[2][3][4] In the game, a group of scientists discover a method of time travel and ventures to 14th-century France to conduct research.

[6] The game includes a free-roaming tour mode, in which the player can observe the environment while Michael Crichton provides narration to explain the history of the area.

Paul Wirth, a producer on the game, said, "One of the design objectives was making it so the average person could finish the whole experience.

[2][3][4][16] Michael Tresca of AllGame criticized the game's short length and the "mediocre" sound effects, but noted the "exceptional" music.

"[2] Jonathan Houghton of The Adrenaline Vault wrote that overall, Timeline "just doesn't stand up as anything more than a slightly entertaining diversion.

Though there are minor problems with the graphics system, control scheme and interface, the primary drawback is that an experienced player can fly through it in around three hours and thirty minutes."

Houghton noted that the game's tour mode "is especially interesting" for history connoisseurs, but wrote that most longtime players would likely be "sorely disappointed by the un-involving plot and quirky control scheme.

"[22] Ron Dulin of GameSpot praised the voice acting and "fairly good though somewhat bland" graphics, and wrote that "it's hard to understand what Timeline is supposed to be.

Dulin felt that the game's most disappointing aspect was its "almost complete lack of story," stating that without reading the novel, "it's doubtful you'll have any idea why anything is happening, who any of these people are, or, most importantly, why you should care.

"[16] Scott Steinberg of IGN, who praised the music and voice-overs, wrote that the game was "way too patronizing for any adult to take seriously," and that the "slow-moving, semi-mature" story was not suitable for younger children.

Jay Fitzloff offered a second opinion, writing that inexperienced players might be impressed with Timeline but otherwise, "this is a lame adventure game.

"[17] Niko Sylvester of The Electric Playground criticized the game's linear gameplay and its controls, as well as the Kate character, "who tells you exactly what you need to do, even if she's chained to the wall in a dungeon three floors below you.

"[3] Samuel Bass of NextGen said, "Short, dull, and ugly, this wretched trip to the Renaissance Faire should have been left on the bookshelf where it belongs.