birds that can be seen flying overhead, it is all psuedo-realistic in its execution. the inside environments are wonderful too - every little detail is wonderfully rendered down to the grainy wooden boards making up the cabinets to the hinges on the cabinets to the frosted window panes, Warp has outdone themselves in graphical presentations. The character models are equally impressive with a wide range of facial expressions and moving lips (which are not in senc some of the time but still impressive) to the details in the clothing and assessories. Even years after its release, the swaying trees, the figure of Laura moving through the snowy landscape is still breathtaking, even long after the Dreamcast has become defunct.
The same loving care can be said about the characters, they are given more than enough emotional depth from the poetic yearnings of Kimberly to the childish innocent and desire to see her grandfather that characterizes Jeannie. The voice acting does a lot to add emotional depth, it is excellent in most respects save for a few laughable lines and some volume problems (Kimberly seems to be speaking in a whisper for the 1st half of the game) -- but the characters do a lot to add to the story which despite a slow, deliberate pacing keeps you hooked after a few cinematic set pieces put the mystery in motion.
The gameplay is interesting, mainly consisting of random encounters with mutated creatures that is handled in an on-rails 1st person shooter engine -- it is difficult at first, the encounter rate is somewhat high, but the experience points and leveling up more than help add incentive. Also an interesting gameplay mechanic is hunting for food using a rifle, shooting rabbits, birds, and caribu -- it is quite immersive and fun to crest a snow bank and see caribu feeding, taking a quick aim and letting off a shot. The idea of getting food and using it for health is also innovative (though there is a plethora of healing items around like first aid sprays).
There are some rough spots about D2, the random battles get monotonous, the environments are stunning to look at but also get quite repetitive after some time since the majority of movement is back and forth from one place to another and then back to the original. The plot points are interesting though some people might be turned off by the infrequency of them as well as the length. And the pacing is slow, things that happen take a long time to build and there is a lot of down time between major scenes (though there is a lot of random battles between there, they get old too). I can understand the mixed reaction this game got when it was released, it does have some flaws, but the overall immersive atmosphere of the game hooked me, it is a different kind of game, like all of Warp's games. It might not be for everyone, but for the certain type of gamer, it will be a masterpiece.

If I want a movie I will buy a DVD

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 3 / 8
Date: September 21, 2000
Author: Amazon User

This is not a game it is a completely computer rendered movie with good Dialogue decent story and wonderful music. The problem is I play video games to play and this title lacks gameplay in a woeful manner. You switch modes so there is some upclose gun battles alot of em in fact thats all the gameplay really consists of besides wandering around. The hunting mode is fun for about ten minutes until you master it. I would buy this game for under twenty bucks and be happy with the entertainment value I got from the FMV's and the soundtrack both of which are incredible. If you are looking for a scary little movie that you push along you might just like it but rent first.

Laaaaaaaaaaaame!

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: August 01, 2001
Author: Amazon User

This game has blocky and awkward cinematics and the gameplay isn't much better. I played this game for about 4 hours or so and then gave up on it. Do yourself a favor and skip this one unless you're a die hard survival horror fan. -Osiris Z

Poetic, but a little talky...

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: September 24, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Not bad for the price, this adventure game is fairly easy for the experienced gamer. Its real strength is in the setting (a snowy Canadian landscape) and the characters, who are all developed over frequent cut-scenes. If anything, the game is pretty talky, and at times you'll do anything to get back to the action. A moderate recommendation to fans of the survival horror genre; all others should probably steer clear.

The Dreamcast's most stylish iteration of survival horror...

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: December 17, 2001
Author: Amazon User

D2 is more than a simple game, and where Kenji Eno partly failed in his previous attempts at the genre, in the original D (3DO, Saturn & Playstation) and its pseudo-sequel Enemy Zero (Saturn), he makes up for it in D2. While some may try to classify this as a survival horror game, D2, like D & EO, is really an old-school point and click graphic adventure, only in this case held together by random, RPG-like battle encounters, which handle like a first-person shooter. The story this time around again follows WARP's heroine, Laura, only this time she is one of the few survivors of a plane crash deep in the frozen tundra. Once again, she must foil the evil that has befallen her, an ancient demon of sorts that is being awoke for the earth's demise.

I'm not going to even try to get into the story, which explains the multi-GD length of the game, because suffice to say, it's weird (any veteran of Eno's games will know this). The graphic adventure portion of the game is handled in the usual D style, while the action sequences are brief enough not to grate too much, despite their repetitive nature. The voice acting is good enough I suppose, with no one character really getting on my nerves. This is a good one if you have the time...

A Perfect Game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 2
Date: August 05, 2001
Author: Amazon User

D2 is an excellent game that offers everything you love about survival horror games and more... The game centers around Laura Parton, whose plane crashes somewhere in the mountains of Northern Canada. In order to survive, she must hunt for food, and protect herself against mutated monsters that pop out at random. As you go through this game, you'll find yourself emersed in an in-depth story containing stunning cinemas,character interactions,puzzles,terrifying bosses, and exciting plot twists and turns that'll leave you on the edge of your seat wanting more. There were, however, certain things in this game which I found slightly trying on one's patience. For instace, hunting for rabbits was tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes fairly easy. Another thing that's slightly annoying, is the monsters. There's nothing wrong with them in particular, it's just that every time Laura steps into a certain area, monsters instantly pop out [in numbers] and you're forced to fight them. In spite of this, I strongly urge anyone who loves survival horror games to buy D2. The story line and the graphics alone, are well worth it.

The Complete Trilogy

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 2
Date: May 08, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Alright...
You have "Enemy Zero", "D", and "D2"
all three are great games, but not for everyone..
"Enemy Zero" (which is a little hard to get hold of) Is a little weird compared to the rest but a great game.
"D" is one of the best.. But slow slow slooooooowwwww moving and puzzle solving game. Very frustrating and you have to sit there and play it all in one shot.No saving... you have two hours to beat it. But otherwise graphics are great the creepiness vibe is awesome and it's just damn cool.
"D2" is a little different.. Really it doesn't have anything t do with "D" other than the main character. But still fun and a unque twist on the "D" thing...
It comes down to this..
You know how three's though "Arthouse" movies? and thse "Underground" bands? the types of media that do not get worldwide recognition and is only known by a few? well, these three games are it for the video game world.. Definetly not for everyone... but for some... check them out...

"HARDCORE GAMERS ONLY"

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 1 / 3
Date: September 22, 2000
Author: Amazon User

"Is this a movie or a video game". About 75% of the timeline is cinema.The characters don't even talk in-sync,it's like watching a japaness dubbed movie.But yet, i don't want to discourage this type of gameplay,i like to see more of it in the furture, It's cinematic charm is a plus,it's weapons are awesome,it's simple gameplay is entertaning.it took me four days to finish it.

this game (...)

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 0 / 1
Date: December 09, 2001
Author: Amazon User

This game had boring graphics akward game play repettition of events nothing like it looked to be. The main chacter dosent even talk. over all this game (...)!

Since 0 of 1 persons found this helpful...

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 0 / 1
Date: December 17, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I personally did not like D2. My reason is this. Having played and enjoyed Resident Evil, I have a certain benchmark for Survival Horror games. This game just didn't reach my high expectations.

You will immediatly find that your part in the game is more as a bystander than as a actual participant. When exploring a room, one zooms in on objects rather than approaches them. You never actually move about the area. When you are outside, this is different but running from area to area just leads to battles.

And that is one of the other problems I had with this game. Battles consist of you firing a gun at a achargiing enemy and hoping you stop them before they hit you. You can't move, dodge or run away. That makes for repetitive combat.

The movies are good and all but they are very long and they make a large protion of the game. To tell the truth, I bouth this game because it was Mature and I wanted to know why. After an hour of play, I could have cared less. Buy Resident Evil anything instead.

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