Software:LifeSigns: Surgical Unit

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Short description: 2005 video game
LifeSigns: Surgical Unit
(PAL) LifeSigns: Hospital Affairs
File:LifeSigns.jpg
European cover art
Developer(s)Spike
Publisher(s)
Director(s)Nobuyasu Motoki
Platform(s)Nintendo DS
Release
  • JP: October 20, 2005
  • UK: October 19, 2007[1]
  • NA: November 6, 2007[2]
  • AU: November 14, 2008
  • FRA: March 27, 2009
Genre(s)Adventure, simulator
Mode(s)Single-player

LifeSigns: Surgical Unit,[lower-alpha 1] released in Europe as LifeSigns: Hospital Affairs, is an adventure game for the Nintendo DS set in a hospital. LifeSigns is the followup to Kenshūi Tendō Dokuta, a game released at the end of 2004; that game has not been released outside Japan, although the localized LifeSigns still makes reference to it.

The game is commented as being "like Phoenix Wright crossed with Trauma Center".[3]

Characters

Seimei Medical University Hospital

Dokuta Tendo (天堂 独太, Tendō Dokuta) (Age 25, Male)

A second-year intern at the prestigious Seimei Medical University Hospital. He is studying Emergency medicine. He can be a little naive but he is very talented. He devoted his life to helping people after seeing his mother die of cancer. In the first game, he misdiagnosed a patient, which nearly ruined his career. His given name is derived from the English word "doctor", transliterated with kanji.

Sachi Hoshi (星 幸, Hoshi Sachi) (Age 22, Female) A nurse who has been working at the hospital 1 year before Tendo. She seems to be careless at times, but nonetheless, she is a talented and devoted nurse. She seems to have a crush on Tendo. She is one of the girls Tendo can date later in the game.

Suzu Asou (麻生 鈴, Asou Suzu) (Age 36, Female)

An extremely gifted surgeon, Asou is Tendo's supervisor and mentor. She recently got over her alcoholism after a disastrous break-up with Prof. Sawai (first game). She is the head of the 3rd Surgery Department, which specializes in heart diseases. Tendo seems to have a crush on her. She wears a bell choker around her neck.

Kyousuke Sawai (Age 52, Male)

A world authority in the field of immunology, and head of the 1st Surgical Department of Seimei Medical University Hospital. A cold and callous man who only seems to be interested in results. In the first game, it was revealed that he was Tendo's biological father and arranged his transfer to the Seimei. He is involved in the cancer treatment research and recently developed a miracle drug that might cure cancer called SPX (Sawai Power Plex). He also dated Suzu Asou for a short time which ended disastrously a few years ago. He is operated by Tendo in the final chapter, after a ballpoint pen pierced his heart in a car accident.

Yuma Aoshima (Age 24, Female)

The newest intern in the Seimei, Aoshima is an ambitious and stubborn girl who seems to enjoying eating more than anything else in the world. Because of her inexperience, she makes many mistakes at the beginning of her career in Seimei. She is one of the girls Tendo can date in the final chapter.

Ai Ueto (Age 26, Female)

A pediatrician who started her internship a year before Tendo. She was Hikaru's doctor when she was treated in Seimei. She recently switched to glasses after deciding her shades were giving her a cold appearance. According to Florence, it is rumoured that she has a new boyfriend.

Keiichi Kashiwagi (Age 47, Male)

A fat, balding doctor specializing in internal medicine.

Florence Makiko Sakurada (Age 60, Female)

Chief Nurse of Seimei. She loves gossiping and seems to know whatever is going on in the hospital. Her nickname "Florence" is obviously a reference to famous nurse Florence Nightingale.

Sanae Kurai (Age 28, Female)

An operation room nurse who has a gloomy and mysterious personality. Despite her initial impression, she is one of the three girls Tendo can date in the game.

Utsujiu Masui (Age 30, Male)

An eccentric anesthesiologist who is interested in Hoshi. He is married and has children but was recently kicked out of his house by his wife for some unknown reason.

Hikaru Sawai (Age 10, Female)

Prof. Sawai's bald daughter and Tendo's stepsister. Hikaru was diagnosed with leukemia in the first game and was being treated in the Seimei. She recovered and returned to school when Tendo donated his bone marrow to her. Despite the tension between Prof. Sawai and Tendo, he and Hikaru are quite fond of each other.

Gameplay

The game is separated into five separate chapters, dealing with the main story in an episodic format. Each chapter contains one or more of the following elements:

Exploring

The first type of gameplay is common to all Japanese adventure games. The main character, Tendo, explores an area, conversing with other people and furthering the story.

Mini-games

There are many mini-games in LifeSigns, which can in some way affect the course of the story. Most mini-games involve simple tasks, such as catching fruit that's rolling down a hill, or catching fish.

  • Persuasion - On occasion, the story will split, and can follow a different path. It is up to the player, in this mini game, to convince another person to do something. If the player is successful, then the story will continue along the good path. If not, then the episode may have a bad ending.

Diagnoses

When someone is sick or injured, the player may need to diagnose the patient and decide what is wrong with them. Diagnosis commonly involves taking a patient's pulse, listening to their breathing, and examining abrasions, bruises, and swelling.

Surgery

After diagnosing a patient, the player must perform surgery on them. During the surgery phase of the game, the player must perform a series of simple steps, one at a time, from disinfecting an area and making an incision, to the surgery itself, and finally closing the patient up. Unlike Trauma Center, the player is automatically handed the tool they need at each stage. There are a total of nine different operations in LifeSigns (though the number of surgeries the player does depends on the path the player takes).

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic61/100[3]
Review scores
PublicationScore
Famitsu30/40[4]
Game Informer6/10[5]
GamesMaster65%[6]
GameSpot6.5/10[7]
GameZone7.5/10[8]
IGN5.5/10[9]
Nintendo World Report6.5/10[10]
ONM46%[11]
Pocket GamerStarStar[12]

LifeSigns received "mixed" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[3] Some reviews praised the game for the realistic hospital setting and large amounts of character interaction, while others criticized it for "a heavy dose of conversations", unbalanced gameplay, and its feel being "less like a game."[3] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of two eights and two sevens for a total of 30 out of 40.[4]

Notes

  1. ↑ Known in Japan as Kenshūi Tendō Dokuta 2: Inochi no Tenbin (研修医 天堂独太2～命の天秤～; Resident Doctor Dokuta Tendo 2: The Scales of Life)

References

  1. ↑ Brice, Kath (September 21, 2007). "New trailers for Lifesigns [sic: Hospital Affairs DS under the microsocpe"]. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on February 2, 2025. https://archive.today/20250202003601/https://www.pocketgamer.com/lifesigns-hospital-affairs/new-trailer-for-lifesigns-hospital-affairs-ds-under-the-microscope/. Retrieved February 2, 2025. 
  2. ↑ Magrino, Tom (November 5, 2007). "Shippin' Out November 5-9: COD4, Gears of War PC, Mario & Sonic [author mislabeled as "Gamespot Staff [sic"]"]. Fandom. Archived from the original on December 20, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20111220195306/http://www.gamespot.com/news/shippin-out-november-5-9-cod4-gears-of-war-pc-mario-and-sonic-6182303. Retrieved February 1, 2025. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "LifeSigns: Surgical Unit". Fandom. Archived from the original on November 30, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20241130083719/https://www.metacritic.com/game/lifesigns-surgical-unit/. Retrieved February 1, 2025. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Famitsu: new scores (Princess Peach, Feel the Magic 2, Burnout...)". NeoGaf.com, LLC. October 12, 2005. Archived from the original on February 1, 2025. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250201190231/https://www.neogaf.com/threads/famitsu-new-scores-princess-peach-feel-the-magic-2-burnout.66846/. Retrieved February 1, 2025. 
  5. ↑ Juba, Joe (January 2008). "LifeSigns: Surgical Unit". Game Informer (GameStop) (177): 103. Archived from the original on February 12, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080212120307/http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/53645669-B798-49C6-A494-050AA72A7FC5.htm. Retrieved February 1, 2025. 
  6. ↑ "LifeSigns: Hospital Affairs". GamesMaster (Future plc): 84. Christmas 2007. 
  7. ↑ Dodson, Joe (January 8, 2008). "LifeSigns: Surgical Unit Review". Fandom. Archived from the original on January 25, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090125143625/http://www.gamespot.com/ds/puzzle/kenshuuitendodokutainochinotenbin/review.html. Retrieved February 1, 2025. 
  8. ↑ Valentino, Nick (November 13, 2007). "Lifesigns [sic: Surgical Unit - NDS - Review"]. Archived from the original on December 25, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081225225049/http://nds.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r31241.htm. Retrieved October 27, 2016. 
  9. ↑ Adams, Chris (November 15, 2007). "Lifesigns [sic: Surgical Unit Review"]. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on May 15, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190515010723/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/16/lifesigns-surgical-unit-review. Retrieved February 1, 2025. 
  10. ↑ Lindemann, Jon (May 7, 2008). "Lifesigns [sic: Surgical Unit"]. NINWR, LLC. Archived from the original on September 2, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230902072301/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/15914/lifesigns-surgical-unit-nintendo-ds. Retrieved February 1, 2025. 
  11. ↑ "LifeSigns: Hospital Affairs Review". Official Nintendo Magazine (Future plc): 78. January 2008. 
  12. ↑ Erickson, Tracy (November 21, 2007). "Lifesigns [sic: Hospital Affairs"]. Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on February 2, 2025. https://archive.today/20250202002406/https://www.pocketgamer.com/lifesigns-hospital-affairs/lifesigns-hospital-affairs/. Retrieved February 2, 2025. 
  13. ↑ Chandran, Neal (September 29, 2008). "Lifesigns [sic: Surgical Unit"]. Emerald Shield Media LLC. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240713153601/https://www.rpgfan.com/review/lifesigns-surgical-unit/. Retrieved February 2, 2025. 
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

On February 13, 2025, Freyholtz stepped down as the site lead to move onto new projects, leaving operations to Tracy Poff, a veteran coder on the site, and Atari staff.[18]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  18. ↑ "An update on MobyGames leadership". 2025-02-13. https://www.mobygames.com/forum/3/thread/269628/an-update-on-mobygames-leadership/#post-269628. 
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