The X-Files Game

The X-Files Game, released in 1998, is a full-motion video (FMV) adventure game that takes place in the universe of the X-Files television series. The game's story is set between the events of seasons 3 and 4 of the show and features a narrative that unfolds through a combination of live-action video scenes and point-and-click gameplay. Here is a complete synopsis of the game's plot, detailing all the major scenes and events:

Introduction
The game begins with an opening cinematic showing FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully on a stakeout. The two agents mysteriously disappear while investigating a case in Seattle, Washington. Following their disappearance, Assistant Director Walter Skinner briefs a new agent, Craig Willmore, a young FBI agent assigned to the Seattle field office, on the situation. Willmore is tasked with finding the missing agents.

Day 1: The Investigation Begins
The game opens with Agent Willmore arriving at the FBI field office in Seattle. After being briefed by Skinner, Willmore begins his investigation by reviewing Mulder and Scully's case files and gathering preliminary information. He meets with his colleague, Agent Cook, who provides additional background on the agents' activities before their disappearance. Willmore also retrieves Mulder and Scully's vehicle from an impound lot, finding evidence that leads him to their last known location.

Day 1: The Warehouse
Willmore follows leads to a warehouse where Mulder and Scully were last seen. He finds signs of a struggle and encounters suspicious individuals who warn him to stay away. He discovers evidence suggesting that Mulder and Scully were abducted. The investigation deepens when Willmore encounters government agents who seem intent on obstructing his progress.

Day 2: The Crime Scene
The next day, Willmore returns to the warehouse with forensics expert Agent Astrid Dorne. Together, they analyze the crime scene, finding more clues, including blood samples, unusual substances, and more signs of a cover-up. Willmore interviews witnesses and collects more evidence, leading him to suspect that Mulder and Scully's disappearance is linked to a larger conspiracy.

Day 2: The Morgue
Willmore visits the local morgue to investigate the body of a man found near the warehouse. The coroner, Dr. Shilling, reveals strange, unexplained injuries on the body, which seem consistent with alien or experimental technology. Willmore's investigation leads him to believe that the man was connected to the agents' abduction.

Day 3: The Surveillance
Willmore decides to follow up on surveillance footage captured near the crime scene. He visits a local video store to review the tapes, finding suspicious individuals and vehicles linked to the disappearance. The investigation reveals that a shadowy organization, possibly linked to the Syndicate from the show, is involved in Mulder and Scully's abduction.

Day 3: The Docks
Willmore follows a lead to the Seattle docks, where he uncovers a smuggling operation tied to the conspiracy. He confronts armed men and discovers a hidden cargo that includes alien artifacts and biological materials. Willmore barely escapes with his life, confirming that he is getting closer to the truth.

Day 4: The Abduction
As Willmore delves deeper, he discovers that Mulder and Scully were investigating alien technology being tested by the government. He learns about a scientist named Dr. John Amis, who was working on a secret project involving extraterrestrial materials. Willmore tracks down Dr. Amis, who reveals that the project was intended to weaponize alien technology, but it went horribly wrong.

Day 4: The Truth Revealed
Dr. Amis tells Willmore that Mulder and Scully were abducted because they got too close to exposing the project. He provides Willmore with key evidence, including documents and recordings, that could bring down the conspiracy. However, the Syndicate learns of Willmore's progress and starts hunting him.

Day 4: The Chase
Willmore is pursued by Syndicate operatives and is forced to go on the run. He narrowly escapes several assassination attempts while trying to piece together the final clues. The tension escalates as he realizes that the only way to find Mulder and Scully is to confront the Syndicate directly.

Day 5: The Final Confrontation
The game’s climax takes place at a remote government facility where Willmore confronts the Syndicate members involved in the project. He finds Mulder and Scully held captive in a laboratory, where they are being experimented on. Willmore must make critical decisions that determine the fate of the agents and whether or not the conspiracy is exposed.

Endings
The game features multiple endings based on the player’s choices throughout the story:

Good Ending: Willmore successfully rescues Mulder and Scully and exposes the conspiracy, leading to a partial victory against the Syndicate. Mulder and Scully return to their work, and Willmore is praised for his bravery.
Bad Ending: Willmore fails to save Mulder and Scully, and the conspiracy remains intact. The Syndicate covers up the entire incident, and Willmore is left with nothing to show for his efforts.
Neutral Ending: Willmore rescues Mulder and Scully, but the conspiracy is not fully exposed. The agents return to the X-Files, but the shadowy forces continue their work, hinting at future conflicts.
Epilogue
The game concludes with a final cinematic where Skinner reviews the outcome of the case. Depending on the player's actions, Willmore either receives a commendation or faces consequences for his failures. The game ends on a note of unresolved mystery, keeping in line with the tone of the X-Files series.

 REVIEWS

A real episode and an outstanding investigation

Written by Pike on 2018-08-08
★ ★ ★ ★

The X-Files Game (what a great title!) is quite something! First, it feels like a real episode of The X-Files.

INVESTIGATION
Many bad episodes from the series had no investigation whatsoever. This is definitely not the case here, as the game is based on a terrific real investigation. Playing the game really feels like being an FBI agent and doing formal analysis. We try to solve murders, investigations, just terrific.

LOCATIONS
As you all know, movies are about locations, locations, locations. Well, this game has really great locations. It's always dark, even in the middle of the day, in a typical X-Files-like atmosphere.

OUTDATED
While the game can feel very old today, it was definitely interesting. You could really feel leading an FBI case and that was kind of cool.

PACKAGING
I shall also add that the packaging of the game was absolutely stunning!

SUMMARY
A fascinating game at the time, who has not aged very well. I still give it 4 out of 5. Excellent.
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 PHOTOS

1 photo

 HISTORY

2024-08-30 23:40:13 - Pike: Added a photo.