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GameSpot Talks With Kenji Eno
GameSpot Talks With Kenji Eno-March 2024
Mar 19, 2025 6:08 PM

  Last month in Los Angeles during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), GameSpot News sat down with Warp's president, Kenji Eno to discuss D2, Laura, and everything else about his company. On Wednesday, we had a chance to reintroduce ourselves to the famous game developer/composer/marketer/pr manager once again to follow up with a new batch of questions.

  GameSpot News: We've heard that D2 is now scheduled for November and will be on 4 CDs. Is that right?Kenji Eno: Yes that's right. (Laughing) You guys are on top of your news… that information isn't even out in Japan yet! It will be revealed there later this week.

  GS: How were responses to D2 at E3?KE: It's really difficult to say because people only really got to see two parts. The people only got a small taste of what to expect in the full version.

  GS: How many different elements are in D2?KE: We have the shooting parts, the adventure areas, puzzle, racing and RPG elements. It has the elements of an RPG in that Laura can gain more experience.

  GS: How does the experience help Laura?KE: By gaining more experience you can get more health points and increase your gun capabilities – you will have better aim for shooting your gun.

  GS: How do you view your stats?KE: You use this button (pointing to the Dreamcast's Start button) to view them along with other things like maps.

  GS: Last time we spoke you also mentioned you would be sending out videotapes to attendees of the D2 World Premium Show from last year. Is that still being planned?KE: Yes, we will be sending out the tapes next week in Japan. However it won't only be a video, but it will also include a flyer that will include details on the price and release date. Also, the other side of the paper will include details on a new plan for D2. In December, we will be hosting a big techno party. It will be an all night party that will start at midnight on Christmas Eve. We will have it in Tokyo and we are planning to invite around 7,000 people. There will be huge screens and over 100 speakers.

  GS: You also mentioned at E3 that you were inspired to make the scenery (such as the mountains) for D2 because of travels to Alaska. What inspired the monsters in D2?KE: Actually, there were no real inspirations. As you know the monsters are all actually human, but they become mutated with plant life to become the creatures they are. GS: How long does it take to complete D2?KE: It will be around 15 hours. I don't want to play more than 15 hours.

  GS: Are there reasons to go back and play again?KE: Yes, the second time players can do more. For example, they can attain more items.

  GS: Will you be able to use the stats you've built up the first time through the game?KE: No. (Smiles)

  GS: Will you do any other promotions for this like you did with Enemy Zero? Will you do something with the D2 weapons?KE: Well, maybe… I have to do some planning. For Enemy Zero, I had a special package version in a big box that included a replica of the gun in the game for 200,000 yen (US$1,695). I went everywhere in Japan to hand deliver the packages to people who ordered it. I only did 20 of those packages, but we had orders for over 150. However with D2 I don't want to do old things like that – I want to try new things. (Ed's note: We don't blame him).

  GS: At E3 you also mentioned to us that all of the elements of D2 are basically complete, and now you're just focusing on gameplay. We know the game has been delayed but we want to know if you're adding any new scenarios?KE: No, we really are focusing on the gameplay. Besides a few graphical touches here and there everything is finished. We're just working on making sure D2 is a great gaming experience now.

  GS: You told us previously that when you started work on D2 for the Dreamcast you said that you had separate teams working on Real Sound and another title at the same time. Now, however, everyone is working on D2. Do you have plans to split up your teams again as D2's production nears completion?KE: After Real Sound 1 was finished we started on three titles – Real Sound 2, D2, and… well, one that I can't say. But it is for the Dreamcast (smiling - glancing over at a member of Sega PR). Right now we need all of the staff focused on D2 until it is finished. After D2 we can go back to working on Real Sound 2 and an RPG.

  GS: So Real Sound 2 is for Dreamcast?KE: Yes it is. It will be very different from the original game – it will be a shift from the love story to a suspense album. Real Sound 3 will be comedy.

  GS: What are some of your current favorite games? KE: (Pauses and leans back in his chair and thinks) Dear Hunter 2 (smiles). I should also mention Shenmue.

  GS: So what are some other Dreamcast games that have impressed you lately? KE: The boxing game (Ed's note: Ready 2 Rumble).

  GS: What about Seaman? We think that game is great.KE: Ah yes, Seaman. I do like that game. An interesting note about it, though, is that I actually was the one who introduced the producer of that game to Mr. Irimajiri of Sega. Originally Seaman was going to be made for the PC, but when he spoke with Sega he was convinced to make it for the Dreamcast. So I guess you could say I had a part in that.

  GS: Wow, interesting. The last time we spoke we spoke about the PlayStation 2. Now what do you think of the Nintendo Dolphin?KE: I don't really know much on it. All I know is that I love Dreamcast (again looking over at the Sega PR member, smiling). The reason D2 has taken so long is because we wanted to create our own engine, and we want to carry that on to our next title. I think the Dreamcast is looking great this year – next year, however, I'm not so sure yet. One aspect of the Dreamcast that I'm very interested in is its network capabilities – I have a plan to develop a network game in the future.

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