The X-Files Game

 PC
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 11
  3. Negative: 3 out of 11
  1. Adventure Gamers
    80
    The X-Files Game will delight fans of the series by placing them wholly inside a world of lies and conspiracy, complete with a torrent of in-jokes and interaction with their favourite series regulars. Even non-fans will enjoy this spooky sci-fi romp, due to its slick interface, gripping plot-line and highly immersive quality.
  2. Computer Games Magazine
    70
    The X-Files repeatedly bellies up to near-greatness but always slips back to mere above-adequacy.
  3. All Game Guide
    70
    Considering the relatively inexpensive price of "The X-Files: Unrestricted Access" (at the time of review the program was only half the price of most new games), this is an X-Files souvenir well worth the money to the casual watchers and a must-have for the die-hard fan.
  5. Adrenaline Vault
    70
    Not as good as "Blade Runner," but about on the same level as "Spycraft." In other words, its better than most adventure games on the market today.
  6. Just Adventure
    67
    Imagine, a game that played like Gabriel Knight, but set in the world of "The X-Files."
  7. Quandary
    60
    The gameplay is a cross between Police Quest and Spycraft and is quite entertaining for a while even taking into account those long searches for a black cat in a cellar at midnight.
  8. GameSpot
    51
    It's like an X-Files primer, filled with cute references to events from the show and following a plot that the devout will be able to predict within the first 15 minutes of the game.
  9. Cincinnati Enquirer
    50
    Unfortunately, the game falls victim to standard full-motion video problems, namely, linear game play. Since there are a limited number of filmed sequences, you must adhere to a specific path in order to progress through the game.
  10. Game Revolution
    42
    Half the time you're playing you find yourself staring into the screen at the same old scrap of evidence, no music, no sound, no action. If you like the X-Files, you're better off watching reruns on the television program or going out and seeing the movie.
  11. PC Gamer
    35
    Less unpleasant than having an alien probe stuck up your butt - but not by much. [Sept 1998, p.129a]
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  12. Computer and Video Games
    30
    One good aspect for people who tend to get stuck on these detective game (and I mean myself here) is 'artificial intuition', ie help. When you seem to have hit a wall, this swirling symbol will suggest areas to concentrate on in that location - and the more you use it, the less subtle the hints get! It's a good way of offering a helping hand without spoonfeeding players.

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best PC Game of 1998
13
#13 Most Discussed PC Game of 1998

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. Babutto
    Nov 3, 2021
    9
    Amazing game.

    I played it first in 1999, borrowed the discs from my friend. We had Russian localization, and the number of discs was cut to    Amazing game.

    I played it first in 1999, borrowed the discs from my friend. We had Russian localization, and the number of discs was cut to 4 or 3 causing glitches, especially at the end when you need to use stiletto and throw it to Scully.

    Pros.:
    - Videos. Now, I think, nobody uses the videos in the games. Real footage. It was done before with Myst, C&C games, quests sometimes. But now, almost everything is digital. Videos were quite an interesting way of presenting the game to the player. It increased the size of the game. Probably, it affected the sales.
    - Characters. All characters were quite interesting to see. Of course, the main characters from the show were cool. But even the game only was nice. The chemistry between our FBI protagonist and the detective.
    - The game is still playable on modern systems.
    - The type of game that is awesome in VR and made using modern tech.

    Cons.:
    - Due to the limitations of the tech back then there are awkward pauses between the scenes.
    - Quite old I guess. But if it's remastered it would eliminate most of the cons.
    - The game is quite short.    … Full Review »
  2. NarakuITA
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    A truly exceptional game, especially for fans. The story is engaging, and will keep you glued to the monitor. Seems to see an episode of XA truly exceptional game, especially for fans. The story is engaging, and will keep you glued to the monitor. Seems to see an episode of X Files.
    Gameplay is simple and intuitive. The indications are of medium difficulty. Sometimes you immediately find what you are looking for, sometimes you have to reason about what you are looking for and how to solve a certain situation.
    A game to add to the collection of old games! Unforgettable!    … Full Review »
  3. drlowdon
    Jun 8, 2013
    5
    Using live action footage The X-Files Game doesn’t really offer much gameplay other than looking around environments in the manner of a pointUsing live action footage The X-Files Game doesn’t really offer much gameplay other than looking around environments in the manner of a point and click adventure. X-Files fans will likely get some enjoyment from the storyline and cameos from Mulder and Scully but ultimately it’s fairly forgettable.… Full Review »
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