It’s 2004, you’ve created a Facebook account, and you’ve heard whispers of something called the Nintendo DS dancing on the wind. You’re a fan of scary video games and, like everyone, Gillian Anderson. If only there was a video game for you…
It turns out, there was! X-Files: Resist or Serve was created by Black Ops Entertainment for the PlayStation 2, and it was a pretty decent survival horror game! For some reason I had a copy of this growing up, perhaps my dad bought it for himself while I was shopping around for my own digital pleasures. It came from the same Californian folks who made Treasures of the Deep, as well as a few James Bond games. They are not enshrined in the horror hall of fame, but they absolutely gave it their best shot in Resist or Serve.
Because unlike what your initial assumptions may be about this game, X-Files: Resist or Serve is actually a pretty charming game. There are two campaigns for Mulder and Scully, each telling a different perspective on the events of the game, and emphasising the strengths of the two protagonists. It’s got fixed camera angles, it’s got big open levels to explore and scavenge. It’s even got voice performances by Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, and they’re pretty darn good!
Years ago, I remember it being really hard, and that comes down to the sheer tankiness of bosses and regular enemies alike. You really did have to ration out your resources in Resist or Serve, and take the time to kick enemies while they were down. Kick them a lot, actually. Bullets are scarce and you can semi-lock downed goons on the floor by pelting them over and over again, so you’re best served unloading a few shots then busting the boots out.