The X-Files: Resist or Serve

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 31
  3. Negative: 2 out of 31
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  1. Game Over Online
    71
    Plays to fans of the series and delivers them a package crammed with more perks than most devotees of a long-cancelled program this side of Star Trek could reasonably expect.
  2. PSX Nation
    70
    Every bit as good as the recent "Resident Evil Outbreak" game if not better in some ways.
  3. PSM Magazine
    70
    It's not the next "Fatal Frame 2," but "X-Files: Resist or Serve" is a decent game infused with an awesome license and a very fair price. [June 2004, p.30]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. VideoGamesLife
    70
    It seems Black-Ops has been primarily concerned with making a playable game that isn't too tough to put off the X-Files fan-base that it's clearly designed for, and in the end seasoned players won't find too much here that's new or challenging.
  6. Gamers' Temple
    69
    X-Files fans will love the storyline, but gamers will be disappointed by the game’s control and graphics troubles.
  7. IGN
    67
    A true-to-the-series, fan-centric game steeped in X-Files lore and, despite its failures, is an endearing survival-horror endeavor that plays like one of the better X-Files episodes.
  8. Cinescape
    67
    While marred by a few technical problems, you won’t find a much better game that captures the spirit of a television show (and at a price point that most can’t beat).
  9. Just Adventure
    67
    As an X-Files game - directed to fans of the show - it should receive an ‘A’ as it features everything an X-Files episode would and the player gets to participate.
  10. Game Informer
    65
    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. [May 2004, p.100]
  11. Computer and Video Games
    63
    An unoriginal and slightly dull survival horror in the Resident Evil mould, the brilliant X-Files atmosphere and 20 price tag will save it for fans of the show.
  12. Total Video Games
    60
    X-Philes who have a hard time letting go may gain some enjoyment from the storyline particularly.
  13. Gamestyle
    60
    Yet the only reason to buy this (unfortunately) is the X-Files license, and because of the strong scripting (and characters) these are the only redeeming qualities in the cold light of day.
  14. Times Online
    60
    What really makes this game is the chilling music, which, even though the gameplay might not always be up to standard, builds the tension beautifully and ensures that the shocks that X-Files: Resist or Serve delivers have the maximum impact.
  15. NTSC-uk
    60
    Derivative and flawed mechanically, it is nonetheless a superlative tie-in. By integrating into its source material rather than paying homage, it enriches the franchise as a whole – something a great many similar efforts have failed to even attempt.
  16. GamerArchive
    60
    X-File fans are going to adore this. Sadly enough, to the rest of us we’re left with an uninspiring, if mildly enjoyable, Resident Evil clone with a few moments of annoyance as we find ourselves missing other subtle references to the TV series.
  17. Gamer's Pulse
    60
    This is perhaps the best format for a game using the license to take, but I was expecting more interaction with live individuals, more research and searching for clues, more of an adventure game along the lines of those that appeared on the PC platform in years past.
  18. Boomtown
    60
    Its playability may be assured simply because of its clone status to "Resident Evil," but the overall package just isn’t that well put-together to warrant more than an average recommendation.
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  19. GamingTrend
    58
    Has absolutely the worst combat I’ve ever seen, with some terrible puzzle design added for good measure.
  20. GameZone
    50
    It's not every day that a survival/horror game is released without using any scare tactics. Maybe that wasn't their purpose. But this game has Resident Evil-style gameplay and a spooky soundtrack. What could they have possibly been trying to achieve?
  21. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    50
    Unfortunately, the gameplay mechanics don't match the class of the story.

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. Capthate
    Sep 23, 2018
    5
    It is hard for me to quantify the amount of fun and frustration I have felt from playing this game. Not only is there a great deal of fanIt is hard for me to quantify the amount of fun and frustration I have felt from playing this game. Not only is there a great deal of fan service for the X-Files fan but also the developer seemed to have a respect and admiration for the series as well. Sadly, as the game wore on, what I found was a fundamental misunderstanding of some of the most basic concepts of acceptable game play.

    In X-Files: Resist or Serve, the player can embody Scully or Mulder in the three episodes that have a connecting story. At the end of each episode you can switch characters or progress as the same person. There are minor differences between these scenarios based on who you choose like a few differing mini-games and locations that all seem inconsequential as any useful info is shared after they reconvene.

    It is clear that there is a quality drop off after the first episode though with all the minor gripes and woes in the first episode only magnifying in leaps and bounds. The horrid camera, broken and odd enemy AI, bad inventory management and unclear goals only became more distinct in each new area. All of these problems lead to a final boss that felt like an accumulation of every bad aspect of the game in one acute point. I cannot stress enough how aggressively terrible the end boss is without needing a soapbox and maybe a half hour of your time. Needless to say, by the end of the third episode as Mulder, I dreaded the thought of a second play through as Scully.

    Oddly enough, on my second fore into the town of Red Falls in Episode 1, I was reminded of the things that filled me with such hope for the game in the first place.

    I was absolutely charmed by the wonderfully written story mixed with survival horror elements reminiscent of Silent Hill and Resident Evil. All of the characters are voiced by their respected actors and there are quite a few cameos that genuinely surprised me. The controls also felt easily forgivable in the beginning and the variation in locations had me excited to see the next place I might get to explore. Even the inclusion of the X-Files episode opening caused me to ‘fanboy out’ a little.

    Sadly, these small glimmers of light were snuffed out by the overwhelming awful boss fights, aggressively terrible camera placement and baffling game play decisions. I would recommend only fans of the TV series play the game but even that feels like it needs to come with a heavy warning that they are might not want to finish it.    … Full Review »
  2. DukeJon
    Jan 30, 2015
    8
    a servicable Resident evil clone that makes great use of the material from the show. Loved playing this back in the day. The game gets reallya servicable Resident evil clone that makes great use of the material from the show. Loved playing this back in the day. The game gets really tough towards the end and I could only complete it with cheats. There's a good mix of shooting, horror and detective work with loads of great touches and easter eggs from the show. Decent voice acting, particularly by Gillian Anderson.… Full Review »
  3. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    5
    I remember trying to beat this game as a teen, and dropping it because i didnt know what i was supposed to do. Didnt leave the best impression.
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