D2

Originally expected to be released on the now defunct M2 system, D2 was the very first Dreamcast game to be unveiled to the public. This slick looking action/adventure title caught everybody's interest and is still one of the most highly anticipated Dreamcast games. Unfortunately, due to a wide variety of problems, D2 was delayed from a late 1998 release to a release sometime in 1999.

The best way to describe D2 would be a blend of Tomb Raider and Bio Hazard elements. Just by looking at some of the screens it's easy to notice the resemblence in gameplay between D2 and Tomb Raider. The only difference between the gameplay is that during battles the view switches to a first person viewpoint rather than a stable third person viewpoint. In contrast the story and enemy threat within D2 relate more to what the Bio Hazard games offer. Yes, this means you will have the opportunity to fend off quite a few mutant freaks or suffer the consequences.

The story of D2 begins when the main character, Laura Parton is seen riding a commercial airline in the winter of 1999. The plane mysteriously crashes in a snowfield and she is thus forced to fight a terrible group of monsters which have appeared out of nowhere. Throughout Laura's adventure, she will run into many other characters which help thicken the plot. The plot plays out in wonderfully animated CG sequences which I thought were extremely impressive. Although I was only able to view the animation sequences via the Internet unveiling broadcast, they did impress the masses.

According to Warp, D2 will feature 60 FPS. Additionally, with the power of the Dreamcast, Warp has indicated that Laura's facial expressions and feelings will be potrayed flawlessly with 3D animations.

Warp is expected to include a demo of D2 within their upcoming release of Real Sound 2. Real Sound 2 is slated to be released on Feburary 25th 1999. As soon as we get our hands on that demo, we will have more on D2, including thoughts and impressions.