Lifeline Whiteout Walkthrough #14: The Hover Truck

lifeline-whiteout

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 Chapter 12B, of the game titled “The Hover Truck“. Click here to view the table of contents/list of chapters. Chapter 12A is an alternate chapter titled “In Jail with Four“.

Main Story

I think I saw two people in the truck cab, but I can’t be sure…
Judging by the map I found, and how far I walked, ALT’s main facility is at least two more days walking north.

I lost a lot of time hiking the glacier, and I won’t survive the night out in the open.

I don’t have another option.
I need their hover-truck, one way or another…
But how to do it… That’s the question.

Decision A:
A1: Are you sure? They’re probably armed!
A2: You’ll need a plan

Decision A1: Are you sure? They’re probably armed!

I know that, but I’m a goner if I’m stuck outside tonight.
They can’t track me anymore, but I didn’t see any shelters between here and ALT-HQ, so I’d be stuck sleeping out in the open on the tundra.
And that’s if I don’t die from exposure first…

It’s settled.
I gotta get on that truck or die trying…

[Decision A2: You’ll need a plan joins the story-line here]

I’ve got two options: I can steal their hover-truck or I can sneak aboard it and hide in the back.

Decision B:
B1: Steal it. Then you control where it goes.
B2: Sneak aboard. Let them do all the work.

Decision B1: Steal it. Then you control where it goes

I like the way you think.
If I use my bed sheet as camouflage, I should be able to sneak close enough to ambush them.
Wish me luck. I’m gonna need it.
Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

Are you there? Shh! Let’s whisper.
I’m hiding behind the hover-truck.
It was easy. The driver and his partner never left the cab.
I’m outnumbered though, so I’ll have to be patient. Wait for the right opportunity. Maybe cause a distraction…

If only it wasn’t so damn cold out here…

Wait! one of them just got a call…
Deploy the drone?
One of them is getting out!

Decision C:
C1: Adams, run!
C2: Use your knife and grab him!

Decision C2: Use your knife and grab him!

Gotcha! Now just cooperate, and I won’t slit your throat. Deal?
Nod if  you understand me. reat.
Now, remove your gun… Slowly.
Give it to me… Good.
HEY! YOU IN THE TRUCK! I’ve got your buddy here, so come out with your hands up!
Here he comes.
I was just joking, though…
I don’t need you.
that was for Blue.
Hey, where are YOU going?
Think you can outrun a bullet?
Let’s find out!
Too bad. I thught he had a good shot…

Ha-ha-ha!
Hey friend, are you there?
Sorry you had to hear that… lame pun.

Looks like I forgot to turn off my comm for all of that…
You said I could be a monster. Well, maybe I am.
But they were gonna kill me if I didn’t kill them… I didn’t have a choice.

And someone needed to pay for Blue.
Hell, I feel better already!
I’m just… Sorry you had to see me like that.

[Decision D3: Use his gun to take the driver hostage joins the story-line here]

Anyway, I’ve got lots to do. I gotta change into one of their uniforms and dump their bodies.
Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

I’m back. I’m all set now. This uniform is a little small, but it’ll do.

It was really hard getting it off him without getting blood all over it…

Sorry, you probably didn’t want to know that.

Anyway, time to hit the road.
I wonder if this hover-truck gets any satellite radio stations?
What the–
(static)
Oops! It’s their comm radio!
“Squad 3? Is the drone deployed? Please confirm. Over.”
Shit!
What should I do?

Decision D:
D1: Tell them what they want to hear.
D2: Ignore it. They probably knew these guys.

Decision D1: Tell them what they want to hear

I think I just press this button to talk…

The drone has been deployed.
Over and out.

There’s no response.
Did they buy it?

[Decision D2: Ignore it. They probably knew these guys joins the story-line here]

Right.
Okay, this one must be the non-military radio.
There we go!
Good old rock and roll. That’s fine with me.

I’m off! Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

Hey, it’s Adams.
We’ve got a problem…
I’m nearing what looks like a checkpoint. It’s out in the middle of nowhere…

They lowered the bar. They want me to stop. Great!
At least I’m dressed for the occasion.

I responded to their call. I just gotta stay calm.
They’re signalling me to pull over off the road. Shit.
I don’t think I’ll be fighting my way through. All of these guys are packing assault rifles.

Stay tuned. I might need you. Fingers crossed.
He’s coming… Here we go…
Morning! Damn cold out here today, huh?

What’s your ID number?

Decision E:
E1: Make up a number! Be confident.
E2: Pretend to be new! Be friendly.

Decision E1: Make up a number! Be confident

It’s 220345?

Step out of the vehicle. Keep your hands where I can see them.

Fine! I’m coming out.
I’m unarmed, see?
Wait! Don’t–

[Decision E2: Pretend to be be! Be friendly joins the story-line here]

He shot me!
Wait! It’s just… a… dart…

[Decision E6: Stay hidden joins the story-line here]

[Adams is busy]

Are you… there? Damn, my head is pounding… Everything is blurry…

Decision F:
F1: Adams! Are you all right?!
F2: What happened to you?

Decision F1: Adams! Are you all right?!

No, I’m not OK!

[Decision F2: What happened to you? joins the story-line here]

Ugh… What did they do to me?
They must have sedated me.
That explains my nausea…
Oh God! Speaking of…
I’m gonna…
Uhh…
Excuse me a–!

[Adams is busy]

Sorry about that. I tried to spare you having to hear that.
The truth is, I feel much better now. I think the nausea is passing.
But, where am I?
Wait, there’s no door? I can just wa–AHH!

Shit! There’s a force-field there.
My hand got a little singed, but I’m okay.

Great. There’s a camera here too. Someone’s watching me.
Wait… There’s someone in the cell across from me!
He’s lying down on the floor.
I’ll try to wake him up…
HEY! WAKE UP!
He heard me… Wait. That face… That jumpsuit.
He’s an Adams, like me!

Hello, Five.

Wait, how did you know my– Oh right. The jumpsuit.
Which Adams are you?

You may call me Four.
It is good to see you, in spite of our circumstances…
I sent you a message, but you ignored it.

That was you! At the relay station!

It no longer matters.
What matters is you made it here – alive.

Where is here? What do they want with us? Who is ALT?

Hush, little brother.

You don’t understand! I don’t even know who – or what – I am!

You are Adams Five, the last of the Adams Series.
You are Father’s masterpiece.

Father?

You may know him as Dr. Sibellius.

This is… a lot to take in.
I don’t know if I can trust you, Four.

What do you think? Should I trust him?

Decision G:
G1: No, but he could know something important
G2: Of course, he’s your brother! [Refer to Decision G1 below]

Decision G1: No, but he could know something important

[Decision G2: Of course, he’s your brother! joins the story-line here]

All right. Four. I have some questions for you…
What does Dr. Sibellius want with us? What are we? Clones…?

Ha-ha-ha!

Hey!
Four! What’s so damn funny?!
Tell me!

We are not mere clones, little brother. We are something… much more.

What the hell does that mean?

After decades of research by scientists in biochemistry and artificial intelligence…
We have become the world’s first truly bio-synthetic lifeforms.
In simpler terms, for you and your… comm-friend…
We are the most organic robots ever built.

What? That’s insane!

Decision H:
H1: Wait! Hear him out. [Refer to Decision H2 below]
H2: Don’t listen to him, Adams!

Decision H2: Don’t listen to him, Adams!

Four, that’s just, completely ridiculous!

[Decision H1: Wait! hear him out joins the story-line here]

I am not lying to you, little brother.

A robot? I just can’t…

Decision I:
I1: He’s lying!
I2: Let’s hear what he has to say [Refer to Decision I2 below]

Decision I1: He’s lying!

[Decision I2 Let’s hear what he has to say joins the story-line here]

This is ridiculous!
Can robots eat? Can robots bleed? Because I sure as hell do both of those!

C’mon, back me up here, friend.
I’m a human, right? A clone, maybe, but not some robot!
Please… You’re the only one I trust.

Decision J:
J1: He’s trying to manipulate you. [Refer to Decision J2 below]
J2: I think you can trust him too.

Decision J2: I think you can trust him too

But why? You barely know him either!

[Decision J1: He’s trying to manipulate you joins the story-line here]

This can’t be happening right now.
But… why would Four lie?
I mean, if he was going to come up with something, you would think it would be something plausible.
Four, c’mon man… This whole robot thing is a little hard to swallow, isn’t it?

[END OF CHAPTER 12b / START OF CHAPTER 12a]

Just tell me the truth.

I see. You will only believe if you can see it. I understand.
I shall demonstrate.

Four?  What are you do– A knife!? Where did you get that? Hey!
Stop it! Four! STOP!
He… He cut his arm! He’s… peeling back… the skin…
Oh God… Under the muscles… even with blood dripping…
His bones are metallic!
No!
Am I… Is that what I have ?
No! This is all just some feverish nightmare!

WAKE UP, ADAMS!
I can’t be a robot!
Four, I can feel things!
My body needs rest! And… I dreamed! How is any of that robotic?
I don’t even have any crazy robotic super strength! I just feel… fragile.

I feel human.
When it comes down to it, does it really matter what I am?

 

Alternate Routes

Decision A2: You’ll need a plan

Don’t worry. I’m on it.
Now, the way I see it…

[Refer to Main Story-line – Decision A1]

Decision B2: Sneak aboard. Let them do all the work

Now you’re talking! If I use my bed sheet camouflage, I should be able to sneak close enough to get aboard.
Wish me luck. I’m gonna need it. Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

Hey, are you there?
I’m behind the hover-truck. It was easy. The driver and his partner never left the cab.

The truck’s anti-grav boosters are humming pretty loudly, so I don’t think they’ll hear me open the back doors…

All right. Here goes…
Great! It’s unlocked!
I’m in! There’s nothing back here, except for some tarps and a robot the size of a hubcap – probably a surveillance drone.

There’s just enough space for me to lie down behind this storage crate, but if anyone comes inside to look…

Shh! I hear something! one of them is using a walkie-talkie…
Deploy a drone?
Wait! This one right here?!
One of them is getting out!
What should I do?

Decision K:
C3: Ambush him! Use your knife.
C4: Hide! Grab a tarp and hide behind the crate!

Decision C1: Adams, run!

You don’t have to tell me twice!
Shit! He saw me!
Don’t shoot!
No, please! I surren–

Signal interrupted.
Attempting to reconnect…
Connection lost…

[End of transmission]

Decision C3: Ambush him! Use your knife

You’re right.
I’ve got the element of surprise. This is my chance to take him out.
Shh, he’s here…

[Adams is buys]

I got him!
I waited for him to kneel down in front of the drone.
Then I grabbed him, and… I snapped his neck.
He had a handgun in his holster… I’m glad I got him, before he got me.

But what do I do about the driver?

Decision L:
D3: Use his gun to take the driver hostage
D4: Wait. He’ll come to check on his partner.

Decision C4: Hide! Grab a tarp and hide behind the crate!

Right! No time to run. Gotta hide.
These tarps should work. Hold on.
There!
just in time! He’e coming! Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

Yes! I did it!
He came in and started to unload the drone.

He was standing so close to me I could smell him – like gasoline and cheap deodorant. It made me nauseous.
He fiddled with the drone for a bit until it switched on, and then he took it outside.

Then he slammed the doors behind him.

Hey, the front engine’s starting! Guess I just won a free ticket to ALT-land! Ha!

Even with all the noise, I don’t want anyone to accidentally hear us. These guys are serious.
I’ll contact you once I’m safe or if I need you again.
Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

Hey, it’s Adams.
We’ve got a problem…
We’ve stopped. From what I can hear, we’re at some checkpoint. I can’t hear what they’re saying.
Shh! Someone’s coming!

[Adams is busy]

Luckily for me, he just took a quick peek.

If he had looked under my tarp, I don’t think my knife would’ve helped…

Because he had an assault rifle.
Anyway, the good news is: we’re  back on the road.
I’ll let you know when – and IF – I reach ALT’s main facility.

[Adams is busy]

I think we’re in.
I heard voices and a mechanical sound outside, but I didn’t peek.
The truck’s stopped. The driver and his partner have left.
I can hear their voices in the distance.

Let’s see where we are…

It’s some sort of hangar or garage. Huge place. There’s no one I can see…

Maybe they’re all out there looking for me?

What do you think? Is it safe to leave?

Decision M:
D5: Go. It won’t get any safer.
D6: Wait a bit longer.

Decision D2: Ignore it. They probably knew these guys

Yeah. I’m not sure how great my acting talents are. They might even ask me for a password.
And I definitely don’t want them chasing me…
Yeah, ignoring it is for the best.

[Refer to Main Story-line – Decision D1]

Decision D3: Use his gun to take the driver hostage

A gun! My adrenaline’s pumping so hard that I almost forgot about it.
I can’t remember firing a gun, but the weight feels familiar in my hand.

Anyway, it’s time to hijack this truck. Wish me luck!
Hey you! Hands up!
That’s it. Now step out, nice and slowly…

Hey, drop it!
I don’t want to–!
Shit!
Are you there?
He’s dead. I guess you heard some of that. I forgot to switch off my comm.

I didn’t want to shoot him, but…
If I didn’t, he would’ve killed me. So I did what I had to do.
I know you think I’m some monster… But I don’t like killing. I’m just trying to live one day longer.
I would’ve spared him, but he made his decision.
The only thing I’m sorry about is dragging you into this.

[Refer to Main Story-line – Decision C2]

Decision D4: Wait. He’ll come to check on his partner

Right… It’s just a matter of time.
Well, if it worked once, why not try again?

Shh! He’s coming!
Here goes…
Gotcha!
Hey! No!
Hold still! Dammit!
Shit!
No, please! Don’t shoo–

Signal interrupted.
Attempting to reconnect…
Connection lost…

[End of transmission]

Decision E2: Pretend to be new! Be friendly

Hey, I’m the new guy. My first time in here, you know…
This is gonna sound dumb, but I can’t remember it.

Let’s see your ID card.

Sure. I have it here somewhere… Oops, looks like I must’ve dropped it.

Hands up! Step out of the vehicle!

Man, I suck at acting…
Wait! Don’t shoot! I surren–

[Refer to Main Story-line – Decision E1]

Decision D5: Go. It won’t get any safer

Huh… Not a soul in sight. You’d think this place is abandoned.
Lukily, I know better.
This place is huge. I’ll take me some time to orient myself while keeping a low profile…

From where I’m standing, there’s an automatic door up ahead, on the other side of this garage.
I’ll take my changes and sprint.
that was intense, but here I am. And I’ve gotta admit something…
I’m scared.
Scared of what I might learn… About what I really am…
But this is my life. And I’ll go crazy if I don’t find the truth.
No matter what I find. I’ve gotta embrace it.

Anyway, keep your fingers crossed. I’m going in.

[Adams is busy]

I’m in.
I don’t know what I expected. Alarms blaring? Guards swarming me?
Anyway, none of that happened.
But, now what?
I mean, I made it here, alive and in one piece, but I never really thought about what comes next. It took so much, just to get this far…

Gotta keep moving forward, I guess.
Let’s see what we have here… It’s a long corridor. There’s a door on either side.

I’m not leaving this to luck. Can you help me decide?

Decision N:
E3: Go left.
E4: Go right. [Refer to Decision E3 below]

Decision D6: Wait a bit longer

You got it. I’ll sit tight.

[Adams is busy]

Someone’s coming!
Maybe I should’ve left when I had the chance…
Judging by their footsteps, there’s at least three of them. They’ll be here any second! What should I do?

Decision O:
E5: Run, Adams!
E6: Stay hidden

Decision F2: What happened to you?

Not sure… The last thing I remember…

I lost my consciousness…

[Refer to Main Story-line – Decision F1]

Decision E3: Go left

[Decision E4: Go right joins the story-line here]

You got it.
I mean, yeah. I could just choose myself, but it’s comforting to know you’ve got my back.
This corridor just keeps going… This whole facility is even bigger than I expected.

Let’s see what’s around this corner… A blank hall? With another turn up ahead.

And then… back to the right again? This place is a maze! How does anybody learn their way around here?
Anyway, I’m chatting too much. I’ll call you once I find something… Or if I get lost…
Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

Hey! You there?
You’re not gonna believe this…
Just when I was about to give up, I turned a corner and nearly slammed my nose into a door with “Security Control Room” printed on it! How lucky is that?!

Following my instincts really paid off!
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous…

Anyway, there’s a window on the door, and I can see a guard in there. His head is slumped on he desk, but he’s breathing slowly.
If he’s not asleep, then he’s a really good actor…
What’s that noise? Oh great, someone ‘s calling him on his radio…

I’m gonna be quiet for a minute. Hopefully, this guys doesn’t wake up…

“This is Beta Squad. Investigating Sector 4 security breach. All sectors remain on high alert.”
“Sector 6, verify cell block is in lock-down. If that prisoner escapes, it’s your funeral. Beta Squad, over and out.”

A prisoner? Well, the enemy of my enemies is my friend, right?
I could use a little help right now, so I’m gonna head there next.
but first, I need to figure out what to do about Sleeping Beauty in there.

I’m pretty sure he’s out like a light…
I’ve still got my knife, after all…

Decision P:
F3: All right. Do it quietly
F4: Adams, don’t kill him! [Refer to Decision G1 below]

Decision E5: Run, Adams!

You’re right. Screw waiting. It’s time for action!
Off the truck and into the… fire! They saw me!
And, of course, they’re armed. Shit!
running! I’ll use these vehicles for cover.

They’re gonna flank me in a few seconds…

AHH!
Don’t worry, the shot only grazed my shoulder! Still, it stings…
Gotta find the exit…
I see it! I’m gonna go for it…
AHH! My leg! My leg…
They’re coming… Hey! Guys, I surrender! I surrender!
Please, no! Don’t shoot!
Pleas-

Signal interrupted.
Attempting to reconnect…
Connection lost…

[End of transmission]

Decision E6: Stay hidden

Got it.
I’m under the tarp.
Here they come! Shh…
He-hello? I surrender! See, putting the knife down slowly…
Hey, what are you–
Uhh…

[Refer to Main Story-line – Decision E1]

Decision F3: All right. Do it quietly

[Decision F4: Adams, don’t kill him! joins the story-line here]

I’m doing what has to be done.
Don’t worry about me.
All right. here goes.

Huh? What–

No! Shit!
C’mon, just die already…
Don’t look at me!

Don’t ask. I don’t want to talk about it.

[END OF CHAPTER 12b / START OF CHAPTER 13b]

I’m taking his access card, and then I’m outta here, before I get covered in blood.

Wait, there’s a map on his desk!
All the emergency routes are marked in red. Their weird layout makes more sense now.

One of the emergency routes connects to the cell block where that prisoner is. There’s an entrance nearby, but it’ll take a while…

Or I could just take the direct route in the main hallways. I could get there in maybe five minutes.
What do you think? should I play it safe or save time?

 

Commentary & Analysis

The process flows for the chapter are on the one hand straightforward, and linear for the outcome where Adams ends up In Jail with Four (Chapter 12a). A second outcome where Adams ends up Inside the ALT headquarters (Chapter 13b) has a shorter and more direct path, IF you know the decisions to make. It is interesting that along the path to infiltrating the ALT headquarters, there is one decision where choosing left or right makes no difference.

The distribution of possible routes and according to length/number of steps within that route is:

  • 4-step routes: 2 both lead to death
  • 5-step routes: 2 both lead to death
  • 6-step routes: 8 lead to Chapter 13B
  • 10-step routes: 320/54% lead to Chapter 12A
  • 11-step routes: 256/44% lead to Chapter 12A

In this way, the vast majority (98%) of routes lead to Chapter 12A whereas only 8 different scenarios lead to Chapter 13B. Whilst the likelihood of death is low from a total number of possibilities, that they occur early on in the process flows ensures a quick termination if they eventuate.

The two shortest routes are:

[table “” not found /]

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