Lifeline

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 31
  3. Negative: 9 out of 31
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  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    43
    Voice recognition will be a lot more fun when it works. Until then, if I really want to be ignored and misunderstood by a girl, I'll go clubbing and hit on the hughty hipster chick in the Pabst Blue Ribbon T-shirt. [Apr 2004, p.118]
  2. games(TM)
    40
    It's with some remorse that we bestow upon it a fairly low score, but don't let it fool you... anyone with the means to play Lifeline shouldn't let a chance to sample this unique title pass them by. [July 2004, p.114]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. G4 TV
    40
    It's novel for sure, and most won't regret playing it at all. It's just that, when it gets frustrating, it gets incredibly frustrating. If you have a high tolerance for frustration, and want to check out something completely out of left field, give this one a rental.
  5. Edge Magazine
    40
    It's a shame, but LifeLine is just poorly implemented. With the laborious pacing complicated by the dodgy voice-recognition, flaws in the gimmicky technology negate what satisfying moments are on offer here. [May 2004, p.106]
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  6. GamerFeed
    40
    Beyond frustrating. It incites rage instead of happiness. Having to tell someone to shoot a monster that's right in front of them is just ridiculous, but telling Rio to run and watching her die because she did something else is just unacceptable.
  7. TotalGames.net
    38
    It's just that every worthwhile aspect of the game is drowning in a mire of stilted gameplay and unfortunate language shortcomings.
    All this publication's reviews
  8. GameCritics
    35
    To recap: imagine playing the most uninspired, atmosphere-free "Resident Evil" clone that could exist... Then instead of using a control pad, you must verbally tell your brain-free character exactly what to do every step of the way. This is what Lifeline is like.
  9. eToychest
    30
    It is flawed on almost every level, but its biggest failing is that it is designed to take advantage of technology that is questionable at best and just plain broken at worst.
  10. GameSpy
    30
    Sadly, this control system is less than ideal for directing a character who is both hard of hearing and retarded, two traits which I suspect a simple battery of standardized tests would reveal in our heroine.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. shpan
    Jan 4, 2021
    10
    A game that embraced the challenge of innovation and uncharted territory in game design, and in all aspects of what is truly important toA game that embraced the challenge of innovation and uncharted territory in game design, and in all aspects of what is truly important to interactive storytelling it succeeded. Bringing voice controlled gameplay into the sci-fi horror space of the PS2 library, Lifeline provides an immersive and enjoyable video game experience.
    You might have heard naysayers detailing their difficulties with getting the main character, Rio, to understand their commands. But this is so often the remarks of those that spent the majority of their play time screaming and yelling incoherently into the microphone, without realizing the limitations of 2004 technology. If you speak with a clear voice and with a normal pace, she has an incredibly high rate of successfully understanding your commands.
    Due in great part to Kristen Miller's superb voice acting performance, you will come to love your time spent with this excellently designed character.
    For the gamers whose preferences align with those of the game designers from the PS2 era, Lifeline is a shining example of the unfiltered artistic direction and creativity that was characteristic of that time.    … Full Review »
  2. MeiB.
    Jun 16, 2007
    8
    Don't let the reviews about the voice recognition being broken fool you. I've played this game most the way through and not had Don't let the reviews about the voice recognition being broken fool you. I've played this game most the way through and not had more than a small handful of times that the voice recognition couldn't understand me. The main problem comes during battles. The thing is, then your voice commands are being given for something that's in action, so you might not press the button quickly enough or let it go to early admist your command giving. Some people also don't seem to realize the fact that you have to go to areas of the rooms that are MARKED ON THE MAP to look at items that are in that area. I get fed up with the voice tech being so trashed when it's most often the fault of the player that the recognition isn't happening.… Full Review »
  3. TulkasA.
    Apr 26, 2004
    9
    This game is Moses! it isn't quite good enough to rate a Jesus(10) but its still awesome.
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