Mising is a unique appraoch to adventure games that fans of CSI or Silence of the Lambs will really get into.
User Rating: 7.5 | Missing: Since January PC
Missing: Since January is a unique appraoch at the classic adventure genre. While most adventure games have you pointing and clicking through detailed, pre-renderd backgrounds, Missing takes you out of the game world and actually has you searching the net and reading e-mails for your clues. While some people may see that as smiply a gimmick, it really immerses you in the game by mixing it with real life. The basic premise is two people end up missing while investigating a murder and it's up to you to find them. The CD that comes in the game box is actually a CD that the alleged kidnapper has created, and you have the task of deciphering his number of arcane clues and abstract puzzles. While some puzzles are a great deal easier than others, they're all unique in some sense and are fairly creative. Once these puzzles are solved, the kidnapper will reward you with a short video clip of the missing couple, giving you further insight into what may have happened. The graphics in Missing aren't anything spectacular but they fit with the game. Most of the visuals are macabre, abstract images that usually realte to the puzzle you're on. The images really help to portray the cryptic and mysterious atmosphere that the game relies so heavily on. Between these puzzles, full motion video is used to show the two characters you're looking for. These videos are often clear (except when intentionally distorted) and help move the story along nicely. Matching the dark, mysterious visuals is the equally atmospheric music. While fairly simple it gives off some creepy, uneasy vibes and helps keep the player immersed in this dark world crafted by the strange kidnapper they're trying to find. While Missing won't appeal to everyone, fans of adventuers games should definately give it a try. Fans of CSI, FBI Files, Cold Case, or similar shows might also enjoy this game since it is essentially an investigation to solve a murder and a kidnapping. So if your looking for a unique adventure game to add to your collection, go pick up Missing: Since January. It's a unique and fun game and you can't go wring with its $19.99 price tag.
