D 3DO review

Introduction

“D” is definitely a very special game in the Panasonic 3DO library and really demands a second look.

Cinematic Experience

From the moment the game boots up, players are thrust into a cinematic experience unlike any other on the 3DO. Developed by the visionary mind of Kenji Eno and WARP, “D” immerses players in a gripping tale of psychological horror. As virtual actress Laura Harris (also used in WARP’s Enemy Zero), the daughter of a renowned doctor, players navigate the ominous halls of a haunted hospital in search of her missing father.

FMV Integration and Narrative

What sets “D” apart is its seamless integration of live-action FMV sequences with interactive gameplay. Eno’s mastery of suspense keeps players on the edge of their seats as they uncover the dark secrets lurking within the hospital’s walls. The branching narrative ensures that every decision matters, leading to multiple good and bad endings that leave a lasting impact.

Gameplay Mechanics

Players need to complete the game within a straight 2-hour window with no saves, unfortunately. The game comprises puzzles, set pieces, and stretches of exposition and flashback told in FMV.

Story and Atmosphere

The “D” stands for Dracula – as it turns out, Laura is part of a vampire dynasty and has actually killed her mother in an earlier unscheduled cannibalistic lunch break when she was younger. Her father has brainwashed Laura to block out this terrible event, which she slowly pieces together through flashbacks when encountering her mother’s old charm in various locations in the castle.

Visuals and Soundtrack

Despite the limitations of the 3DO hardware, “D” delivers stunning visuals that still hold up to this day. The pre-rendered backgrounds are dripping with atmosphere, while the haunting soundtrack sets the perfect tone for each chilling encounter.

Critique of Gameplay

However, “D” is not without its flaws. The gameplay mechanics, while innovative for their time, can feel clunky and sluggish by modern standards. The reliance on pre-rendered backgrounds and paths limits player exploration, and some puzzles may frustrate those accustomed to more intuitive and fast-paced interaction.

Legacy and Impact

Yet, these shortcomings pale in comparison to the sheer ambition and creativity on display from Eno. “D” stands as a testament to the untapped potential of the Panasonic 3DO, offering a glimpse into what could have been if more quality interactive FMV titles like this were released. It’s also a shame we never got to see the finished D2 on M2, which looked like it was to be an engaging mixture of both quality story-driven FMV and more action-oriented gameplay.

Final Thoughts

For those willing to brave its eerie corridors, “D” remains a haunting journey into the heart of darkness and a standout title for the 3DO at the time. In Japan, it sold a million copies, highlighting its popularity.

Directors Cut and Additional Content

There was a subsequent Director’s Cut released that had additional content, a game music disk, and a teaser trailer at the end for D2.