One of the "Top Secret" memos the player can scan in the game involves a description of a science project to develop "sharks with lasers attached to their heads", a clear reference to the 'Austin Powers' movies.
Ethan Cole is portrayed as a hardworking, responsible, no-nonsense soldier and leader, who doesn't believe in aliens. Ironically, he is voiced by David Duchovny who also portrayed Agent Fox Mulder in the X-Files, who believes in extraterrestrials and the paranormal.
This game is based on a 1996 light gun game by the same name. In fact, the original "Area 51" light gun arcade game can be found in one of the lounge areas in one of the early levels of the game.
When you reach "Lies of the Past: Checkpoint 4", you will see a replica of the Moon's surface, a model of the U.S. space suit, and a shuttle the United States used to reach the Moon. This is in reference to the Moon Landing Conspiracy, claiming that the U.S. never actually reached the Moon, and faked the landing to beat the Russians in the space race.
A GameCube version was also planned, but later cancelled due to poor sales of other Midway titles released on the GameCube in the past.