Different and interesting to say the least...
As for game play, its innovative in the fact that it's the only game that you play using your voice. The overall basis of the game is to tell Rio what to do, using the USB Headset Microphone.
On the plus side, this game can really pick your brain. Not only do you have to solve puzzles, but you also have to help Rio during one of her "Brainstorming" sessions. In other words, when a complicated problem arises, She'll ask you for any insight that might help her in the current situation (ex. If she has to fight a spider that hated fire, she'll ask you if you know of any flame-related weapons that could not only be useful against it, but also readily available).
The battle-encounter system works similar to that of an RPG. Monster will appear spontaneously, but not at random. When you encounter an enemy, the screen switches to battle mode. In battle mode, you have special battle commands and each enemy on the field is numbered. When Rio has an enemy in her sights, you are given commands to attack certain body parts of the targeted monster (Head, Mouth, Stomach, etc.). The battles are usually fast-paced and in battle mode, in which, you are allowed to make multiple commands at once.
One of the coolest things about this game is you can find "Special Commands" which are scattered throughout the space station. Such commands include word games, as well as just commands to play with when you’re bored. To add to replay value, is there are 16 gold chips also scattered throughout the space station, for every 4 you collect, you unlock a mini-game that you can play separately.
On the down side, however, is it can get incredibly frustrating while you play. Since the play style is completely new, the voice-recognition system is not very good. This means you'll literally spend hours trying to get her to examine something suspicious.
Overall, it’s a good innovation, but it’s not for everyone.