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. netjak
    74
    While Rio may frustrate you to the point of losing your religion, the character interaction can and does make you forget she’s fake. The times the VR reminds you you’re playing a flawed game, and you remember Rio isn’t real you’ll still wish she was, and the ending is definitely worth it.
    All this publication's reviews
  2. GameShark
    72
    Lifeline is not a game for everyone. It's quirky and the controls feel like a toddler's first step-- wobbly and unsure but the beginning of something wonderful.
  3. GamingTrend
    71
    It’s not a bad distraction for a little while, but the frustration of the game can be hard to overcome.
  5. Cheat Code Central
    70
    SCEI didn't scrimp on the graphics. The space station/hotel is realistic in every sense of the word from the posh guest areas to the industrial back rooms composed of cold, ribbed metallic corridors.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Next Level Gaming
    70
    Frustrating and slow gameplay may scare off gamers not ready to give the game an extended try. But I have to say once again that at least someone is stepping up and trying something new.
  7. Cincinnati Enquirer
    70
    Another shortcoming lies in the fact the player may not know what an object is onscreen. How can you tell Rio to pick up the key card on the table when it looks like a book or ticket or deck of playing cards?
  8. IGN
    68
    Some things work, others don't, but the game's recognition system is inconsistent. Because of this, there is a mildly steep learning curve that's sometimes exciting and other times frustrating.
  9. Gaming Age
    67
    If you like movies like Panic Room, or ever wanted to remotely control someone from monitors in a room, then this game has you written all over it.
  10. Game Chronicles
    66
    While I respect the ambition that went into this project the final execution just reminded me of those non-Infocom parsers that never understood my typed-in commands anymore than Rio could understand my vocal commands.
  11. GameSpot
    65
    An ambitious undertaking, so the developer certainly deserves credit for trying something different. However, the experience is undermined by unreliable technology and some poor game design.
  12. Yahoo!
    60
    When Lifeline works, it works niftily... but when it doesn't, it actually isn't working at all.
  13. GamePro
    60
    A fantastic concept upon which an average game lies. Play it as a curiosity and an example of innovative technical game design, and you'll enjoy yourself. [Mar 2004, p.72]
  14. GMR Magazine
    60
    An interesting attempt at innovation in the genre. Unfortunately, it's also a frustrating, throw-down-your-headset, curse-generating one.
  15. GameZone
    60
    If only Lifeline was as good at recognizing words as it is at ignoring them.
  16. Play Magazine
    58
    The voice recognition just isn't up to par - it's frustrating during exploration and infuriating during battle. I often found myself begging to just be playing wiht a standard controller interface. [Mar 2004, p.59]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    50
    The main problem is that Rio recognizes more than 5,000 words, but you don't know what those words are...The innovative concept is fun for a few minutes, but an entire game is tedious.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
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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