X-Files: Resist or Serve

by Vivendi Universal

Product Features

• Over the course of 3 episodes, you'll play as both Mulder and Scully -- using their skills and different storylines to unravel the conspiracy at work here
• Pursue the twists and turns of this shocking mystery from Colorado all the way to Siberia -- and discover the hideous truth that's been covered up for years
• Blast away at enemies while playing Mulder, or concentrate on the puzzles and clues to be collected when playing Scully
• Features appearances by classic X-Files characters like the Lone Gunmen and Smoking Man - plus voiceovers by actual cast members and DVD-style bonuses

Product Details

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00008KTVC
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches ; 4 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: March 16, 2004
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,742 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Platform: PlayStation2

Game Informer Review

Resist or Serve is a merely passable survival horror game that relies on its franchise rather than gameplay to deliver the bulk of the entertainment value. Granted, some of the elements from the TV series are well used, such as the voices and likenesses of David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, as well as a plot revolving around Black Oil (a familiar menace to fans of the show). Unfortunately, these aspects aren't enough to overcome the uninspired, repetitive puzzle solving required to get the ball rolling.

Whether I was walking the streets of an eerie town or the halls of psychiatric ward, I was following the same pattern. The path forward was blocked (usually by a locked door) so I had to tromp around until I found the particular key that would let me progress. Along the way, if I saw a zombie, I shot it and it fell down. If it tried to get up, I kicked it until it died (because I usually didn't have enough ammo to shoot it again). I couldn't just run by it, either, because often times regular-looking enemies will be carrying a mission-critical clue or item.

To the game's credit, it does a good job of capturing the mood of the show, and some of the dialogue is pretty funny (especially when referencing the size of Mulder's adult video collection). It also manages to add some variety by providing alternate paths through missions, depending on whether you choose to play as Scully or Mulder. They need to accomplish tasks in a different order, and take slightly different approaches to certain situations. As Scully, you have occasional autopsy sequences where you cut up infected individuals to obtain precious zombie-fluids, and as Mulder you rely more on heavy firepower to solve problems.

Unfortunately, regardless of the agent you choose, the basic formula never changes. You spend so much time wandering aimlessly and kicking prone undead that you never really have a chance to get wrapped up in the exceptionally intriguing and involved story that was clearly intended to make Resist or Serve stand out.

Concept:
Make a game based on a series long past its prime

Graphics:
The scenery looks creepy and foreboding, but character animations are a bit awkward

Sound:
A bright star in the game's dark sky. The voices and music capture the ominous feel of the X-Files perfectly

Playability:
A conspiracy involving poor aiming, confusing camera work, and locked doors make it difficult to get comfortable

Entertainment:
I want to believe that this game isn't boring as all get-out

Replay:
Moderate

Rated: 6.5 out of 10
Editor: Joe Juba
Issue: May 2004

2nd Opinion:
With a vast city to explore, two playable characters with intertwining stories, an abundance of locked doors, and more zombies than you can shake a bloody New York strip at, this is a surprisingly decent amalgamation of survival horror's heavy hitters – primarily Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Truth be told, I like this game. Sure, it has a fair share of problems – be it the vagueness of puzzles, or the frustrations that the camera brings – but I just couldn't seem to put it down. The sarcastic banter between Scully and Mulder is done very well, the story moves along at quick pace, and the gameplay is solid. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Rated: 7 out of 10
Editor: Andrew Reiner


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Product Description

The X-Files: Resist or Serve takes the heroes of the classic show into a new case -- one that will jeopardize the human race, if they fail to solve it. In the tiny town of Red Falls, Mulder and Scully investigate strange disappearances and uncover a terrifying truth, in this horrific and suspenseful game.

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I have played this game!, March 20, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: X-Files: Resist or Serve (Video Game)

This game is a mix of Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Extermination.

Examples:
Controls are just like Silent Hill 2.
Cammera shots are like Resident Evil (viewpoints are fixed)
Inventory System is like Resident Evil.
Health display is taken from Extermination. (Infections and damage are shown on the body in the inventory screen with differnt colors)

Notes:
Pick who you want to play (each has different storyline)
Mulder's game is more action packed than Scully's.
Scully's game is more problem solving.
Game is divided into 3 Episodes: 2 Acts each

Pros:
Detail is great in every aspect of game.
Controls are real easy to learn.
Has DVD-like special features unlocked as you progress
No limit to inventory as you go through each act

Cons:
No Difficult level settings in option menu
Very Dark in certain areas make it hard to see what's going on
No rotating cammera (Resident Evil Similar)

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly good, a must play for X-Files fans, April 10, 2004

By 

N. Durham "Big Evil" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: X-Files: Resist or Serve (Video Game)

Though it suffered a number of release delays and with the dreaded fact that it is a licensed video game, The X-Files: Resist or Serve is a surprisingly good game, even though it draws many comparisons to various Resident Evil games because of it's presentation. While it suffers from graphical glitches and a few gameplay and control issues, Resist or Serve still shines thanks to it's mix of survival horror and puzzle elements. Playing as FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully; you investigate a series of bizarre and brutal murders in the town of Red Falls, Colorado. The game's story is written by veteran X-Files show writers, so the game's story plays out much like the lost episode that it is claimed to be. Mulder's story is more action oriented as you take on hordes of zombie-ish creatures, while Scully's story is puzzle oriented as you combine various toxins and perform autopsies. The puzzle elements are a nice diversion than the usual "find the key to open the door" type puzzles that are populated throughout other games of the genre, and that alone is refreshing. The character models of Mulder, Scully, A.D. Skinner, the Lone Gunmen, Alex Krycek, and the Cancer Man are nicely rendered so that each character resembles their series counterpart, but the character movement comes off as wooden. The sound of the game is where Resist or Serve shines as each actor reprises their role (thats right, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are on board as Mulder and Scully) and the music recycles various episode scores and sounds brilliant. All in all, The X-Files: Resist or Serve is a surprisingly good game that any and every X-Files fan should check out.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Now if they'd bring back the show it be perfect, June 12, 2004

By 

Scarletaka "Stacey" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: X-Files: Resist or Serve (Video Game)

Fabulous that they were able to get the stars to agree to do the voices for the Game! This game isn't perfect, but for me it was just what I was looking for in a new game. It had a little Resident Evil(Zombies), Silent Hill (Eerie Surroundings) and then the X-files storyline! After I got used to the controls and what the game was about I was hooked. The main complaint for me was it wasn't longer! If they do a sequel I will have it on preorder as soon as I hear about it.

It has the bit of mystery of the X-files but is basically a combo game with shooting/puzzles and even a few Autopsy's thrown in. They really have a place to go with this game if they choose to.

I know that doesn't answer all your questions about the game, but it's worth trying. If you don't want to buy it check it out at your rental store.

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