LifeSigns: Surgical Unit (2005)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

LifeSigns: Surgical Unit (2005) is a medical-themed adventure game for the Nintendo DS. It is the sequel to the Japan-only DS launch title Kenshuui Tendo Dokuta, which inspired the more gameplay-heavy Trauma Center series. LifeSigns: Surgical Unit was developed by AQ Interactive and published by Nintendo. It was released in Japan in 2005 and in North America and Europe in 2006.

The player takes on the role of a young surgeon named Dr. Eleanor Spenser, who is fresh out of medical school and eager to prove herself. She is assigned to a surgical unit at a prestigious hospital, where she must quickly learn the ropes and perform a variety of surgeries.

The game is played from a first-person perspective, and the player uses the DS stylus to control Dr. Spenser’s movements and interact with the environment. The player must first examine the patient and diagnose their condition. Once the diagnosis is made, the player can then begin surgery.

Surgeries are performed in real time, and the player must use the DS stylus to perform a variety of tasks, such as cutting, suturing, and cauterizing. The player must also be careful to avoid making mistakes, as these can lead to complications or even death for the patient.

In addition to the main story mode, LifeSigns: Surgical Unit also features a variety of bonus modes, such as a challenge mode and a free play mode. The challenge mode tests the player’s skills by presenting them with a series of increasingly difficult surgeries. The free play mode allows the player to practice their surgical skills without having to worry about the time limit or the patient’s condition.

LifeSigns: Surgical Unit was praised for its realistic surgery simulations and its engaging story mode. However, the game was also criticized for its repetitive gameplay and its lack of challenge.

Gameplay

LifeSigns: Surgical Unit is played from a first-person perspective, and the player uses the DS stylus to control Dr. Spenser’s movements and interact with the environment. The player must first examine the patient and diagnose their condition. Once the diagnosis is made, the player can then begin surgery.

Surgeries are performed in real time, and the player must use the DS stylus to perform a variety of tasks, such as cutting, suturing, and cauterizing. The player must also be careful to avoid making mistakes, as these can lead to complications or even death for the patient.

The game features a variety of different surgeries, each with its own unique set of challenges. The player must learn how to perform each surgery correctly in order to succeed.

In addition to the main story mode, LifeSigns: Surgical Unit also features a variety of bonus modes, such as a challenge mode and a free play mode. The challenge mode tests the player’s skills by presenting them with a series of increasingly difficult surgeries. The free play mode allows the player to practice their surgical skills without having to worry about the time limit or the patient’s condition.

Story

The story of LifeSigns: Surgical Unit follows Dr. Eleanor Spenser, a young surgeon who is fresh out of medical school and eager to prove herself. She is assigned to a surgical unit at a prestigious hospital, where she must quickly learn the ropes and perform a variety of surgeries.

As Dr. Spenser progresses through the game, she learns more about the hospital and its staff. She also begins to develop relationships with her patients and colleagues. The story is told through a series of cutscenes and dialogue sequences.

Graphics and sound

The graphics in LifeSigns: Surgical Unit are simple but effective. The game’s environments are well-detailed and the character models are expressive. The game’s sound effects are realistic and the music is atmospheric.

Reception

LifeSigns: Surgical Unit received mixed reviews from critics. The game was praised for its realistic surgery simulations and its engaging story mode. However, the game was also criticized for its repetitive gameplay and its lack of challenge.

Overall

LifeSigns: Surgical Unit is a solid medical-themed adventure game for the Nintendo DS. The game’s realistic surgery simulations and engaging story mode make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. However, the game’s repetitive gameplay and lack of challenge may turn off some players.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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