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Licence exploitation required. A case for Mulder and Scully?

Only a creatively bankrupt reviewer would reason that, 'if you like this kind of thing, you'll like this game'. Truth is though, a decision on whether to buy this should be based on a fondness for the series. As a game it's below par, but as an 'experience' - to store with the cut 'n shut Internet pics of Gillian Anderson - it's purdy dam authentic.

So, Mulder and Scully are back, and not just in the form of decent facial mapping. Duchovny and Anderson have voiced the characters. Furthermore, the three episodes in the game have been penned by bona fide X-Files scripters. Other well-known X-Filers crop up along the way too, with homage paid to the brand at every turn. And you get to play as either agent.

A fan's wet dream then, but fans of good games will find much less to enthuse about. Forgive the abundance of zombies - it is survival horror, and the storyline covers it - but what about that Resi gameplay? What was clunky eight years ago is unforgivable now - dodgy camerawork and the ability to gun down pesky assailants who'll hide beyond the edges of the screen. The puzzle-solving isn't a disgrace but it's so yesteryear - enter an environment, check all surfaces, pick up objects and store them...

No one element is truly rubbish, but nothing is genuinely good. Innovative use of a torch is worth a mention, but that surely only highlights what a lacklustre effort this is.

Graphics 50%
Good character likenesses. That's it.

Sound 70%
Music serves to heighten the atmosphere.

Gameplay 40%
Clunky movement and annoying cameras.

Lifespan 60%
Extended play only for X-philes.

Overall 50%
Some lovely production values and much to coo over for X-Files fans, but very little to recommend it as a game.