
Cameo appearances by video games in mainstream media certainly aren't a new thing, and during the '90s, several big titles were featured in both movies and TV shows.
One example we've been reminded of by Twitter user Rooflemonger is a memorable appearance by Sega's iconic Virtua Fighter 2 co-op in an episode of The X-Files, which was first aired on September 26th, 1996.
Entitled D.P.O., the focus of the episode is the five teens in Oklahoma being struck by lightning, with only one of them surviving the ordeal. Agents Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) are sent in to investigate and meet Bart 'Zero' Liquori (played by none other than Jack Black) and Darin Peter Oswald (played by Giovanni Ribisi). Both were arguably at the start of their careers.
Key sequences in the episode take place in an arcade packed with classic coin-ops, but it's Virtua Fighter 2 which gets the most screen time:
Let us know if you recall this particular episode, or if you have any other video game cameos which spring to mind.
[source twitter.com]
Comments 7
I have no memories of the plot, but I clearly remember Jack Black’s character being called “Zero”.
@HoyeBoye It's weird how you remember little details like that, from stuff over 20+ years ago.
oh yeah, I love this episode. that's some great TV video game logic, where mulder figures out giovanni ribisi is the murderer because the high score list includes a timestamp for some reason.
I remember this episode for Ribisi playing a genuinely creepy character. Some monster-of-the-week episodes were just about "ooo, scary ghost/monster/thing" and maybe it was gross or scary in that way but Ribisi's character had this creepy crush on I think his teacher or a social worker and really just played it up so well the "X-File" aspect of it took a backseat to the character portrayal. Definitely a highlight episode from season 3.
So moments like this and the Grandma's Boy Xbox game that was cancelled. The TV show with the Total War games.
The amount of games crossing over into tv shows is just funny but cool details. I don't wish for them but they are a nice nod I guess. Not for the licensing money for the time on screen though.
It's a good episode for sure but "the plot heavily revolved around Virtua Fighter 2" is a bit of a stretch. It's about a rebellious young man that can somehow control electricity/lightning.
Also Sonic the Hedgehog music and ring sounds are really prominent in the opening scene.
I love the X-Files but I always found it odd that Sonic sounds were mixed in to the arcade noises.
Oh there is also Primal Rage
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...