Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Lifeline places you in a unique role behind the scenes, guiding Rio through her harrowing mission on the Japan Space Station Hotel. Rather than directly controlling your avatar, you speak commands aloud—whether it’s “open bathroom door,” “pick up keycard,” or “shoot the creature.” This indirect style creates a constant tension, as you feel the urgency of every decision without ever seeing Rio’s hands on the controls.

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The game’s voice-recognition engine understands over two thousand words and phrases, and it’s responsive enough that most simple commands work instantly. You’ll learn to combine verbs and nouns into efficient instructions like “reload shotgun” or “target monster head,” turning Rio into a precision operative. Experimenting with voice strategies—ordering retreats, prioritizing targets, or directing exploration—becomes central to your survival.

Exploration is richly layered across the Space Station Hotel: you navigate Rio from the lobby to sterile maintenance tunnels, from cramped kitchens to luxurious bedrooms. Each area hides useful items, environmental puzzles, and deadly enemies. Because you can’t directly see Rio, the suspense of not knowing if she heard you or if she’s cornered by a creature intensifies every moment.

Graphics

For a PlayStation 2 title, Lifeline’s visuals hold up remarkably well. The space station’s sleek metallic corridors glint under dim lighting, while flickering emergency lights bathe the environment in ominous red hues. Textures may sometimes appear slightly blurred, but they enhance the sense of claustrophobia rather than distract from it.

Character models, especially of Rio and the various creatures, stand out with surprisingly detailed animations. Rio’s movements—from cautious footfalls to rapid evasions—feel fluid, thanks to motion-captured performance. The creatures’ design blends sci-fi horror with animalistic aggression, complete with leathery hides and razor-sharp claws that glint when they catch the light.

The game also uses atmospheric effects—like steam vents, sparks from damaged circuits, and lens flares—to deepen immersion. They’re not overdone, and they work synergistically with the PS2’s hardware limits. Overall, Lifeline delivers a cinematic presentation that complements its voice-driven gameplay.

Story

Set on Christmas Eve 2029, Lifeline throws you into a nightmare scenario at the grand opening of the Japan Space Station Hotel. As alien creatures violently overrun the celebration, you manage to find refuge in a locked security room. Your only conduit to the outside world is Rio, a determined operative who becomes your lifeline—literally.

The narrative unfolds almost exclusively through your dialogue with Rio. You’ll glean snippets of world-building—such as the hotel’s backers, the mysterious origin of the creatures, and the personal stakes Rio holds for saving you. This minimalistic approach tightens focus on the immediacy of survival and the bond you form with the silent hero on the other end of the headset.

Moments of calm—when you explore storerooms or hack terminals—contrast sharply with adrenaline-fueled encounters against alien hordes. Emotional beats land effectively because they arise organically from Rio’s situation and your choices. The game’s branching dialogue options can lead to slightly different interactions, giving you agency over how Rio perceives your guidance.

Overall Experience

Lifeline stands out as an innovative experiment in interactive storytelling. By removing traditional controls and placing voice commands at the forefront, it creates an intense feeling of partnership with Rio. Every misheard command or delayed response can spell disaster, making each successful escape deeply rewarding.

The drama of guiding a lone woman through a killing field of alien beasts drives the game’s pacing. It never lingers too long in one area, alternating exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat in satisfying cycles. The necessity of a USB headset—which can be bundled with the game or purchased separately—may give some players pause, but the novelty and immersion it brings feel worth the extra step.

While occasional voice-recognition hiccups can break immersion, most players will find that speaking directives into a headset is an exciting departure from conventional controls. Lifeline is not just a game but an experience—a blend of horror, strategy, and human connection that keeps you invested until the very end.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10