Missing: Since January

 PC
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. ActionTrip
    72
    Something completely different; it is an original, innovative, interesting and witty game with a bunch of highly intelligent puzzles...However, Missing is also an example of how you can ruin a fantastic idea by throwing in tones of irrational and pointless mini-games and occult mumbo-jumbo.
  2. GameSpot
    71
    If you fancy yourself a skilled Internet sleuth, Missing may prove to be an engrossing and unique experience.
  3. PC Gamer
    68
    My chief criticism of Missing is that it relies too heavily on arbitrary puzzles and too little on sleuthing. [Oct 2004, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Game Over Online
    68
    The puzzles morph from tedious to annoying to frustrating, and at no point are they fun.
  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. GamerFeed
    60
    The biggest praise we can give Missing is that it isn't so much a game as an experience, and it?s so well developed that at times you honestly believe you're trying to save some lives.
  8. GameShark
    60
    The game uses non-game elements without becoming overbearing to the point of irritation and the game's various multimedia flavors is spread out in such a fashion as to offer a steady stream of variety.
  9. G4 TV
    60
    But since the web, which plays such an important role in solving many of the puzzles, makes it easy to cheat, only pick it up if you’re certain you can resist temptation.
  10. Quandary
    50
    The very large turn-off is the number of little arcade like puzzles you are required to do, which to me simply did not fit the tone of the whole thing.

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Best PC Game of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 3 out of 12
  1. 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.    … Full Review »
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. 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 !… Full Review »
See all user reviews »