D2 - Sega Dreamcast

I got into survival horror when I played Silent Hill. I always loved the SH series, and admit that this game looked like it would not wow me like Silent Hill. I was wrong. D2 is a fantastic game. I was so scared playing tonight, I barricaded my door. I'm twenty years old and an EMT and this game had me more terrified than any bloody emergency I've ever seen. The fact that the VMU ACTS AS A PERFECT. IN GAME COMPASS is icing on the cake. If you love horror, pick up D2

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.

Ripped off, refunded.

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.

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.

I love this game. It was a little hard unraveling the mystery like it's supposed to be. The controls aren't bad, and the first person shooter mode is cool too. Starting in the middle of nowhere means you do a lot of running. You may run out of patience but if you can just give the game a chance, it's worth it. Also, if you analyze this game, it really feels more like Resident Evil. I think this game was created before those, and the creators of Resident Evil were inspired.

Very satisfied. :)