Operator, can you hear me?
Lifeline is one of three games to use voice-recognition technology. This is actually the first voice-recognition game to hit the PlayStation 2. The other notable voice-recognition games were Hey You, Pikachu! (Nintendo 64) and Seaman (Dreamcast). Though not 100% perfect, Lifeline does show a large amount of progress since earlier attempts at voice-recognition gaming. Though the voice-recognition remains more of a gimmick than a viable mainstream genre, the games that have used it have been more than interesting in their execution.
The main attraction to Lifeline is that for once it is an action game is using the voice-recognition technology. Players must guide Rio, the main character, through the space station infested with enemies. Normally, this is no big deal, however, using the voice-recognition engine this can become quite a task. Konami teamed up with ScanSoft for the North American version of Lifeline. ScanSoft is most noted for their Dragon NaturallySpeaking line of voice-recognition software. With over 90% accuracy straight from the box, the Dragon NaturallySpeaking software has won many awards. It is obvious some of this technology was applied in creating Lifeline. Having used the Dragon NaturallySpeaking software myself, I can say without hesitation that Lifeline carries all the same strengths as well as the same weaknesses. When commanding Rio, you have to be sure to speak clearly so that Lifeline can concisely interpret the commands being given. This is not work well if you have an accent or naturally incorporate foreign words into your English dialog. During gameplay, you may give commands like "go over to the locker". The problem with the game's engine is that if your English is not spoken clear enough, the game may interpret your command to be "covert the locker", in which case, Rio will respond by saying "I don't understand when you put it that way." This tends to happen every once in a while during gameplay. To prevent misinterpreted commands, there is a command you can use called "mic check". And by giving this commands, Rio will respond with advice on how to increase accuracy.
So, what happens when you have perfect accuracy? Well, suppose you’re veteran to voice-recognition software, and Rio can understand everything you're saying. Then comes the not so fun part. Throughout the game, there comes various points where you have to enter in voice commands that are synchronized with vocal queues given by Rio. Thankfully, the first section of the hotel/space station serves as more of a tutorial. During this time there is a honeymoon suite that in order to enter, your timing in reciting the password must be perfectly synchronized with Rio. If you fail to do this, you'll have to try again. The very first time I attempted this, it took me 10 minutes to finally get synchronized with Rio in order to get into the honeymoon suite. For those who lack of patience, sections like this may be tedious. To make matters worse, there are guessing games, where Rio will give you a clue and your goal is to guess the word she wants you to say. During these, the script makes her say it as if she has the intelligence of a gnat. One of the more tedious clue she gives you is when she is looking for weapon that "Burns with fire". The initial guess would be to say flamethrower, however this is not the word to game is looking for. The game will not progress until after you guess the correct weapon. There are other points, where she just wants you to guess a random number of items that might be associated with a situation you're in.
After so much effort was put into the voice-recognition engine for Lifeline, it is obvious that not as much attention to detail was paid in other areas. Most notably are the graphics and animation. Mostly characters look uneven when compared to the protagonist, Rio. Rio herself, has quite a variety of facial expressions as well as the best detail and design. All other characters seem to have a limited amount of movement when showing expressions and conveying emotions. Another issue is the animation which seems to be subpar compared to most games of the time. When you first meet the spider creature, a scene using quicker paced movement, you will notice the spider is sliding rather than taking steps. A lot of the character models seem as if they were originally meant for the PSOne, but due to a lack in technology were put on hold until the PlayStation 2. The one thing I can say, that is pretty good about the graphics, is that the resolution of the textures are all nicely done.
Surprisingly, the voice acting is rather horribly done. Yes, there are key points the voice actors over play being scared or under play an emotion. The only character that gets her queues right is the actress voicing Rio. Aside from the horrible voicing of the NPC’s, the audio from this game is pretty good. Even the creatures themselves have well mastered voices and growls. One point that I find rather interesting is that the majority of the audio is distorted to get the sense of listening to the characters speaking through the security camera. Nice touch to add realism and believability the fact that you're trapped in a security room.
The story, though somewhat predictable, is pretty decent. You are guest who was invited to stay at a space-station/hotel. During a party, aliens attack and start eating the guests. Both you and your girlfriend are separated during the chaos. Though your memory of the incident is somewhat hazy, you did manage to make it into a control room. Unfortunately, the control room has sealed you in. You now have access to all the locks and doors in a space station. You're contacted named Rio. Upon releasing Rio from a holding cell she was placed in for her own protection, she agrees to work with you and allow you to give her commands. At this point, you assume the role of her eyes and ears, giving her directions from a control room. Your main objective is to make it to the receiving port so that a rescue team may recover her as a survivor. With aliens and other obstacles standing in your way, the question is: can the player guide Rio to her destination?
Using voice-recognition technology as a gimmick really makes this game one to check out. When you think you’ve reach your destination, the real game has just begun. This game requires a USB headset and unfortunately does not come prepackaged with one. Though it may not be the game for everyone, Lifeline is a game definitely worth checking out. Rent this game if you can, otherwise you have a 50-50 chance of enjoying this game should you decide to purchase it. Not all players will find ease of access through voice-recognition. Some may find it tedious because of the accuracy required to play this game. There is replay value with through various mini-games that are unlockable by finding key items. Progression is also rather quick once you know what the keywords are for each scenario.
Bottom line, Lifeline may not be the most revolutionary game on the market, but it is a game that may add a new twist to the action genre. This is a must rent, but not necessarily a must own. If you enjoy games like Hey You, Pikachu! or Seaman, then you might find Lifeline rather enjoyable. If you hated those games, than, chances are you'll probably dislike Lifeline.
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