Deep Fear
Encyclopedia
Deep Fear is a 1998
survival horror video game for the Sega Saturn
. It is notable for being the last Saturn game released in Europe
.
It borrows many aspects from Capcom
's Resident Evil
such as the use of first-aid sprays as the player's sole healing item and a significant dependency on firearms. But the game offered many unique gameplay features such as buttons that allow the player to use items in real-time and the ability to walk and run while armed.
Much like Resident Evil, the game is notorious for its comically sub-par voice acting
and nonsensical dialogue. The music was composed by Kenji Kawai
. The creatures and characters were designed by Manga
artist Yasushi Nirasawa
.
, Deep Fear takes place 300 meters under the Pacific Ocean
in a naval fueling and research facility known as the Big Table (SSB-01). Players assume the role of John Mayor, an ex-Navy SEAL who resigned and joined forces with a civilian rescue group known as the ERS (Emergency Rescue Services). The ERS is one of many civilian corporations that, according to the Big Table's history, was offered space at the facility in order to aid the Navy in a severe budget cut.
A small UFO descends from space and lands near the Big Table. The Sea Fox, a considerably small but fast nuclear submarine
, is dispatched to collect the object and refuel at the Big Table. Shortly after the refueling, however, the Sea Fox crashes into a separable portion of the base known as the Navy Area, which serves as the base's fueling and top secret research facility.
Neglecting the high security level of the Navy Area, the base commander calls in a SEAL team as the primary rescue enforcement, but sends the ERS into the area so they can extract an important doctor from the area and re-connect the area to the base.
From here, the presence of hostile mutant
s cause trouble throughout the base as human beings—living or undead—begin to transform into grotesque creatures that are fueled by one goal: to kill.
The oxygen in certain areas can be replenished through yellow oxygen boxes known as Air Systems (AS) located in different rooms of each area. Each AS allows the player the ability to save an unlimited number of times as well as the ability to refill the player's Regulator once acquired. There is an option to view how much oxygen is left in an area, but often a red emergency light helps indicate how low the oxygen is to the player with the number-option off (it's also indicated on the player's map with rooms colored red).
A97 Oxygen Grenades: Harmless grenades used to replenish low oxygenated rooms or hallways.
Regulator: In case the player is not near an AS or lack Oxygen Grenades, they can equip a regulator (once acquired) which will allow them to breathe both in low oxygen areas and flooded areas (it's also worth mentioning that each door to each room in the base features two doors and a vacuum system between them; this ensures that a flooded room will not leak outside the room once flooded).
Combat: Because of the protagonist's prior combat experience as a SEAL, he is comfortable using and is familiar with all sorts of firearms. With this in mind, the player automatically locks on to nearby enemies once the 'arm' button is pushed, as well as being able to move freely once armed (any high or low enemies are automatically aimed at). In addition to these, there is an option that allows players to switch manually between multiple targets.
Weapon Storage: Due to the base's record lack of weapon usage, the player is allowed access to an over stocked supply of ammunition for a number of different weapons located in the Weapons Storage rooms. However, security is still maintained and only certain weapons can be accessed by important individuals in the base. Therefore, all non-standard firearms are accessed in the game once the player collects the appropriate Weapon Storeroom Passcards.
off the coast of Guam
, the Big Table serves a number of purposes with its areas.
Below this are the washing and laundry rooms as well as a small diner and entertainment/media room (where the player can watch any Digital Video Tapes found), and below this is a fast food restaurant, the base's first-aid station and a small recreational park.
This area can lead to the separate Energy Unit Area via Sea-Bed Tunnel, the only true underground area of the base.
As he was a SEAL Team 6 member, he is strictly disciplined and is used to taking orders despite the odds.
Since his resignation, he was administered in the ERS from his need to help and his prior combat experiences, though he tries to avoid recognizing the latter.
He can be grievous to an extent as he sees every death a tragedy and is hard to let go of the past.
John begins the game with a cold, which is revealed to be what prevents him from transforming into a mutant over the course of the game.
and is never hesitant to inform others of his appreciation.
who has an appreciation for animals. She works part-time as a Freelance Photogragpher, but her best work consists of underwater photography
. She also has a certain knowledge of breeding various animals, particularly dolphins, and she is very responsible, all of which landed her in the Sea Farm company as a caretaker.
However, after being stationed at the Big Table, she finds her job boring as there is nowhere for her to go and have fun. Eventually her ennui is fought back when John arrives at the base and she tries to spend as much time as she can with him.
, Dubois is a remarkably accomplished individual; he was a top graduate of his MIT class and is an expert in computer designs and architecture.
He was eventually hired by the Navy back in the nineties to design both the Sea Fox and every component of the Big Table, both of which he is emmensly proud of.
Much like his origin, there is a particular duality to his personality: due to his accomplishments, he can be awfully conceited with his work and is very eccentric.
On the other hand however, he is amazingly helpful and is a compliant man willing to do anything he can to save others.
He was sent to the Big Table in order to retrieve Monitor Data on the company's anti-pressure diving equipment. He is somewhat witty despite being a dedicated business man.
who seems to be closely associated with Gena as she is the only person he is passionate with. Although Gena cares for Anthony, she tends to be overly lenient with him and lets him do as he pleases.
who roams the Apartment Area of the Big Table. He can be very gluttonous despite his fit physique and is often sociable. He is very dependent on his loving owner Anna as he will run to her room if he's frightened.
1998 in video gaming
-Events:*Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences hosts 1st Annual Interactive Achievement Awards; inducts Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo to the AIAS Hall of Fame*British Academy of Film and Television Arts hosts the 1st annual BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards...
survival horror video game for the Sega Saturn
Sega Saturn
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe...
. It is notable for being the last Saturn game released in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
.
It borrows many aspects from Capcom
Capcom
is a Japanese developer and publisher of video games, known for creating multi-million-selling franchises such as Devil May Cry, Chaos Legion, Street Fighter, Mega Man and Resident Evil. Capcom developed and published Bionic Commando, Lost Planet and Dark Void too, but they are less known. Its...
's Resident Evil
Resident Evil (video game)
Resident Evil, known as in Japan, is a survival horror video game by Capcom. The first installment in the Resident Evil series, it was originally released in 1996 for the PlayStation and was subsequently ported to the Sega Saturn and PC. In 2002, a remake of the game was released for the Nintendo...
such as the use of first-aid sprays as the player's sole healing item and a significant dependency on firearms. But the game offered many unique gameplay features such as buttons that allow the player to use items in real-time and the ability to walk and run while armed.
Much like Resident Evil, the game is notorious for its comically sub-par voice acting
Voice acting
Voice acting is the art of providing voices for animated characters and radio and audio dramas and comedy, as well as doing voice-overs in radio and television commercials, audio dramas, dubbed foreign language films, video games, puppet shows, and amusement rides.Performers are called...
and nonsensical dialogue. The music was composed by Kenji Kawai
Kenji Kawai
, born April 23, 1957 in Shinagawa, Tokyo, is a Japanese music composer, for motion pictures, anime movies, video games and televised programs. He has contributed to the musical scores for numerous films from Japan and other countries in Asia, working in film genres as diverse as anime, horror,...
. The creatures and characters were designed by Manga
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
artist Yasushi Nirasawa
Yasushi Nirasawa
is a Japanese illustrator, character designer, and model maker born in Tochio, Niigata Prefecture. His first works were as the conceptual artist for the film Space Truckers and the set design of Vampire Hunter D. He is also credited for designing the Phantoms in "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within"...
.
Story
Partly inspired by the films Leviathan and The AbyssThe Abyss
The Abyss is a 1989 science fiction film written and directed by James Cameron. It stars Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Michael Biehn. The original musical score was composed by Alan Silvestri...
, Deep Fear takes place 300 meters under the Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.At 165.2 million square kilometres in area, this largest division of the World...
in a naval fueling and research facility known as the Big Table (SSB-01). Players assume the role of John Mayor, an ex-Navy SEAL who resigned and joined forces with a civilian rescue group known as the ERS (Emergency Rescue Services). The ERS is one of many civilian corporations that, according to the Big Table's history, was offered space at the facility in order to aid the Navy in a severe budget cut.
A small UFO descends from space and lands near the Big Table. The Sea Fox, a considerably small but fast nuclear submarine
Nuclear submarine
A nuclear submarine is a submarine powered by a nuclear reactor . The performance advantages of nuclear submarines over "conventional" submarines are considerable: nuclear propulsion, being completely independent of air, frees the submarine from the need to surface frequently, as is necessary for...
, is dispatched to collect the object and refuel at the Big Table. Shortly after the refueling, however, the Sea Fox crashes into a separable portion of the base known as the Navy Area, which serves as the base's fueling and top secret research facility.
Neglecting the high security level of the Navy Area, the base commander calls in a SEAL team as the primary rescue enforcement, but sends the ERS into the area so they can extract an important doctor from the area and re-connect the area to the base.
From here, the presence of hostile mutant
Mutant
In biology and especially genetics, a mutant is an individual, organism, or new genetic character, arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is a base-pair sequence change within the DNA of a gene or chromosome of an organism resulting in the creation of a new character or trait not...
s cause trouble throughout the base as human beings—living or undead—begin to transform into grotesque creatures that are fueled by one goal: to kill.
Gameplay
The controls were similar to, yet somewhat advanced from Resident Evil. Players moved John through pre-rendered rooms of the base shown in fixed camera angles using a permanent 3D control scheme. Players had full control of the Options which allowed them to turn on or off certain on-screen indicators such as an oxygen counter, health meter and bullet count. Once armed, players could move freely using the D-pad and could even run while aiming a firearm. The game fully utilized the Saturn's six-button controller, allowing players to have instant access to a map screen as well as real-time use of grenades and health items that could be used without having to go into the inventory screen.Additional Gameplay Features
Oxygen: Because the setting takes place underwater and due to certain circumstances in the base, the base's oxygen supply will deplete over time. So one point of survival includes the function of refilling low oxygenated areas as to avoid choking to death. In addition to this, the limited oxygen levels will deplete faster once a firearm is overused in rooms which lack proper oxygen levels.The oxygen in certain areas can be replenished through yellow oxygen boxes known as Air Systems (AS) located in different rooms of each area. Each AS allows the player the ability to save an unlimited number of times as well as the ability to refill the player's Regulator once acquired. There is an option to view how much oxygen is left in an area, but often a red emergency light helps indicate how low the oxygen is to the player with the number-option off (it's also indicated on the player's map with rooms colored red).
A97 Oxygen Grenades: Harmless grenades used to replenish low oxygenated rooms or hallways.
Regulator: In case the player is not near an AS or lack Oxygen Grenades, they can equip a regulator (once acquired) which will allow them to breathe both in low oxygen areas and flooded areas (it's also worth mentioning that each door to each room in the base features two doors and a vacuum system between them; this ensures that a flooded room will not leak outside the room once flooded).
Combat: Because of the protagonist's prior combat experience as a SEAL, he is comfortable using and is familiar with all sorts of firearms. With this in mind, the player automatically locks on to nearby enemies once the 'arm' button is pushed, as well as being able to move freely once armed (any high or low enemies are automatically aimed at). In addition to these, there is an option that allows players to switch manually between multiple targets.
Weapon Storage: Due to the base's record lack of weapon usage, the player is allowed access to an over stocked supply of ammunition for a number of different weapons located in the Weapons Storage rooms. However, security is still maintained and only certain weapons can be accessed by important individuals in the base. Therefore, all non-standard firearms are accessed in the game once the player collects the appropriate Weapon Storeroom Passcards.
Big Table areas
The Big Table is a considerably massive base that has a number of levels and houses a number of Naval and civilian areas. Based near the edge of Mariana TrenchMariana Trench
The Mariana Trench or Marianas Trench is the deepest part of the world's oceans. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean, to the east of the Mariana Islands. The trench is about long but has a mean width of only...
off the coast of Guam
Guam
Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is one of five U.S. territories with an established civilian government. Guam is listed as one of 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories by the Special Committee on Decolonization of the United...
, the Big Table serves a number of purposes with its areas.
- CCD (Central Control Deck): This is the area that is responsible for contacting the surface as well as multiple parts of the base via wireless PA. This is also where the Base Commander and designer live temporarily as well as a meeting room. Additionally, the ERS are stationed on the top floor of the area, right above one of the base's two emergency pools for submersibles to enter.
- Apartment Area: The living quarters for staff, workers and soldiers on the base, the Apartment Area houses a large number people on the third floor including the Docking Area foreman with an assortment of bunks.
Below this are the washing and laundry rooms as well as a small diner and entertainment/media room (where the player can watch any Digital Video Tapes found), and below this is a fast food restaurant, the base's first-aid station and a small recreational park.
- DN Area: A small area of the Big Table that is rented out by the Dynamic Network company, a company that specializes in varied communication levels. They also specialize in maintenance and hire special deep-sea divers and anti-pressure diving wear in order to make repairs to communication machines.
- Junk Area: A small, but necessary area of the base that incinerates all forms of garbage including hazardous waste materials.
- MI Area: A well proportioned part of the base which is rented by the Medical Industry for innumerous chemical experiments and research.
- Sea Farm Area: An agricultural company which specializes in breeding animals for deep underwater levels, complete with its own breeding pool and small pasture.
This area can lead to the separate Energy Unit Area via Sea-Bed Tunnel, the only true underground area of the base.
- Docking: The part of the base that allows access to the Navy and Air Unit Areas.
- Navy Area: A top secret part of the base that serves mostly as a refueling station for submarines, but currently houses a small research and record station. It is the sole part of the base that can be moved away from and reconnected to the bottom of the base.
- Air Unit Area: The Big Table's main source for oxygen, accessible to workers via gondola liftGondola liftA gondola lift is a type of aerial lift, normally called a cable car, which is supported and propelled by cables from above. It consists of a loop of steel cable that is strung between two stations, sometimes over intermediate supporting towers. The cable is driven by a bullwheel in a terminal,...
only.
- Energy Unit Area: The Big Table's main source for electricity, accessible either on foot or underwater through the outer Connection Park.
- Connection Park: A small warehouse used solely for storing explosive materials; stationed outside in the water between the base and Energy Unit Area for security reasons.
John Mayor
The protagonist of the story, John is a responsible and caring individual who, though quiet at times, is identified as a very agreeable person.As he was a SEAL Team 6 member, he is strictly disciplined and is used to taking orders despite the odds.
Since his resignation, he was administered in the ERS from his need to help and his prior combat experiences, though he tries to avoid recognizing the latter.
He can be grievous to an extent as he sees every death a tragedy and is hard to let go of the past.
John begins the game with a cold, which is revealed to be what prevents him from transforming into a mutant over the course of the game.
Mookie Carver
The only other ERS member on the Big Table, Mookie is an energetic and compliant young man, though his sense of excitement often gets the better of him. He has a well established experience with submersibles which landed him in the pilot seat of the ERS submersible 'Little Shark.' As a newcomer to the ERS, he is currently being trained under John's easy-going tutorage. He was the first of the two ERS members to be admissioned at the Big Table, so he is more familiar with the areas of the base than John is. He is also a big fan of the New York YankeesNew York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
and is never hesitant to inform others of his appreciation.
Sharon State
A passionate young lady from CaliforniaCalifornia
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
who has an appreciation for animals. She works part-time as a Freelance Photogragpher, but her best work consists of underwater photography
Underwater photography
Underwater photography is the process of taking photographs while under water. It is usually done while scuba diving, but can be done while snorkeling or swimming.-Overview:...
. She also has a certain knowledge of breeding various animals, particularly dolphins, and she is very responsible, all of which landed her in the Sea Farm company as a caretaker.
However, after being stationed at the Big Table, she finds her job boring as there is nowhere for her to go and have fun. Eventually her ennui is fought back when John arrives at the base and she tries to spend as much time as she can with him.
Clancy Dawkins
A dutiful and calm man, Commander Clancy (as he's best known around the base) is very responsible of his position at the Big Table. He ensures that all accident reports are made and will do anything necessary to prevent further accidents. He is very authoritative and can be stressed easily.Dubois Amalric
Supposedly hailing from Alsace-LorraineAlsace-Lorraine
The Imperial Territory of Alsace-Lorraine was a territory created by the German Empire in 1871 after it annexed most of Alsace and the Moselle region of Lorraine following its victory in the Franco-Prussian War. The Alsatian part lay in the Rhine Valley on the west bank of the Rhine River and east...
, Dubois is a remarkably accomplished individual; he was a top graduate of his MIT class and is an expert in computer designs and architecture.
He was eventually hired by the Navy back in the nineties to design both the Sea Fox and every component of the Big Table, both of which he is emmensly proud of.
Much like his origin, there is a particular duality to his personality: due to his accomplishments, he can be awfully conceited with his work and is very eccentric.
On the other hand however, he is amazingly helpful and is a compliant man willing to do anything he can to save others.
Gena Weisburg
The lead researcher of the MI Area, Gena is a stoic woman who dedicates herself to her research. Though she seems apathetic and a little cold at times, she has a few soft spots in her that prove that she is humane and cares about others. As a biologist, she is seldom fearful of the unknown and is quick to observe and study what others won't.Danny Reynolds
The Docking Area Foreman, Danny takes every ounce of responsibility for his area. He can be very stubborn and expecting, but is otherwise well appreciated around the base, especially around his fellow maintenance and construction workers. He seems often relaxed and unnerved by bad news, though it's thought that's all he expects.Anna Lawerenson
A professional deep-sea diver hired by the Dynamic Network company and stationed in her own room in the DN Area. Anna is a very independent woman and is as strong physically as she is mentally. Though she's been known to intimidate others with her rigid build and tough outlook on life, she is a very open person and is often playful.Base visitors
Base visitors are characters who appear in the storyline, though most of them are not regular base occupants.Dallas Silver
Captain of the Sea Fox; he tends to be a private man as there's not much known about him.Ken Fujiyama
An executive for the Shirahata Heavy Industries Corporation in Japan.He was sent to the Big Table in order to retrieve Monitor Data on the company's anti-pressure diving equipment. He is somewhat witty despite being a dedicated business man.
McCoy Lambert
A Colonel for the SEALs who is the leader of the additional rescue forces that Clancy called in after the initial accident. Few people know him on the inside as his exterior is blunt and strict enough that he has gained the nickname of 'Iron-Fist' over time.Animals
In addition to the human characters, there are a few animals which serve a number of purposes on the base:Andrew
A bottle-nosed dolphin used for underwater breeding purposes in the Sea Farm. Despite being the only dolphin in the breeding pool, Andrew is very friendly and loves company. He happens to be Sharon's prized dolphin as she has taken plenty of underwater photographs of him.Anthony
A dysfunctional and aggressive chimpanzeeChimpanzee
Chimpanzee, sometimes colloquially chimp, is the common name for the two extant species of ape in the genus Pan. The Congo River forms the boundary between the native habitat of the two species:...
who seems to be closely associated with Gena as she is the only person he is passionate with. Although Gena cares for Anthony, she tends to be overly lenient with him and lets him do as he pleases.
Rambo
An explorative little bulldogBulldog
Bulldog is the name for a breed of dog commonly referred to as the English Bulldog. Other Bulldog breeds include the American Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge and the French Bulldog. The Bulldog is a muscular heavy dog with a wrinkled face and a distinctive pushed-in nose...
who roams the Apartment Area of the Big Table. He can be very gluttonous despite his fit physique and is often sociable. He is very dependent on his loving owner Anna as he will run to her room if he's frightened.