Ok,
Short note then I will come back and elaborate more.
I have been gaming since 3 or so. Started back on the Atari and Commodore 64.
I really have fond memories of PC games like 7th guest, old sierra games, Phantasmagoria etc that really pushed the envelope for their time and brought something new to us. (7th Guest being the first true cd rom based game and creepy at that)
Anyway I recently picked up the game: The Missing for $19.99 at Best Buy. I played some of it last night and its very different to say the least. I recomend at this point to anyone who enjoyes mysteries, serial killer movies like seven, silence of the lambs, etc.
Here is just one review when I have more time I will edit this post to give a better image of the game. If your into this sort of thing dont miss this game.
http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=399587
"Missing: Since January is part puzzle collection, part adventure game and part hybrid. The game was released last year in the UK under a different title. It was called In Memoriam and it received rave reviews due in part to the refreshing change of pace it boasts in contrast to other recent adventure titles.
Missing weaves Internet investigation and email seamlessly into the gameplay. Instead of pixel hunting, the player must actually search the web for clues pertaining to several horrific murders. If you combine the psychological horror of Hannibal with the cinematic paranoia of the Ring, you can begin to imagine what direction this game takes. The overall experience is disturbing yet engrossing and it definitely adds innovation to the stagnant adventure genre.
A photojournalist named Jack and his companion Karen were abducted by a psychotic serial killer who calls himself the Phoenix. Jack and Karen were investigating an unsolved killing when they apparently got too close to the truth. The investigation spans several countries and numerous murders. The story begins to evolve into a fascinating progression through dark fanaticism in true conspiracy theory fashion. There is a rich back-story involving old film footage depicting a grisly execution. This film is at the heart of the game as it pushes Jack to start his inquiry to begin with. I wish I could divulge more but it would ruin the experience. Suffice it to say that Missing: Since January has an emotionally gripping story that doesn’t let up.
Part of what makes this game so strong is the interface. It never actually feels like your playing a game. There are no distracting load screens, or poorly scripted dialogue to sit through. You are never required to sit and stare at the monitor while searching for a hotspot or rifle through a pointless dialogue tree. Instead we have a simple CD full of cryptic puzzles, hidden clues and unsettling images. Only maybe it isn’t just a simple CD.
The disc suddenly appeared and with it a horrible video clip of Karen being held captive. The Phoenix created the CD and the only way to find Jack and Karen is by deciphering the twisted mind games that the killer leaves behind. Each series of puzzles is linked to a sort of astrological tier system. Some may require that you do a Google search on the name of a murder victim that the Phoenix alludes to. Other puzzles range from assembling film clips in the correct order, piecing torn photographs together or researching yet another brutal murder that on the surface appears unrelated. Other mini-games resemble arcade like diversions such as guide the scalpel through the unsettling interpretation of an intestine or help a misshapen looking insect maneuver a dial correctly. Eventually, as you progress you will realize that everything is wrapped up tight and being manipulated by the killer himself. The Phoenix is merely toying with you as he arrogantly refers to you as "my little friend".
When you start the game you must register your email address. Throughout the game you will receive information from team members who are also trying to decipher the disc. This exchange adds to the investigation and also helps to fuel the notion that Jack and Karen are in it up to their necks. When you are not reading email or trying to make sense of the self-indulgent ramblings that the Phoenix throws your way, visiting the web takes up a large chunk of time. In order to get caught up in the Missing story line I recommend taking the time to read through the various sites, some real; others created specifically for the game. The information goes a long way and captures a realistic mood which makes the game that much more enjoyable.
When you defeat a mini-game/puzzle the Phoenix rewards you by playing a video excerpt from the investigation that Jack and Karen were working on before they disappeared. The footage looks crisp and is presented in a documentary format. Something that you might see on the Discovery Channel. The quality is outstanding, the acting is appropriate and the clues within the footage are all interwoven with the puzzles and websites flawlessly. The sound is also a major factor that helps make Missing superior. The music is varied and dark and atmospheric. The voiceover for the video excerpts is perfect. The sounds during the puzzle portions are full of disturbingly warped static, hisses, screams, shrills and haunting whispers. There are moments when the killer presents imagery that is shocking such as flashing astrological symbols with pictures of seemingly dead bodies or body parts. If you are squeamish, Missing could possibly make you cringe but the entire experience is one that shouldn’t be…missed.
Reviewer's Scoring Details
Gameplay: 8
An innovative mixture of Internet research, email and mini arcade type games that blend the line between realism and escapism. Having said that, there are a few mini-games that can only be beaten by repetition and practice. They look more imposing than they actually are though.
Graphics: 9
There is no traditional graphics engine to speak of. Instead, Missing presents graphic imagery and symbolism with crisp video sequences that create a documentary feel that enhances the sense of realism.
Sound: 9
The music is excellent, varied and original. It paints an ominous atmosphere along with the creative placement of distressing sounds and strategic noises and it is easily my favorite part of the game.
Difficulty: Medium
The solutions to each puzzle are never very difficult to find and it usually helps add to the overall story. The only problem in this department is that there is no manual save system within Missing. The game automatically saves your progress. As a result there are instances where clues and bits of information only appear one time. If you do not write it down there is no way to go back and view it again. I learned early on to keep notes and as I made my way toward the conclusion my scribbling stacked up to about twenty pages worth. In the end it just proved how engrossing the game is.
Concept: 9
There was a game called Majestic that shared similar gameplay innovations but it didn’t do very well. Perhaps Missing isn’t the first one out of the box, but it sure delivers its share of memorable moments.
Overall: 9
There are websites you can visit that are not crucial to solving the puzzles in the game. For example you can visit the online journal of one particular victim. You can also read through a message board in order to learn what people who knew the murder victim say about the ordeal. Missing is full of little details like this. They aren’t essential but they add a depth that goes a long way to creating an absorbing game environment. If you spend the time examining all the bits and pieces of Missing: Since January it is easy to become engrossed in the story, the characters and all it has to offer. The presentation here is top notch. Take notes often and turn the lights out. "
Short note then I will come back and elaborate more.
I have been gaming since 3 or so. Started back on the Atari and Commodore 64.
I really have fond memories of PC games like 7th guest, old sierra games, Phantasmagoria etc that really pushed the envelope for their time and brought something new to us. (7th Guest being the first true cd rom based game and creepy at that)
Anyway I recently picked up the game: The Missing for $19.99 at Best Buy. I played some of it last night and its very different to say the least. I recomend at this point to anyone who enjoyes mysteries, serial killer movies like seven, silence of the lambs, etc.
Here is just one review when I have more time I will edit this post to give a better image of the game. If your into this sort of thing dont miss this game.
http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=399587
"Missing: Since January is part puzzle collection, part adventure game and part hybrid. The game was released last year in the UK under a different title. It was called In Memoriam and it received rave reviews due in part to the refreshing change of pace it boasts in contrast to other recent adventure titles.
Missing weaves Internet investigation and email seamlessly into the gameplay. Instead of pixel hunting, the player must actually search the web for clues pertaining to several horrific murders. If you combine the psychological horror of Hannibal with the cinematic paranoia of the Ring, you can begin to imagine what direction this game takes. The overall experience is disturbing yet engrossing and it definitely adds innovation to the stagnant adventure genre.
A photojournalist named Jack and his companion Karen were abducted by a psychotic serial killer who calls himself the Phoenix. Jack and Karen were investigating an unsolved killing when they apparently got too close to the truth. The investigation spans several countries and numerous murders. The story begins to evolve into a fascinating progression through dark fanaticism in true conspiracy theory fashion. There is a rich back-story involving old film footage depicting a grisly execution. This film is at the heart of the game as it pushes Jack to start his inquiry to begin with. I wish I could divulge more but it would ruin the experience. Suffice it to say that Missing: Since January has an emotionally gripping story that doesn’t let up.
Part of what makes this game so strong is the interface. It never actually feels like your playing a game. There are no distracting load screens, or poorly scripted dialogue to sit through. You are never required to sit and stare at the monitor while searching for a hotspot or rifle through a pointless dialogue tree. Instead we have a simple CD full of cryptic puzzles, hidden clues and unsettling images. Only maybe it isn’t just a simple CD.
The disc suddenly appeared and with it a horrible video clip of Karen being held captive. The Phoenix created the CD and the only way to find Jack and Karen is by deciphering the twisted mind games that the killer leaves behind. Each series of puzzles is linked to a sort of astrological tier system. Some may require that you do a Google search on the name of a murder victim that the Phoenix alludes to. Other puzzles range from assembling film clips in the correct order, piecing torn photographs together or researching yet another brutal murder that on the surface appears unrelated. Other mini-games resemble arcade like diversions such as guide the scalpel through the unsettling interpretation of an intestine or help a misshapen looking insect maneuver a dial correctly. Eventually, as you progress you will realize that everything is wrapped up tight and being manipulated by the killer himself. The Phoenix is merely toying with you as he arrogantly refers to you as "my little friend".
When you start the game you must register your email address. Throughout the game you will receive information from team members who are also trying to decipher the disc. This exchange adds to the investigation and also helps to fuel the notion that Jack and Karen are in it up to their necks. When you are not reading email or trying to make sense of the self-indulgent ramblings that the Phoenix throws your way, visiting the web takes up a large chunk of time. In order to get caught up in the Missing story line I recommend taking the time to read through the various sites, some real; others created specifically for the game. The information goes a long way and captures a realistic mood which makes the game that much more enjoyable.
When you defeat a mini-game/puzzle the Phoenix rewards you by playing a video excerpt from the investigation that Jack and Karen were working on before they disappeared. The footage looks crisp and is presented in a documentary format. Something that you might see on the Discovery Channel. The quality is outstanding, the acting is appropriate and the clues within the footage are all interwoven with the puzzles and websites flawlessly. The sound is also a major factor that helps make Missing superior. The music is varied and dark and atmospheric. The voiceover for the video excerpts is perfect. The sounds during the puzzle portions are full of disturbingly warped static, hisses, screams, shrills and haunting whispers. There are moments when the killer presents imagery that is shocking such as flashing astrological symbols with pictures of seemingly dead bodies or body parts. If you are squeamish, Missing could possibly make you cringe but the entire experience is one that shouldn’t be…missed.
Reviewer's Scoring Details
Gameplay: 8
An innovative mixture of Internet research, email and mini arcade type games that blend the line between realism and escapism. Having said that, there are a few mini-games that can only be beaten by repetition and practice. They look more imposing than they actually are though.
Graphics: 9
There is no traditional graphics engine to speak of. Instead, Missing presents graphic imagery and symbolism with crisp video sequences that create a documentary feel that enhances the sense of realism.
Sound: 9
The music is excellent, varied and original. It paints an ominous atmosphere along with the creative placement of distressing sounds and strategic noises and it is easily my favorite part of the game.
Difficulty: Medium
The solutions to each puzzle are never very difficult to find and it usually helps add to the overall story. The only problem in this department is that there is no manual save system within Missing. The game automatically saves your progress. As a result there are instances where clues and bits of information only appear one time. If you do not write it down there is no way to go back and view it again. I learned early on to keep notes and as I made my way toward the conclusion my scribbling stacked up to about twenty pages worth. In the end it just proved how engrossing the game is.
Concept: 9
There was a game called Majestic that shared similar gameplay innovations but it didn’t do very well. Perhaps Missing isn’t the first one out of the box, but it sure delivers its share of memorable moments.
Overall: 9
There are websites you can visit that are not crucial to solving the puzzles in the game. For example you can visit the online journal of one particular victim. You can also read through a message board in order to learn what people who knew the murder victim say about the ordeal. Missing is full of little details like this. They aren’t essential but they add a depth that goes a long way to creating an absorbing game environment. If you spend the time examining all the bits and pieces of Missing: Since January it is easy to become engrossed in the story, the characters and all it has to offer. The presentation here is top notch. Take notes often and turn the lights out. "
