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![]() Computer X-Files: The game is out thereBy CNN Interactive Editor Steve Baxter June 19, 1998Web posted at: 1:27 PM EDT (1327 GMT) The series has created millions of loyal fans who tune in for a weekly fix of conspiratorial science fiction and mystery stories. There is certainly a pent-up demand for a big screen adaptation of the series. "The X-Files Game" is a much-anticipated addition to the X-Files universe. The first thing users will notice is that the game includes full-motion video elements. That's either good news or bad news. Video has been used in interactive entertainment for a long time, but most efforts haven't been that well received because of poor production quality. Fortunately, the same people who do the TV show produced "The X-Files Game." Series creator Chris Carter was closely tied into the development of the game's storyline, and Frank Spotnitz edited the script. The game stays true to the look and feel of the TV series with the efforts of director of photography Jon Joffin and "The X-Files" music composer Mark Snow. The acting talents of David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson and many other X-Files regulars add a lot of entertainment value.
Players get to act the part of Agent Craig Willmore, a young, up-and-coming FBI field investigator based in the agency's Seattle office. Mulder and Scully have come up missing, and it's his assignment to find out where they are. There are a variety of investigative tools at Willmore's disposal. A state-of-the-art lockpick will get him behind locked doors. He can take pictures of crime scenes with his electronic camera. A virtual set of binoculars brings clues into close-up view, and a flashlight lets him see in the dark. Of course he wouldn't be an "official" agent without his badge, handcuffs and a gun. There are several other clever on-screen devices to help gather and study evidence. Phone calls can be made on a Nokia cell phone, and notes or e-mail can be read on a simulated Apple Newton PDA. The Newton also displays a map that lets the player navigate the different locations of the game. The Investigative Services Workstation is also useful. Located both at the office and home, it has several features to analyze the evidence at hand. "ING," the Intelligence Network Gateway, is the official Bureau network. Agents can use it to run background checks, trace phone numbers and look up license plates. Photo viewer software can be used with the digital camera. Just download pictures that are taken in the field, and they can be enlarged and studied for clues. The workstation can also be used to put out an All Points Bulletin (APB) on missing persons and suspected perpetrators.
"The X-Files Game" is a remarkable product. It takes the concept of interactive cinema to a new level. Fans of "The X-Files" who like to play computer games will not be disappointed. "The X-Files Game" is compatible with both Mac and PC systems. It retails for under $55.
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