Having recently played this game through to completion, I decided that in the absence of a proper written walk-through, I would create one here. Warning: Spoiler Alerts!The game Lifeline: Whiteout is developed by 3 Minute and available on iTunes and Google Play. This walk-through focuses on the fifth chapter of the game titled “Arrival at the Makeshift Station”. Click here to view the table of contents/list of chapters.
Main Story
I made it!
I saw the structure just a moment ago.
Frankly, it doesn’t look like much.
I’ve gotta say – I expected a bit more…
What I thought was a large building is basically two metal containers shoved together like some kind of makeshift station.
Wait! There’s that barking again.
It’s making me jumpy. I really, really don’t like the idea of those wolves cornering me here…
Hey. Wait a second…
There’s something difference about that sound.
Now that I’m closer to the barking, it sounds more like a dog than a wolf…
Decision A:
A1: Investigate the barking, but be careful.
A2: Forget it. Check for humans, first.
Decision A1: Investigate the barking, but be careful
[Decision C5: Search carefully for the barking sound joins this story-line]
You don’t have to tell me twice!
Nothing in this frozen wasteland is friendly.
So I’m gonna be quite for a while. I don’t want to draw any unwanted attention.
I’ll let you know know when I discover the source of that barking.
Adams out.
[Adams is busy]
[Decision B4: Locate the barking sound joins this story-line.]
Good news!
That barking definitely wasn’t a wolf. It sounds like it’s coming from what looks like a makeshift cage..
And it sounds more and more like a cry for help than some angry beast.
[Decision C6: You’d better get inside joins this story-line.]
I also found something else worth mentioning.
There’s some kind of garage right beside the kennel.
Decision B:
B1: Check the garage.
B2: Inspect the kennel.
Decision B1: Check the garage
You’re right. The dog can wait a little longer. Transport is my priority.
The garage door is wide open…
I’ll just take a quick peek.
This shouldn’t take long.
Bah! Nothing.
Well, almost nothing.
Judging by the tracks, I’m certain there was a snowmobile parked inside. It’s not big enough for anything larger.
Also, there’s a pile of rusted parts on the floor. Including some worn snowmobile treads, snapped suspension springs…
Everything points to a snowmobile.
Too bad it’s not there anymore…
I’m sick of walking. My legs are killing me.
I could really, really use a vehicle.
I wish I could’ve found one gassed up and ready to go.
Decision C:
C1: Wait, you mentioned some tracks?
C2: Search the junk pile for anything useful
Decision C1: Wait, you mentioned some tracks?
They’re covered in snow, but only several hours old at the most, I’d say.
That makes me wonder…
Is it possible… that these are my tracks?
I know it sounds weird but, it’s possible, right?
Am I just running straight back into whatever danger I was running from?
Am I just being paranoid?
Decision D:
D1: Those could have been your tracks.
D2: Maybe just a little bit.
Decision D1: Those could have been your tracks
Multiple decision points join the story-line here:
- Decision E3: Come on! Keep it together.
- Decision E4: If they are yours, would that change anything?
I guess it really doesn’t matter if those tracks are mine.
I was just thinking…
Nevermind. It’s not important.
I’ll focus on the here and now, right?
Geez, that poor dog is really howling!
He doesn’t look so good… I can see his ribs.
He can’t even turn around in that cramped kennel.
I’m seriously thinking about letting this dog out…
Decision E:
E1: So why don’t you do it?
E2: No! You don’t know if he’s dangerous. [Refer to Main Story-line Decision E1]
Decision E1: So why don’t you do it?
Multiple decision points join the story-line here:
- Decision C4: Come on! Keep it together.
- Decision D4: Why do you say that?
- Decision E2: No! You don’t know if he’s dangerous
He must be starving… That could make him aggressive.
How long has he been in there? Days? Weeks?
Who knows how long his master’s been gone?
Well, I do have some of that jerky I found in the briefcase… I hated it anyway.
Decision F:
F1: Save it for yourself.
F2: Sure, why not?
Decision F1: Save it for yourself
Nah… I hated that jerky! I’m not sure if I can make myself eat it.
There must be something edible in this place.
It won’t be too hard getting inside… You know, since the door was ripped clean off its hinges.
[Decision F2: Sure, why not? joins this story-line]
This is really starting to creep me out.
I wonder what the heck happened here?
This place looks ransacked….
What a mess! Someone piled everything in the centre of the room.
Except for… a box stove in the corner. I suppose it’s too heavy to move.
Too bad the stove is out. I could use a fire right now.
Let’s see what else we’ve got here…
Not much, as far as this container is concerned…
I’d like to check the second container as well, but there’s a door in my way.
It’s sturdy. Got an electronic lock, too. Not a cheap one you could jimmy open, either.
Wait, what was that?!
There’s a beeping sound coming from the other side of the door!
Decision G:
G1: What beeping sound?
G2: Wait! Search that junk pile first.
Decision G1: What beeping sound?
Yeah, it’s just barely audible. It’s coming from the other side of the door.
It’s a high-pitched, unnerving and rhythmic… like a weird alarm clock.
Or something much worse…
I just hope it isn’t something dangerous.
Decision H:
H1: Can you force the door open?
H2: What could it be?
Decision H1: Can you force the door open?
Hmm…I don’t know, but I’ll give it a try.
[Adams is busy]
[Decision I3: Why don’t you force the door open? joins the story-line here]
I tried everything, but this door is really sturdy, and , with no power, that electronic lock is as good as sealed forever.
So, there’s not much that I can do about that door, but that junk pile looks promising…
Multiple decision points join the story-line here:
- Decision G2: Wait! Search that junk pile first
- Decision I4: Ignore it for now. Search the junk pile
Give me some time, and I’ll take a look.
There’s a lot of stuff to browse through.
[Adams is busy]
What do you know! That pile actually hid something good!
Not much, but hey, I’m not one to be ungrateful.
I found a stack of various papers and some unlabelled cans. Big ones! At least a pound each.
I wonder what’s inside…
Decision I:
I1: Tell me about those papers, first.
I2: Open one up.
Decision I1: Tell me about those papers, first
I can’t make much sense of these, but they’re definitely scientific.
Wait, here’s an academic journal. It’s got a photo of two old guys on the cover.
The headline says: “Sibellius and Pullmann – The Search For Immortality”
I don’t know why, but this Sibellius guy looks kind of familiar. He could just be someone famous though.
Oh, silly me! The business card that I’ve found in the briefcase, back on the lake! That’s the guy!
Here, let me skim through their article real quick…
I’m not sure what I was hoping to find. Perhaps I thought I’d remember something?
Apparently, these guys are developing bio-technologies that could make humans practically immortal. I could use some of that right now, to be honest…
It’s interesting, but nothing in this article can help me right now.
All of their scientific data and jargon is going way over my heard. So much for that.
Anyway, these other graph pages are more interesting…
Mainly because they all have that “ALT” logo stamped on them.
I still have no clue what ALT is, but I bet these results are important…
They must be connected to my past, somehow.
Maybe I work for ALT?
Or maybe I USED to work for them?
That’s a terrifying prospect…
But hey, it’s all speculation at this point. I still don’t have enough information to form any real theories.
I wish I knew more.
Decision J:
J1: Is there anything else in those papers?
J2: Check the cans. See if you can open one.
Decision J1: Is there anything else in those papers?
No, I’m sorry.
May, just maybe, if I had some time and a team of scientists, I could transcribe this data into something useful…
But, at least for now, the only thing it’s useful for is kindling.
If I can get that stove working, I could heat up whatever’s in those cans…
Hey, while we’re at it, do you think these cans even have edible food?
Guess I’ll have to open one to find out, huh?
Multiple decision points join the story-line here:
- Decision I2: Open one up
- Decision J2: Check the cans. See if you can open one
Ooh!
Hey, this smells good! Even if it doesn’t look too appetising…
It’s some kind of beef stew.
Maybe I should give some to that poor dog…
Decision K:
K1: No, you need it more.
K2: Good idea.
Decision K1: No, you need it more
Okay, but just one bite.
I’m not that hungry.
No, you’re right. Who knows when I’ll even get another meal? I gotta take care of myself.
Yuck! This is… even blander than that jerky!
I shouldn’t let it go to waste. I hope this dog isn’t a picky eater.
[Decision K2: Good idea joins the story-line here]
Here you go, boy! Go on, dig in! I hope this fills your stomach…
Would you look at that? He loves it.
Ha! He dunked his whole muzzle in the can.
Wow, he looks much friendlier now. His fluffy tail’s wagging like crazy!
What do you say, boy? Are we friends now?
Do you promise you won’t bite me?
I’ll take that tail wagging as a yes.
Okay, let’s get you outta there.
Decision L:
L1: Wait! Don’t do that!
L2: Just be careful. Move slowly.
Decision L1: Wait! Don’t do that!
What? Why?
Why shouldn’t I let him out?
Decision M:
M1: He could still attack you!
M2: Fine. Don’t listen to me.
Decision M1: He could still attack you!
No, he wont!
You can’t see these big puppy dog eyes.
Well, it’s not like I need your permission.
Don’t get me wrong. I really appreciate everything that you have done for me, but this is different.
If I don’t let him out, who will? This place is abandoned. He’ll die.
And I’m not that cruel.
Maybe it’s just something about this dog…
He’s hungry, abandoned, maybe even scared… Just like me.
That’s why I have to let him go.
Of course, first I have to figure out how to open this stupid kennel first.
Multiple decision points join the story-line here:
- Decision L2 Just be careful. Move slowly
- Decision M2: Fine. Don’t listen to me
Wow! It’s not even locked. There’s just a simple latch
Come on! That’s it…
Come on out… You’re free!
Come here…
Hey wait!
So much for gratitude! He just ran off…
I mean, I didn’t expect us to be best friends forever, but…
It would’ve been nice to pet him a minute…
Heck, I’d even appreciate a friendly bark.
Heh, I was so excited to see another living thing in this frozen tundra that I almost forgot about the time!
It’s almost night. I still haven’t found a place to sleep.
Decision N:
N1: Go inside the station.
N2: Gather some firewood.
Decision N1: Go inside the station
Already did…
It’s almost as cold in here as it is out there!
But at least there’s no wind in here.
I could make a makeshift bed from all this paper…
It’s not much warmer inside, but it’ll have to do…
Decision O:
O1: Why don’t you look for firewood?
O2: Open the other door. Maybe the next room is warmer.
Decision O1: Why don’t you look for firewood?
[Decision N2: Gather some firewood joins the story-line here]
Good idea!
A fire would really lift my spirits! And it could help me make it through this freezing night…
Alive…
I’ll let you know if I find some firewood.
Adams out.
[Adams is busy]
[Decision O2: Open the other door. Maybe the next room is warmer joins the story-line here]
This was harder than I thought. It’s almost pitch dark outside, and I have to feel my way around.
It’s not the safest way to look for stuff, but hey…
I’ll hopefully avoid anything pointy and rusty.
Hey! I think I found something.
Something is piled up just behind the station container. Let me see if ti’s something I can burn.
Bah! This place is like a junkyard. It’s another pile of useless stuff…
Some empty cans, gross trash… Maybe there’s something under this box.
Yes! Yes! There it is!
This is great!
Decision P:
P1: You’re acting like you won the lottery….
P2: What did you find?
Decision P1: You’re acting like you won the lottery….
[Decision P2: What did you find? joins the story-line here]
I hit the jackpot! It’s a stack of wood!
There’s not much – just a few planks.
If that door hadn’t been ripped off its hinges, it could’ve made this room a lot warmer.
With all that cold air leaking in from outside, I’ll just have to sleep as close to the stove as possible.
But, first things first. I need to get a fire going.
And I don’t have a lighter or matchbox.
But… I do have the flare I found back at the crash site!
Wait. Are flares safe to use indoors?
Decision Q:
Q1: Don’t you have anything else?
Q2: With the wind blowing in, you’ll be fine.
Decision Q1: Don’t you have anything else?
No there’s nothing.
Decision R:
R1: Don’t risk it. The flare’s fumes could be toxic.
R2: It’s your only option. Use it.
Decision R2: It’s your only option. Use it.
I guess you’re right. Without a fire, I’m as good as dead.
There’s no way I can survive the night without it.
But on the other hard, I don’t know if it’s safe to use.
[Decision Q2: With the wind blowing in, you’ll be fine joins the story-line here]
Not gonna lie, though. I’m not sure about this.
Are you sure it’s not toxic?
Decision S:
S1: C’mon Adams. You’ll be okay.
S2: You’re right. Don’t risk it.
Decision S1: C’mon Adams. You’ll be okay
All right. I’m trusting your judgement.
Here goes nothing. Ready?
[Adams is busy]
It worked! IT WORKED!
There was a ton of smoke at first, but now it’s much better.
Now I have this fire to keep me warm during the night.
All thanks to you, my friend!
I can’t express how happy I am right now.
They say lighting a fire is the best way yo lift your spirits when you’re lost or stranded.
And I’ve gotta say, there’s a LOT of truth to that.
I was so gloomy, losing hope, worrying if I’ll even survive to see the next morning…
But this fire is so relaxing. This place seems almost homey – even my paper bed looks inviting.
Now, if only the beeping behind that locked door would stop, this would be perfect!
But you can’t have everything, right?
Good night, my friend.
I’ll let you know when I’m up.
Adams out.
[Adams is busy]
F-fire w-went… out…
It’s… f-freezing…
But I’m… still… so… tired…
[Adams is busy]
[END OF CHAPTER 5 / START OF CHAPTER 6]
Good morning! Are you there?
I… I barely made it through the night.
At first, it was warm and cozy, but then, a few hours later… The fire suddenly went out!
I don’t know what happened. It didn’t run out of fuel. Maybe it was the wind blowing in?
Anyway, when I work up, my fingers were already numb, and my body started to shake.
But then, a miracle happened!
That dog, the one I fed and released from the kennel, he came back here and laid beside me!
He kept me warm all night – didn’t you, buddy? I owe you my life.
He even letting me pet him. He’s really soft.
Actually, now t hat I’m looking at him, he’s got some kind of collar… Looks military.
Oh yeah! And to make matters worse… You remember that locked door?
Well, it was OPEN this morning.
Someone was in there the whole night, listening to us!
Just the thought of someone watching me sleep a few steps away from my bed makes my skin crawl.
It was a terrible night!
And if it wasn’t for this god, it would’ve been my last.
I’m lucky to be alive!
Alternate Routes
Decision A2: Forget it. Check for humans, first
Good idea!
I don’t hear anything – except for that barking – but that doesn’t mean this place is abandoned.
Looks like no one’s home.
I’ve got to admit. I’m a bit relieved!
Judging by what I’ve experienced this far, my chances of getting any kind of warm welcome are pretty slim.
Still, whoever lived here might have left something useful.
Decision T:
B3: Did you find the station’s entrance?
B4: Locate the barking sound. [Refer to Main Story-line Decision A1]
Decision B2: Inspect the kennel
Let’s see what kind of dog we’re dealing with here…
Wow. He’s a Siberian Husky, I think.
Geez. I can see his ribs…
And he can’t even turn arouind in that cramped kennel.
But, I don’t know if it’s smart to let him out…
Decision U:
C3: Why not? Let him go.
C4: Right! Keep that kennel shut! [Refer to Main Story-line Decision E1]
Decision B3: Did you find the station’s entrance?
Huh… I’m not sure how to explain this…
But, there’s no door.
I mean, there clearly WAS a door, but not anymore.
It looks like someone – or something – ripped the door clean off.
Maybe my arrival is the reason for all that barking?
Decision V:
C5: Search carefully for the barking sound. [Refer to Main Story-line Decision A1]
C6: You’d better get inside.
Decision C2: Search the junk pile for anything useful
I already told you – they’re all broken parts and completely rusted.
There’s reall y nothing I can use.
But those tracks, on the other hand…
They’re covered in snow, but only several hours old at the most, I’d say.
[Refer to Main Story-line Decision C1 above]
Decision C3: Why not? Let him go
Suddenly, I’m not so sure. He looks a bit… aggressive to me.
Decision W:
D3: Search that garage, then. [Refer to Main Story-line Decision B1]
D4: Why do you say that? [Refer to Main Story-line Decision E1]
Decision C6: You’d better get inside
I’m sorry, but I can’t stand that barking anymore.
I can’t think straight. It’s driving me crazy!
One way or another, I’ve got to figure out what it is.
I’ll be right back.
[Adams is busy]
I found it!
Thank goodness, it is just a regular dog.
It’s in some kind of a makeshift kennel.
[Refer to Main Story-line Decision A1]
Decision D2: Maybe just a little bit
Well, how would you feel in my place?
How do you know it wasn’t me?
I just… I don’t know anymore.
Decision X:
E3: Come on! Keep it together.
E4: If they are yours, would that change anything? [Refer to Main Story-line Decision D1 above]
Decision E3: Come on! Keep it together
You’re right. I gotta hold it together.
Sorry, all of this stress is getting the better of me.
I’m too exhausted and cold to be thinking clearly.
But…
[Refer to Main Story-line Decision D1 above]
Decision F2: Sure, why not?
Here you go, boy!
Whoa!
He swallowed it in one gulp! That wasn’t enough to fill your belly, huh big guy?
Well, going inside might be the only way to find more food.
[Refer to Main Story-line Decision F1 above]
Decision H2: What could it be?
Whatever it is, it must be running on its own energy source, since this place is off the grid.
But ir really makes me curious…
Decision Y:
I3: Why don’t you force the door open?
I4: Ignore it for now. Search the junk pile. [Refer to Main Story-line Decision H1 above]
Decision I3: Why don’t you force the door open?
Might as well give it a shot…
[Adams is busy]
[Refer to Main Story-line Decision H1 above]
Decision Q2: With the wind blowing in, you’ll be fine
Well, the draft should be strong enough to get rid of the smoke.
But still… What if I inhale some?
[Refer to Main Story-line Decision R2 above]
Decision R1: Don’t risk it. The flare’s fumes could be toxic
[Decision S2: You’re right. Don’t risk it joins the story-line here]
It’s settled then. No fire for tonight.
Now if that damn beeping would just stop. I might even get some sleep.
I’ll call you when I wake up.
[Adams is busy]
F–freezing…
…s-so cold…
…s-so cold…
Signal interrupted.
Attempting to reconnect…
Connection lost…
[End of transmission]
Commentary & Analysis
The process diagram for Chapter 5 highlights both the growing complexity of the decision nodes and routes to follow. Whilst the story-line and total number of possible decisions nodes is the greatest number thus far, the most direct and simplest route is also highlighted in blue shaded decision nodes and paths.
As you follow the walk-through documented here at XBOP, you will undoubtedly recognise that a learning process and evolution in the documentation maturity is emerging. Once the entire game is documented, it is quite likely that I will update earlier chapters to conform to the final standard presented.
The number of possible routes is 269568. When we consider the magnitude of this process, instead of mapping out the entire list of possible routes, it is more efficient to break the entire Chapter walk-through into bite-size modules. The modules can be defined according to the number of decision nodes that form the critical path above. The term “critical path” is actually a term used in professional environments when it comes to project management methodology, and the concept is highly applicable and transferable into this situation. All decisions pass through the following nodes: B, F, G, I, K, L, N, P and Q – none of these decisions can be skipped. Therefore the modules for consideration are:
- Route A – B: 4 possible paths [1]
- Route B – F: 26 possible paths
- A subset of six possibilities exist between C – E:
- To get to C, there are two possibilities
- The route from E – F offers two possibilities
- Based on Decision B2, two additional possibilities exist outside of the C-E route
- (A x B x C) + D
- (6 x 2 x 2) + 2 = 26
- Route F -G: 2 possible paths
- Route G – I : 4 possible paths
- Route I – K: 3 possible paths
- Route K – L: 2 possible paths
- Route L – N: 3 possible paths
- Route N – P: 3 possible paths
- Route P – Q: 2 possible paths
- Final Route: Q to end-points: 3 possibilities.
With the entire chapter segmented into these 10 smaller routes, we can calculate the number of possibilities and thus demonstrate how we arrived at the final number above:
- Routes between A – F = 4 x 26 = 104
- Routes between A – G = 104 x 2 = 208
- Routes between A – I = 208 x 4 = 832
- Routes between A – K = 832 x 3 = 2496
- Routes between A – L = 2496 x 2 = 4992
- Routes between A – N = 4992 x 3 = 14976
- Routes between A – P = 14976 x 3 = 44928
- Routes between A – Q = 44928 x 2 = 89856
- Total possible routes = 89856 x 3 = 269568
Of these possible routes, we know only 1 out of 3 at the end ensure survival through to the next chapter, so there is a 33% chance of survival.
The shortest path is to make the following 12 decisions:
- Decision A1: Investigate the barking, but be careful
- Decision B2: Inspect the kennel
- Decision C4: Right! Keep that kennel shut!
- Decision F1: Save it for yourself
- Decision G2: Wait! Search that junk pile first
- Decision I2: Open one up
- Decision K1: No, you need it more
- Decision L2: Just be careful. Move slowly
- Decision N2: Gather some firewood
- Decision P1: You’re acting like you won the lottery….
- Decision Q2: With the wind blowing in, you’ll be fine
- Decision S1: C’mon Adams. You’ll be okay
In comparison, should you choose to meander in your progress through the chapter, you could end up making a total of 25 decisions and follow the longest route through the story.
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