The world is never happy; the Northern and Southern Hemispheres were involved in a not-so-civil war of words. On the dawn of the 21st century, the Northerners prevailed and took control of the world. With them in power, the Southern Hemisphere fell victim to imminent starvation and an energy crisis. Animosity rose as the threat of terrorism plagued the North.

Canceling the threat of violence and bloodshed, a Northern Hemisphere Treaty Alliance (NTA) was created as a means to police the Southerners. After eradicating a predominante terrorist group known as the Southern Cross, the Heimdal (the NTA flagship) was sent to the South Pacific on a quarantine mission.

After discovering an unknown virus, scientists and certain crewmembers were suffering from extreme paranoia and were detained for testing. The Northern Hemisphere Treaty Alliance demanded the organism to be withheld in the Heimdal's core; a worldwide virus epidemic would not be in their best interests. Two days later, an explosion rocked the flagship's engine room with signals and transmissions ceasing.

With fear of a viral epidemic and more terrorist attacks, the NTA assembled an investigative team to board the Heimdal and report any mysterious happenings. While the team consisted of terrorist experts, Special Forces agents, and elite doctors, they were reported missing with no signs of life. The Alliance put together a second team that included a volunteer Sergeant Jack Ingles and the Information Department's Jessifer Manning. Their objective is to investigate the unknown virus, secure the ship, and look for survivors.

Little did they know what they'd gotten themselves into...

Players assume the role of Jack Ingles in this survival horror title from Jaleco. Serving as a double meaning of sorts, Carrier takes place aboard the Heimdal where a horrible plague is threatening the human race. Stemming from the Jurassic era, the ARK virus infects the human body by destroying the immune system and turning that person into a hideous carrier drone.

Throughout the investigation, Jack will converse with a number of non-player characters including Special Forces agents Aaron Burke and Nicholas Lang; William Noble, an organic mechanics scientist; Jack's younger brother Robert Ingles; and the captain of the Heimdal, James MacGregor. Pay close attention to the words spoken by each character as they'll provide useful information.

While Carrier is played from a third-person perspective, players are given a first-person viewpoint upon collection of the BEM-T3 scope. Not only can you zoom down long hallways, but the scope also allows Jack to scan individual crewmembers for the ARK virus; if they're clean, interrogate them for information regarding past events. If they've been infected with the virus, you can do one of two things: get the heck out of Dodge or open fire!

Because the Heimdal is crawling with humanoid virus carriers, players will want to eradicate the situation with force. Along the way, Jack will utilize a variety of weapons including the 19 O'Clock 9mm automatic, a West Cobra machine gun, an electron firing Welder, and a T-7 Bomb launcher. He'll also come across useful items such as the health restoring energy drink, ammunition magazines, and ID cards for restricted areas.

Carrier also features a data recorder save system accessed from different terminals located throughout the ship (42 units of VMU save data is needed). It also incorporates an intricate map system that shows your position and which deck you're currently on. The game also features VGA Cord and Jump Pack support.

Like the packaging says -- if you can hear it, you're already dead. Have a nice time aboard the Carrier.

Carrier (Sega Dreamcast, 2000)