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 seventh chapter of the game titled “Tracks in the Snow”. Click here to view the table of contents/list of chapters.
Main Story
That relay station I saw yesterday was east. I might find a working computer there. On the other hand, the tracks from my mysterious roommate lead to the mountains…
Decision A:
A1: Head straight for the relay
A2: Follow those tracks
Decision A1: Head straight for the relay
You’re right, time is of the essence. I don’t want to sleep outside tonight.
Anyway, it’s a long road ahead for me and Blue.
But we’re gonna get there, won’t we, Blue?
Yes we will, boy! Yes we will!
Man… I can’t tell you how good it feels to have some company…
I’ll let you know when we get a better view of that relay…
Blue and Adams out.
[Adams is busy]
Hello, are you there?
The wind is howling! I can barely hear myself.
And it’s only gonna get worse… Those huge, dark clouds are coming our way.
I don’t know what to do… Maybe I could find some shelter in those mountains?
What do you think? Should I change course?
Decision B:
B1: Don’t give up, Adams! Keep going
B2: That sounds like a plan.
Decision B1: Don’t give up, Adams! Keep going
I’ll try, but…
This snowstorm looks really bad, and it looks like it’s only getting worse.
I can hardly see with all of this freezing rain pelting my face.
And all this fresh snow is keeping me from moving at full speed.
I’m almost up to my knees.
Even Blue seems to have some trouble moving ahead.
But we’ll give it our best.
Just one step at a time. One foot in front of the other.
We’ll be fine, right Blue?
Blue?
Blue? What’s wrong, buddy?
Decision C:
C1: What is he doing?
C2: Check your surroundings!
Decision C1: What is he doing?
He just stopped. He’s hunched down.
His ears are folded back against his head, and he growls if I try to move forward.
[Decision C2: Check your surroundings! joins the story-line here]
Blue? What is it?
Do you see something?
Or maybe hear something? Maybe he smells something bad?
I’m just… I don’t sense anything…
Blue? C’mon buddy.
You’re all right. There’s nothing here.
He’s just starting at this random spot in the snow. Blue, what’s the matter?
What should I do?
Decision D:
D1: Just go. Blue will follow.
D2: Examine the spot he’s looking at.
Decision D2: Examine the spot he’s looking at
What are you looking at Blue?
This? WHOA! Okay, buddy. Calm down.
Maybe I’d better be careful.
Here. I’ll throw a snowball.
Let’s see what’s–
AHH!
Shit! It’s a bear trap!
A honest-to-God bear trap!
Blue! You saved my bcaon again, buddy!
Why would someone set a trap in the middle of nowhere? Not to mention that I haven’t encountered any bears around.
Decision E:
E1: Careful! There could be more traps.
E2: Maybe it was your mystery roommate?
Decision E1: Careful! There could be more traps
Right! Who knows how many other traps are here?
That’s the last thing I needed to worry about. Especially if there really are bears around here…
As if I didn’t have enough to worry about, what with the weather, helicopter crashes, a mysterious organisation I know nothing about…
My hands are already pretty cold as it is…
But it’s better than getting my foot stuck in a bear trap, that’s for sure.
Back in a bit.
Adams out.
[Adams is busy]
Well, that was a colossal waste oif time. I didn’t find anything.
My hands are frozen, but they, at least I still have all my limbs, right?
If nothing else, now I know that this is the only one around here.
Which begs the question: why here? I guess I’ll never know.
Anyway, at least I know I’m safe from more traps.
[Decision E2: Maybe it was your mystery roommate? joins the story-line here]
We haven’t made a lot of progress to the relay station. I still can’t see it.
It’s still early in the day, but at this speed, I’m not sure if we’ll reach it before sundown.
We defintely won’t last a night in this kind of weather without a shelter.
Huh?
What was that?!
There’s something in the distance… It’s a man!
Maybe it’s the guy who set the trap?
Should I introduce myself, or run like hell?
Decision F:
F1: Where would you hide?
F2: Maybe the trap wasn’t for you?
Decision F1: Where would you hide?
Ha. Right. I guess I stick out like a sore thumb in all this snow.
And I have no idea if this guy is friendly or not.
I’ll try greeting him, first.
After all, this is the first living person I’ve seen since I woke up on that lake! Even if he tries to kill me, at least he’ll know who I am!
And if it comes to that… I’ve got Blue, and I’m a pretty fast runner.
But let’s not jump the gun.
I’ll get his attention.
Hye! Over here!
Maybe he can’t hear me?
HEY! MISTER?!
Yeah, he definitely can’t hear me.
[Decision B2: That sounds like a plan joins the story-line here]
I’ll get a little closer.
I’ll try waving at him!
There! He finally saw me.
Hold on… Yes, he’s definitely coming this way. Hey!
What should I do?
Decision G:
G1: Adams! RUN!
G2: Wait! He might not be hostile
Decision G1: Adams! RUN!
It’s too late. He’s seen me. And I’d rather not turn my back to him now.
I’ll just have to hope he;s not an enemy.
I’ll try to make contact.
Hey… Hello! I’m lost. Can you help me?
Hello?
Hold on, he’s turning around. At least I’ll be able to see his face…
Wait! He just threw something… pliers? Yeah, right at my feet.
Something’s wrong! His eyes are wide… angry… No, no, no!
Oh my God! There’s blood dripping from his mouth… A lot of it!
He’s grinning… Oh God! His teeth are gone! That’s why he’s bleeding!
He’s not making a sound…
Maybe he can’t talk? I’d be surprised if he could with those bloody gums. The pain… It must be excruciating!
Hold on! He just pulled a plank from his backpack.
He’s… writing something… Looks like he wants to communicate!
It says, “The end is near. Extinction is coming.”
Wait! What…
He’s writing again! Another message.
“Show me your teeth.”
What? Why does he want to see my teeth?!
Decision H:
H1: Stay calm and do what he says
H2: Don’t do that! He’s clearly crazy!
Decision H1: Stay calm and do what he says
Here’s my teeth, see? Cheese!
He’s writing again…
Hey pal, maybe I can help you? You look hurt.
He’s holding it up.
What?!
No! No, no, no!
Decision I:
I1: What does it say?
I2: Come on, spit it out? [Refer to Main Story-line Decision I1]
Decision I1: What does it say?
[Also Decision I2 Come on, spit it out?]
“Pull them out. All of them.”
“They’re tracking you with them.”
“Use my pliers.”
Oh hell no! I’m not doing it!
Decision J:
J1: What if he’s telling the truth?
J2: You’re right. That’s insane.
Decision J1: What if he’s telling the truth?
Are you kidding me?
Listen. I’ve been through enough. I am NOT mutilating myself!
Multiple decision points join the story-line here:
- Decision J2: You’re right. That’s insane
- Decision G2: Wait! He might not be hostile
Oh, great. He looks mad…
He’s writing furiously…
This storm is picking up again… I can barely read the letters in all this snow…
“Then you are one of them.”
“And they must die.”
SHIT! A knife! He’s got a knife!
[Adams is busy]
I’m here! I’m okay…
Look, I know you’re curious, but… I don’t want to talk about it.
Just… Gimme a minutes or two. I just need to think… My hands won’t stop shaking.
[Adams is busy]
All right. I’m back.
Decision K:
K1: Are you hurt?
K2: What happened? [Refer to Decision L1 in the main story-line below]
Decision K1: Are you hurt?
I’m physically fine… But… I just killed a man.
I feel…
Numb?
I mean, I know that I’m supposed to feel something, right?
But, I’d be lying if I said I feel anything more than a gaping hole where my guts used to be.
I’m still shaking a little… and confused…
Maybe all of this is just my mind playing tricks on me?
But… There’s no grief. No regret. It’s strange,… I mean, I killed him with my bare hands!
Am I going insane?
Decision L:
L1: No, you’re just in shock.
L2: Calm down. Tell me what happened. [Refer to Decision L1 in the main story-line below]
Decision L1: No, you’re just in shock
Am I? I can’t tell… I’m just… unnaturally calm.
Multiple decision points join the story-line here:
- Decision K2: What happened?
- Decision L2: Calm down. Tell me what happened
I just remember him lunging at me… and I… grabbed his hand.
It was like a reflex…
And then…
Blue helped me. He grabbed his other hand, while I was trying to knock away his knife.
And once I did that… I punched him in the jaw.
I kept hitting… I’m not sure how long. I can’t remember.
Listen, I wasn’t angry. I didn’t get any rush doing… that.
I just couldn’t stop. It was… like I was doing something necessary.
Like my survival was above any guilt. Above my fear. Above any emotions…
I just kept hitting again and again until he was done.
I watched him as he died, and I… I felt nothing.
What’s wrong with me?
I don’t know anything about me. Am I some experimental soldier? Did they remove my emotions?
I’m a murderer!
Decision M:
M1: Don’t dwell on it. What’s done is done.
M2: You’re not! That was self-defense.
Decision M1: Don’t dwell on it. What’s done is done
I know, but still… I killed a man! Do you understand how that feels?
With my own hands, no less!
It’s not like I stomped a bug. But yet, it feels the same.
Something’s wrong with me.
I’m afraid…
Decision N:
N1: Just focus on reaching that relay
N2: You’re just in shock. It will wear off. [Refer to the main story-line – Decision N1]
Decision N1: Just focus on reaching that relay
I guess you’re right, but…
That’s easier said than done.
Multiple decision points join the story-line here:
- Decision N2: You’re just in shock. It will wear off
- Decision N3: I don’t know…
- Decision N4: Grieving can wait until you’re safe
Please, would you be honest with me?
You know me as well – or as little – as I do.
[END OF CHAPTER 7 / START OF CHAPTER 8]
Tell me.
Am I a monster?
Be honest.
Alternate Routes
Decision A2: Follow those tracks
Right. I’d better investigate those tracks. I don’t want anyone sneaking up on me…
After all, we don’t know if the person who left these tracks is hostile or friendly, do we?
And I’m sure that he (or she) could tell me a thing or two about this place.
Hell, they could even know me…
But I don’t want to get my hopes up too high… Blue and I have to catch up with them, won’t we, buddy?
Yes we will! Yes we will! (Adams laughs)
Man, I’m so glad I don’t have to travel alone anymore…
I’ll let you know when – and IF – we find something.
C’mon Blue!
Adams out.
[Adams is busy]
I’m not there yet, but it’s getting harder to see the tracks.
The windis cutting through me… and there’s a storm brewing in the distance.
I just hope I reach the mountains before it hits.
I’ll give you a call when I get there.
Wish me luck!
[Adams is busy]
Damn! You should know… I’ve completely lost the tracks…
It’s starting to snow, and the wind must’ve blown snow over the tracks.
There’s nothing to follow now.
On the bright side, I’ve almost reached those mountains.
I’ll call you when I arrive. I have to hurry!
[Adams is busy]
Can you hear me?
I did it! I’m finally at the mountains.
The bad news is, the snowstorm is raging now. I can barely stand up.
But the good news is…
Even though I lost the tracks, I might have ended up in the right place.
There’s a cave in the mountainside, just about twenty yards away.
I was thinking… It could be where my mysterious roommate is holding up.
But I’m not sure if I should go in…
Decision O:
B3: Enter the cave
B4: Don’t. They could be hostile.
Decision B2: That sounds like a plan
Wait a minute! There’s something in the distance… It’s a man!
This is the first living person I’ve seen since I woke up on that lake! I’m excited, but also terrified…
[Decision F2: Maybe the trap wasn’t for you? joins the story-line here]
Hey! Over here!
Nothing… Either he can’t hear me because of the wind, or he’s not in the mood for chitchat.
Mister?! HEY!
It’s no good. I’m too far away.
[Refer to the main story-line – Decision J1]
Decision B3: Enter the cave
Good. There’s no one home.
But, guess what? I was right! It is a hideout.
There’s a makeshift bed here, some empty stew cans.
There’s even a fire pit… but without a single ember, alas…
Wait a minute!
I can’t see well in the dark, but there’s something white and glittery scattered aroudn the fire pit…
Let’s take a closer look.
These are… teeth! Human teeth…
I… I don’t know what kind of nightmare this is…
But these teeth are wet with fresh blood…
Does a monster live here? I’ve got to leave, right now!
I’m gonna puke!
Decision P:
C3: Stay calm. You can’t go out there!
C4: Hurry! Run while you can!
Decision B4: Don’t. They could be hostile
I don’t think I have a choice…
I’ve got to get out this storm.
And if this guy is aggressive,,,
Well, it’s me and Blue against him. Two against one.
So I think we’ll go in.
[Refer to the alternate route story-line – Decision B3]
Decision C2: Check your surroundings!
Right. Maybe he’s sensing something dangerous!
Well…
I don’t see anything…
[Refer to the main story-line – Decision C1]
Decision C3: Stay calm. You can’t go out there!
Yeah. You’re right. It’s foolish to leave while that storm is at its peak.
I gotta calm down. Use this time to rest and search this cave for any clues.
Blue will keep a lookout while I look around, won’t you? Good dog!
This would be much easier with a bit more light… As it is, this is gonna take a while.
The owner didn’t leave much behind…
I found a large flashlight, but no batteries included.
More importantly, I found a torn, bloodstained folder, labeled “Tersus Protocol.”
I guess this cave’s former occupant won’t be returning during this storm…
Looks like I have some time to kill…
Decision Q:
D3: Take a nap. You’re exhausted
D4: Can you read those documents?
Decision C4: Hurry! Run while you can!
Yes! Yes! Out!
Out of that frying pan1
And into the proverbial fire… This storm…
(static)
[Adams is busy]
(static)
It’s awful! The wind, the snow, the burning cold. It’s sucking all the strength outta me.
But I’m NOT going back to that lair to meet whatever monster did that.
I don’t even think I could find my way back in this storm. I can barely see.
I don’t think I can go on anymore.
I’m just so tired…
I’m not sure where Blue went…
But this snow… looks so soft…
I’m gonna rest a minute… See you later…
…
Signal interrupted.
Attempting to reconnect…
Connection lost…
[End of transmission]
Decision D1: Just go. Blue will follow
Yeah. You’re right. We can’t waste time standing around while he growls at imaginary squirrels.
Sometimes dogs just bark at nothing, right?
And standing in the middle of this snowstorm isn’t the brightest idea either.
We have to keep moving. He’ll stop and catch up.
C’mon Blue, just let it go, all right?
You wanna stay? Well, OK then, but I am going.
See, there’s nothing to be afra–
AHHH!
MY LEG!
Decision R:
E3: Did he bite you?
E4: What happened? [Refer to Main Story-line Decision E3]
Decision D3: Take a nap. You’re exhausted
You’re right. I have to gather my strength while I can.
Fighting the wind and cold isn’t exactly an easy task.
I don’t like this place… I shudder when I think what kind of torture must have happened here…
But I’ve gotta rest while I can.
I’ll let you know when I’m up.
Adams out.
[Adams is busy]
Man, I feel invigorated now!
Taking a nap was a great idea!
Now let’s see if this weather has improved…
[Decision E5: Let me guess. Sibellius? joins the story-line here]
Because I won’t be sticking around here any longer than I have to…
It’s not over, bit it has calmed down somewhat.
I guess it’s safe enough to continue towards that relay station.
Come on, Blue! Let’s go, boy!
I’m getting tired of all this hiking, but that relay is my best chance to learn the truth about myself.
But hey, at least I’m leaving this horrific cave behind.
Hopefully, I won’t run into any more trouble today.
I’ll message you as soon as I get near that relay.
[Adams is busy]
Phew! That was a longer walk than I thought.
And I’ve got bad news. The storm is picking up again!
Maybe I should have stayed in that cave?
Then again…
[Refer to the main story-line – Decision B2]
Decision D4: Can you read those documents?
The light’s dim, but I guess I could give it a try.
I’m done reading. It’s an understatement to say: I’m confused.
Most of this dossier was either missing or completely ruined.
But, I managed to connect some dots and it seems like this place – this whole area – is part of some kind of experiment.
Military? Government? I don’t know…
But one thing’s for sure… They’re conducting it with live test subjects.
Most of the pages are torn out, so I can’t grasp more than that.
But what I read was enough to give me chills.
I mean, what am I doing here? Am I trying to stop it, or am I a part of it?
I’ve got too many questions. But some answers might be close by.
I found a mention of that relay station in the documents, and it’s marked on a hand-drawn map.
So, at least, I know where to go next.
With a little luck, there might even be a computer there that can read that bloody data storage unit I found in the briefcase.
There are even pieces of the detailed description of that facility included, but that are really rare.
The best thing is that I found some mentions of security override for the front door, which is supposed to be used in case of the power outage.
Might work out for me as well.
So, at least, I have an idea how to get inside that station. If I ever get that far, that is.
But what bothers me the most is the mention of a familiar name.
Decision S:
E5: Let me guess. Sibellius?
E6: What name?
Decision E2: Maybe it was your mystery roommate?
If it was, they’re either extremely paranoid, or a sadistic bastard. I’m not sure which is worse…
Either way, I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled. I’m glad I had Blue with me. Otherwise, I’d be a goner…
I’ve had it up to here with getting freaked out. I’d rather not have any other deadly surprises.
Let’s go. Blue should let me know if there’s another one.
In the meantime, I’m going to stay focused and step carefully.
Really carefully…
Anyway, I can’t worry too much about that. I need to keep moving.
[Refer to the main story-line – Decision E1]
Decision E3: Did he bite you?
No! It wasn’t Blue!
[Decision E4: What happened? joins the story-line here]
It’s a bear trap! It’s an honest -to-God bear trap!
And Blue tried to warn me! But I was too stupid to listen! Shit!
I don’t… think my ankle’s broken, but it HURTS.
Why didn’t I listen to you, buddy?
Shit! I’m losing a lot of blood…
The edges of the trap are razor-sharp. I don’t think I can pry it open.
Even if I do, I’m going to bleed out all over the snow… I don’t have anything I can use for bandages…
Even If I could, I don’t think…
Sorry… I feel lightheaded…
I’m gonna sit… AHH! Shit…
It’s worse than I thought…
I’m losing… too much…
…
Signal interrupted.
Attempting to reconnect…
Connection lost…
[End of transmission]
Decision E5: Let me guess. Sibellius?
Exactly.
[Decision E6: What name? joins the story-line here]
I saw his name on one of the reports. It’s not much, but it’s still unsettling.
What is this mysterious Dr. W. Sibellius doing for ALT? He seems like he’s pretty high up on the chain of command.
I honestly can’t remember him, but there’s something about him. Maybe I’m just projecting, but I feel like he’s connected to my past.
And I seriously doubt we were colleagues.
Anyway, that’s all it is, a gut feeling. I need proof. I need to figure out who I am and what I was doing out on that lake.
The state of these papers bothers me too. I mean, why are they torn up and bloody? Was someone angry about these experiments?
One thing’s for sure. The relay station should have more information,.
I just hope it’s still intact.
Anyway, it’s time for me to get going.
[Refer to the alternate route story-line – Decision D3]
Decision E6: What name?
Sibellius, once again.
[Refer to the alternate route story-line – Decision E5]
Decision F2: Maybe the trap wasn’t for you?
Right. It might be well intended to keep the wolves away… or an actual bear…
I guess it’s presumptuous to think it was set for me. This guy probably just lives here all alone in the wilderness.
I’m letting my paranoia cloud my judgement.
Either way, this is the first living person I’ve seen since I woke up on that lake! I’m excited, but also terrified…
I’ll try to greet him, see how it goes. I’ll hope for the best, but I’ll be prepared to run.
[Refer to the alternate route story-line – Decision B2]
Decision G2: Wait! He might not be hostile
You’re right.
I was just being paranoid.
Again.
I can see his face… He looks… disturbed… or angry?
I don’t like this. I don’t like this!
He just threw some bloody pliers down in front of me…
He’s grinning now… Toothless and bloody…
He’s not making a sound…
Maybe he can’t talk? I’d be surprised if he could with those bloody gums. The pain… It must be excruciating…
It’s disgusting, but I can’t look away…
Wait! He just pulled a plank from his backpack.
He’s… writing something with a black marker.
It says, “The Time of Tersus dawns.”
Wait! He’s flipping it over…
“Show me your teeth.”
No way!
Now back off, or I’ll make you bleed more!
[Decision H2: Don’t do that! He’s clearly crazy! joins the story-line here]
He’s writing again… I don’t like this at all.
He wrote a lot! “This is for your own good.”
“They use your teeth to track you.”
“Pull them out!”
“Use my pliers.”
Is this actually happening?!
That’s insane! HE’s insane! Please, tell me he’s insane!
Listen, there’s no way I’m mutilating myself!
You hear me, Mr. Doomsayer?
NO. WAY.
[Refer to the main story-line – Decision J1]
Decision H2: Don’t do that! He’s clearly crazy!
Look pal…
My teeth are fine. See? Just plain old teeth.
So let’s just calm down, okay?
[Refer to the alternate route story-line – Decision G2]
Decision J2: You’re right. That’s insane
He’s clearly lost his mind.
[Refer to the main story-line – Decision J1]
Decision M2: You’re not! That was self-defence
Yes, it was… but still…
I should feel at least a shred of remorse after killing another person, right?
Don’t you think?
Decision T:
N3: I don’t know…
N4: Grieving can wait until you’re safe
Decision N3: I don’t know…
Then…
[Refer to the main story-line – Decision N1]
Decision N4: Grieving can wait until you’re safe
Still, there’s one thing that I need to know,,,
[Refer to the main story-line – Decision N1]
Commentary & Analysis
The flow of Chapter 7 here follows the process flow-chart, which maps out the main two routes. Starting at the first decision point, we have two main branches, but ultimately, we can see that the second route to follow the tracks is a slight detour and delay to the key event of the chapter – meeting “Mr Doomsayer”. Following the tracks gives us a better understanding of what is going on, and for that reason, you could choose to venture down that pathway and glean extra information on the relay station. A number of dead-ends exist where Adams IV dies, so whilst he main story and plethora of decisions creates diverse story-lines to navigate, you can die if you are not careful. It is in the general style of always selecting the first decision that we find ourselves killed by the bear-trap. Killing Mr Doomsayer is an inevitability which leads us through to the end of the chapter, where the character questions his sanity and lack of emotions.
In the following process flowchart, the standard blue-coloured path shows the minimum number of steps to follow. A second extension to this path is shown in green which takes Adams to the cave where he gets to read and learn more about the area. I deem this optional but useful since it builds more of the holistic story. However, since the learning is fragmentary, and I may be allowing future game knowledge to influence me, I do emphasise that this extra five decisions is optional and NOT mandatory.
Visually, this process flowchart is of similar complexity to Chapter 5 with slightly less decisions. The shortest path is to make the following 5 decisions:
- Decision A1: Head straight for the relay
- Decision B2: That sounds like a plan
- Decision K2: What happened?
- Decision M1: Don’t dwell on it. What’s done is done.
- Decision N1: Just focus on reaching that relay
The following table shows all 270 possible routes. There are six ways to die, two of which can be achieved within three short decision steps whilst the four others are five steps from the chapter start. There are technically four routes that share the minimum number of five steps. The distribution of step numbers is weighted towards the upper end of more steps, with over 90% of the route possibilities having 8 steps or more.
[table “” not found /]
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