Review
It's unfortunate when you play games like D. It had so much hype backing it and was filled with so much promise of a truly unique adventure game experience. It was even rumored to revolutionize the genre for next generation console systems. Unfortunately, it didn't come close to living up to the hype. And this is sad because you can just see the potential oozing out of every nook and cranny of this creepy game. But because the final execution is so poor and shoddy, D will be forgotten with all the other mediocre games of this genre.
First let me point out the good things about D. One is that it wasn't toned down too much for the domestic releases. The Japanese version has a few extra gory scenes that were left out of the domestic version, but everything else is basically unchanged. And this is a good thing. One of the main aspects that drive this game is the horror and terror factor. And this game certainly does deliver the goods. Your character, Laura, will see flashbacks and images of cannibalism, shootings, blood, deaths and many other things. And she will react to these images in a very realistic manner. You can actually see the shock and horror expressions come alive on her face. So needless to say, the developers spent a lot of time on the detail. The mansion you rummage through is filled with vivid and gorgeous rendering. Everything looks realistic and the house is dreary and has a very ominous and haunting atmosphere.
And now for the problems. The main thing is the length and the easy nature of gameplay. It can be finished in a matter of five hours with absolutely no hints or walkthroughs at all. If you really know what you are doing, you might even be able to finish it in half that time. Not only is it painfully short, but the puzzles you encounter are so laughably easy. Use this key here, move this object here, look in the dresser, etc. It's all very primary and basic stuff, which is unacceptable. Games are supposed to be challenging and require you to use your brain cells. But the most irritating problem is how slow your character moves. It takes Laura forever to walk around in a room and it takes even longer for each walk command to register. Sometimes you'll have to wait almost five seconds before she turns to the right and even longer for her to actually get to her destination.
The problems are very unfortunate because D had great presentation and potential. It's got the freaky storyline, excessive gore and haunting (and quite beautiful) images, but everything else is too problematic and the game is way too easy and short for it's own good. This would make for a good nightly rent, but not much else.
Graphics 
Beautiful is the only way to describe the visuals. Everything was rendered extraordinarily and the mansion is dark, creepy and dreary. There are also some very disturbing and shockingly violent sequences that stick in your mind for a while. Laura's facial expressions are equally impressive and very realistic.
Sound 
Some of the voice acting is questionable, but the dark, ambient soundtrack really fits the game nicely.
Enjoyment 
D is just too slow, short and easy for it to be thoroughly enjoyable. Sure it's got the look and personality, but the game just isn't good enough. It's actually quite frustrating, if not only for the slow movements and long load times.
Replay Value 
Because the game is so short and easy, you may want to go through it a few times just to witness some of the shocking events again.
Documentation 
The manual is pretty bare, but it tells you what you need to know in order to play the game.
