The X-Files: Deep State

App review by Paul Semel, Common Sense Media
The X-Files: Deep State Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Fun but tough puzzle mystery game inspired by TV show.

iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android Free Puzzle Games
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 1 review

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  • The X-Files: Deep State: screenshot #1
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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this app.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The X-Files: Deep State is a mystery puzzle game inspired by the supernatural/sci-fi TV show. In it, you investigate brutal murders, and not only are the bloody crime scenes shown, but the crimes are discussed in detail. But as in the show, there may be a science fiction or occult aspect to the crime. There are also times when the dialogue includes such curse words as "bulls--tting." Players can use real-world money to buy in-game currency, which they can use to keep playing, to speed up mechanics that otherwise might require them to wait, or to change the appearance of their character. Read the app's privacy policy on the game's website to find out about the information collected and shared.

Community Reviews

TheSpoiler
TheSpoiler Adult
April 4, 2018
age 14+

Fun for X-Files fans, but overall just kinda okay.

Honestly, it's fun, I enjoy it. But if it didn't have the X-Files theme to it, I wouldn't care/play it. The puzzles are fun, especially the discussion segments, and to a degree the scene investigations are too. But there's a lot of them and they get old after awhile. Also, it's kind of disappointing that (despite the advertising) there's really not many characters from the show. Mulder and Skinner are occasionally mentioned, and **SPOILERS** Scully helps you out in The Water Gate, but that's really it. To be fair though, there's only a few cases so far so that could change soon. As far as content goes, of course there's plenty of violence, but nothing more graphic than we see on the show. Condoms can be seen during a few of the investigations, and affairs are mentioned at points, but nothing is ever actually seen. Language usually doesn't go past a few uses of s--t, but in Light From Above there are at least 10 uses of f--k (plus two uses in The Water Gate). Also, like in the show, packs of Morley Cigarettes can be seen at crime scenes (and occasionally alcohol), and one case centers around a recovering alcoholic. In Light From Above, there's several references to drugs, and the player is slipped a strong hallucinogenic and works part of the case while tripping, If not for the language, it would have a T rating. Overall, it's a decent game and a fun way to pass the time, especially if you're a fan of the show.
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What’s It About?

In THE X-FILES: DEEP STATE, you play as an FBI agent who ends up investigating a series of crimes that may or may not have a supernatural or science fiction element to them. In the first case, for instance, you investigate a woman's murder by searching the crime scene for clues (and other, unrelated items), questioning her husband and her son, and deciding who you believe. But while this is inspired by the titular TV show, you don't get to play as either of the show's main characters or interact with their co-stars. Mainly, players will hunt for objects in hidden-object puzzles. There will also be occasional sliding picture puzzles or puzzle pieces that need to be connected to make a larger image, but for the most part, you're searching for items to help your investigation along.

Is It Any Good?

Though it's not as smart or engaging as the show that inspired it, this mysterious puzzle game can be fun and challenging. In The X-Files: Deep State, you play as an FBI agent who investigates a series of crimes that may or may not have a sci-fi or supernatural element to them. But while none of these crimes would work as episodes of the show, and you don't get to be either Mulder or Scully, the puzzles manage to redeem this somewhat. Specifically, this is discovered through the found-object puzzles, which dominate this game, and provide most of the challenge by being trickier than most found in similar games. The things you're looking for aren't always where you'd expect them to be, colored in a way that makes them stand out from the background, or even look like you'd expect. For example, the divorce papers in one case -- spoiler alert -- look more like someone's passport. Otherwise, though, this is fairly rote, with the secondary puzzles being way too easy, and the dialogue choices often having little or no consequence. Still, if you're looking for a hidden-object puzzle game that's a bit more challenging than most, The X-Files: Deep State will give your eyeballs something to do until the next episode of the show.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about violence in games. Does it make a difference that in The X-Files: Deep State, you're investigating the murder of a fellow human being, as opposed to a nonhuman creature?

  • Talk about commercialism. Clearly this game is designed to get you to watch the show, but do you think that's OK? Does it actually make you want to watch the show?

  • Discuss spending money wisely. In this game, you can spend money to change your character's clothes, to avoid waiting for something to happen, or to keep playing, but does this seem like a good use of your money?

App Details

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