Missing: Since January

 PC
Missing: Since January Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 12 Ratings

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  • Summary: Journalist, Jack Lorski, and his companion disappear while investigating a string of gruesome murders. Soon after their disappearance, Jack's agency receives a disturbing CD-ROM containing footage he captured during his investigation. More than just a CD, this disc is in-fact the beginningJournalist, Jack Lorski, and his companion disappear while investigating a string of gruesome murders. Soon after their disappearance, Jack's agency receives a disturbing CD-ROM containing footage he captured during his investigation. More than just a CD, this disc is in-fact the beginning of a terrifying game with a maniacal killer known only as "The Phoenix." Enter the mind of a serial killer and see if you can unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of a journalist and his companion and the recent ghastly murders. Missing offers an innovative blend of Windows® gameplay and the internet to immerse players in this elaborate game of cat-and-mouse. Receive actual e-mail from virtual characters and The Phoenix himself offering important clues. Visit a wealth of real websites and fictitious sites created solely for the game to obtain valuable information vital to solving the case. [Adventure Company]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. eToychest
    90
    Everything about Missing: Since January drips atmosphere and everything contained within the game plays a role in driving the atmosphere home for the player.
  2. Warcry
    90
    A unique twist on the point-and-click adventure, chock full of puzzle goodness and a compelling storyline that pushes you to the end.
  3. Computer Games Magazine
    80
    As long as you approach it with an understanding that the process is much better than resolution, Missing is one of the most gratifying adventure games you can play. [Oct 2004, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. GameSpy
    75
    The puzzles kept me intrigued for days, the storyline was irresistible, and the e-mails and Internet research were a joy. Sadly, the ending left me cold and put a damper on the whole story, and some of the puzzles were so annoying they ceased being fun long before they were complete.
  5. GameSpot
    71
    If you fancy yourself a skilled Internet sleuth, Missing may prove to be an engrossing and unique experience.
  6. Game Informer
    65
    For every stunning success in delivery and artistry, Missing has a miserable failure at an actual gameplay design element. [Sept 2004, p.117]
  7. Worth Playing
    45
    A wonderful idea bogged down by lousy execution.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 1 out of 3
  1. FuitilliumS.
    Jul 7, 2004
    10
    A great game that's reinvent the notion of interactivity ! Play one time in it and it will swallow you. The story is amazing and A great game that's reinvent the notion of interactivity ! Play one time in it and it will swallow you. The story is amazing and complexe. When you think that it's finish... the real game starts !… Expand
  2. jerkwheat
    Apr 28, 2015
    9
    It's hard to convey exactly how great this game was when it was still new-ish. Not only that, it was important in terms of scope and conceptIt's hard to convey exactly how great this game was when it was still new-ish. Not only that, it was important in terms of scope and concept and was the first game I can remember to successfully blur the lines between reality and fiction. In fact I can't think of another game since that had such ambition and was actually able to pull it off. The story was engaging and made you feel like you really were solving a real murder mystery by some very clever use of a Netscape web browser and true internet search engine, both built into the game and its story. I highly doubt it will run on today's newer systems, but if you can get it into compatibility mode, it's still worth a play.

    I first played it a year after it had been out, so it's been nine years or so, and I still remember it fondly enough to write this review. Coming from a hardcore gamer like myself, that alone says it all.    … Expand
  4. ShawnHubbard
    Feb 15, 2006
    3
    I have to give the developers some credit. They tried to make an interesting and unusual game, but instead, it was a tedious, frustratingI have to give the developers some credit. They tried to make an interesting and unusual game, but instead, it was a tedious, frustrating experience. This game was a huge letdown since I was expecting more. Most of the mini-games were entertaining, with a few exceptions. Some of the puzzles required the player to research the Internet to find websites specifically created for the game. The problem with this part of the game was that there were websites with the same search terms and iIt was sometimes difficult to find the right website. In addition, some of the clues are received via email. There were times where I could not continue the game until I used a walkthrough becaise some crucial emails never arrived, or arrived after the fact. Some of the puzzles, especially ones that required Internet research, were difficult because the subject matter is difficult. The worst thing about my whole experience: because of a bug (or developer oversight, I don't know which), the game didn't have an ending. Near the end of the game, the player competes against the villian in an online game. When the head-to-head game ended, the game did not advance to the end-story. I received no text, no emails, no videos, no audio, nothing. If not for the walkthrough I found on the Internet, I would have no idea what happened to the reporters I were saving, or the villan I chased for 3 days. That is complete unforgiveable. A game that doesn't allow the player to see the ending? Because of the non-ending, I would not recommend the game to anyone.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Best PC Game of 2004

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