Firewurm
01-31-2004, 09:04 PM
this is a game that is only controled by your voice.Here is some info on the game.
Posted: 01/16/04
When Sony debuted the PlayStation 2 USB microphone alongside the original SOCOM it was nothing more than a novelty. Sure you could chat with your friends when playing online, but that was it. After a short while though, developers started getting innovative and saw the mic as more than just a chat device.
From acting as a private earpiece in Manhunt to turning the player into a rock star in Karaoke Revolution, the USB mic has most definitely outgrown its humble beginnings. In March players will see the next evolution in voice powered gaming when Konami ships LifeLine, the first PS2 game to be controlled almost entirely by voice commands.
Released in Japan as Operator’s Side and originally developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., the game is an action adventure set on a futuristic space station hotel. Shortly after the grand opening, the hotel found itself under attack by unknown aliens. Trapped in the security room with no way out, your situation looks hopeless -- until you discover Rio (played by actress Kristin Miller) on one of the monitors. A young woman who was caught in the crossfire, Rio needs your help as much as you need hers. By using the mic you can issue commands to Rio. Work together and you both might get out alive.
Controlling the game with your voice is something of an odd concept, but it is original. Instead of using your fingers to walk Rio over to a table and inspect the items sitting there, you simply say “Walk to the table and look at the box.” For the most part, Rio will do as you say, but she does have her limits. Talk to her in an obscene manner and she will reprimand you or refuse to follow commands.
Watching a demo of the game, it appeared to be a mix of reactive style play (similar to the old Dragon’s Lair games) and standard third person adventure fare. Moving Rio around is easy enough, but using the wrong term may cause Rio to stumble. For example, you might ask Rio to look at a blouse, while the game is expecting you to say shirt. According to Konami all major items in the game will have multiple descriptors to help prevent confusion.
In an attempt to add a bit of emotional attachment to the game, Rio has been given a personality of her own. One of the ways this is done is via mini games. When Rio needs a break she will offer to play a game with you, such as naming state capitols. Win the game and you will be rewarded with a full health bar.
Combat is the one point where LifeLine has the potential to fail, simply because of the precision involved. Like the rest of the game, you have to tell Rio what to do in a fight. Bark out the right string of commands and she will bust out the moves like a kung-fu master, but misspeak a single word and our lovely heroine will pay.
Bursting at the seams with potential, LifeLine could very well introduce a whole new style of gameplay…if it is done right. Key to the game’s success is finding that fine line between challenge and annoyance. Assuming Konami can do it, the game is sure to be a hit. We’ll have more details once we get another chance to chat with the lovely Rio.
soundes cool doesn't it. :) :p ;)
Posted: 01/16/04
When Sony debuted the PlayStation 2 USB microphone alongside the original SOCOM it was nothing more than a novelty. Sure you could chat with your friends when playing online, but that was it. After a short while though, developers started getting innovative and saw the mic as more than just a chat device.
From acting as a private earpiece in Manhunt to turning the player into a rock star in Karaoke Revolution, the USB mic has most definitely outgrown its humble beginnings. In March players will see the next evolution in voice powered gaming when Konami ships LifeLine, the first PS2 game to be controlled almost entirely by voice commands.
Released in Japan as Operator’s Side and originally developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., the game is an action adventure set on a futuristic space station hotel. Shortly after the grand opening, the hotel found itself under attack by unknown aliens. Trapped in the security room with no way out, your situation looks hopeless -- until you discover Rio (played by actress Kristin Miller) on one of the monitors. A young woman who was caught in the crossfire, Rio needs your help as much as you need hers. By using the mic you can issue commands to Rio. Work together and you both might get out alive.
Controlling the game with your voice is something of an odd concept, but it is original. Instead of using your fingers to walk Rio over to a table and inspect the items sitting there, you simply say “Walk to the table and look at the box.” For the most part, Rio will do as you say, but she does have her limits. Talk to her in an obscene manner and she will reprimand you or refuse to follow commands.
Watching a demo of the game, it appeared to be a mix of reactive style play (similar to the old Dragon’s Lair games) and standard third person adventure fare. Moving Rio around is easy enough, but using the wrong term may cause Rio to stumble. For example, you might ask Rio to look at a blouse, while the game is expecting you to say shirt. According to Konami all major items in the game will have multiple descriptors to help prevent confusion.
In an attempt to add a bit of emotional attachment to the game, Rio has been given a personality of her own. One of the ways this is done is via mini games. When Rio needs a break she will offer to play a game with you, such as naming state capitols. Win the game and you will be rewarded with a full health bar.
Combat is the one point where LifeLine has the potential to fail, simply because of the precision involved. Like the rest of the game, you have to tell Rio what to do in a fight. Bark out the right string of commands and she will bust out the moves like a kung-fu master, but misspeak a single word and our lovely heroine will pay.
Bursting at the seams with potential, LifeLine could very well introduce a whole new style of gameplay…if it is done right. Key to the game’s success is finding that fine line between challenge and annoyance. Assuming Konami can do it, the game is sure to be a hit. We’ll have more details once we get another chance to chat with the lovely Rio.
soundes cool doesn't it. :) :p ;)