Reports of the death of full-motion video games have been greatly exaggerated. Recently eulogized as a relic of pre-3D days, FMV games play out in pre-recorded video segments featuring live actors. Most FMV games were deservedly maligned as too stiff and restrictive or as featuring awful acting — even the best games of the genre are often torture to play. Fox Interactive’s The X-Files has changed all of that. Despite some irksome issues, it’s the best adventure game of the year and the best FMV game yet. It represents what FMV can do when quality production underlies the game.

The X-Files game feels real and is as deep and challenging as you make it. While it’s possible to plow straight through without doing any serious detective work (a clever in-game hint system allows non-gamers to read the game as a story without getting bogged down in gameplay), the inquisitive player can do some surprisingly realistic investigating.

At the heart of The X-Files is a stunningly simple and effective interface. Graceful, flexible, and meticulously designed, it’s easy to use and never gets in the way of gameplay. The inventory system is a basic point-and-click affair. Conversation is effortless and inventive: You can ask a predefined list of questions, click on “idea icons” to begin conversations, or react by selecting from a series of emotions. Be forewarned, you must choose your actions wisely; say the wrong thing or react inappropriately and you could be in deep trouble. Say the right thing, however, and a new subplot or shortcut appears. The only glitch is the save system, which permits only three saved game slots.

The production quality makes the game stand out. The video segments are vivid and clear, and every frame of footage was shot specifically for this game — no editing-floor scraps here. Each element of the game, including excellent cinematography, natural and interesting dialope, spare but effective music, and first-rate acting, speaks of professionalism and artistry.

Despite Fox Interactive’s prerelease claims, the show’s famous Mulder and Scully don’t star here — but they do play significant supporting roles. Though this may seem a shortcut typical of cheap tie-in games featuring celebrities, the game compensates fans amply with strong performances from the stars. In the game, you play Special Agent Craig Willmore, a young agent assigned to locate the missing Scully and Mulder. Once found, the duo enlists your help in uncovering a conspiracy between aliens and the government. Numerous actors from the TV series make appearances both large and small. The game even features Lauren Tewes of “The Love Boat” fame in a surprisingly stern performance as a medical examiner.

While the story line — conceived by Chris Carter and edited by Frank Spotnitz — is brisk and suitably convoluted, it initially feels cobbled together from well-trod X-Files elements. Closer examination, however, reveals subtle new plot elements that an upcoming episode will explore, according to Fox. And like any good X-Files episode, the game leaves several questions unanswered.

While flawed, The X-Files game satisfies both hard-core fans and newcomers and delivers the promised immersion into the X-Files universe. All players should find it a rousing good time — a very smart game with plenty of action and mental challenges.

Kramer, Greg. (September 1998). The X-Files. MacAddict. (pg. 62).

If you are getting the blank video screen, there is an easy fix:
The problem is the QuickTime extensions set. This includes VR and 3D extensions.