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89%
PROS
Incorporates the internet through Google and email, interesting puzzles, addicting, tons of videos.
LOWS
Doesn't take up the full screen, can get very difficult, what if pages lose Google ranks?
OVERALL
Even if you don't like adventure games or are new to the genre, you should try your luck with MISSING.
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Have you always thought adventure point and click games were boring? I always did. That was until I opened up MISSING: Since January, installed it, and played it for 8 hours straight. Yes, it may sound a little insane. That's because it is. This game gets you hooked, not only because it is full of suspense, but because you think it's real. While playing, I had to constantly remind myself that this game was not based on true events; that this story had never happened. Being a detective is a great feeling. Perhaps that is what makes this game so addicting. No matter what it is, MISSING is one game you are likely not to forget.
MISSING: Since January takes you on a journey through the lives of two people, Jack Lorski, a reporter for the SKL Network and Karen Gijman, his companion, as they try to unravel the mystery of a killing witnessed by a camera man. Jack had purchased an 8mm tape at a garage sale, and watched it only to find that the camera person had witnessed a murder and had gotten it on tape. Jack is intrigued to solve the mystery behind the murder. When Jack learns that the man killed was the father of Karen Gijman, he invites her on his journey for the truth. Karen and Jack disappear while on their search, believed to be abducted. The kidnapper of Jack and Karen put out a CD-ROM with hints to the pair's whereabouts, and also includes videos of Jack and Karen on their search. SKL Network has made copies of the CD available to the public, with hopes that the public will be able to help solve the mystery of Jack and Karen. The CD-ROM is filled with puzzles, games, and riddles that you must solve in order to complete the game.
When I read a similar synopsis of the game, I was immediately somewhat turned off. The mention of puzzles and games made me think that this would be an impossible, boring, and incredibly tedious process of point and click insanity.
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But MISSING's puzzles are different… they are interesting. And they really make you think. The reason MISSING is so scary is because of the different ways you have to solve problems. This game requires an internet connection. And there is a good reason it should. You will receive emails about your search from fellow searchers and their results. You will have to search Google. Yes, this game utilizes Google. Your keywords will be derived from using different hints presented to you in the game. The website you want will normally turn up to be the first or second link, and then you will have to read through the site to find the information you want. I thought the fact that MISSING uses Google was awesome. It really makes you feel like you are on a real wild goose chase, not using some fake in-game search engine to make your inquiries.
MISSING actually utilizes the web to a great extent. Besides searching Google, you will also be able to use the SKL Network homepage (http://www.skl-network.com/) to read witness statements, learn about Jack, and even use some of the “tools.” You can log onto the SKL tools page and use the translate, search, and notepad functions. The search is just a Google box, and the translation is a Babel Fish translation box. In order to play the game, you have to register a user name with a password and email address. Using your password and username, you can access the notepad function. You can store any notes about the game, and then log in to view them later. Pointless, but cool.
As for the email aspect, the email address you provide at registration will frequently receive mail from the SKL Network as well as other “people” working on the mystery. I hadn't even gotten that far in the game when I received 17 messages. Wow.
