The X-Files: Resist or Serve

There are elements of Resist or Serve that are truly remarkable. Due entirely to the involvement of the writers and cast of the show, it stands apart in a genre not especially known for great scripts or convincing voice acting. David Duchovny delivers his dry wit with trademark indifference, while Gillian Anderson conveys the scientific aloofness that characterized Scully.

Resist or Serve claims to be a ��lost episode�� from what many argue should have been the final season of The X-Files (the seventh), and it delivers on this promise more than adequately. The story weaves together many of the show��s most important plot elements with the casual wit that made that season feel so comfortable to fans.

Unfortunately, the gameplay mechanics don��t match the class of the story. Just about every survival-horror gameplay faux pas is present, including static camera angles that mess with the controls, the need to run up against every wall to find interactive ��hot spots,�� and erratic load times that break up the action when you least expect it. While the character models are reasonably convincing, if a little stiff, the flat environments are almost completely devoid of anything to interact with. It all feels a bit 1998, to be honest.

Resist or Serve is not completely dreadful, as a game from the makers of Fugitive Hunter easily could have been. Fans of the show will want to persevere, if only to hear Mulder make cracks about Buffy. The game will disappoint survival-horror fans, however, so this is definitely something for the ��casual gamer�� end of the spectrum.

Rating:

Pros

An excellent script and familiar voice acting will make fans feel at home

Cons

Ugly graphics, flat environments, an awful camera

Pub. Vivendi Universal

Dev. Black Ops

ESRB Mature

MSRP $29.99

BANNED X-FILE

Season four��s ��Home�� episode, which features a disturbing story about an inbred family locked away in a primitive house, so unsettled viewers that Fox banned it from being rebroadcast. The episode was later released in the season four DVD box set.

Our favorite line? Mulder saying to Scully, ��Smell that. That��s perfume. Eau de Ball.��

Copyright © 2004 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine.