| Title | The MISSING: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories |
| Developer(s) | White Owls Inc. |
| Publisher(s) | Arc System Works |
| Release Date | Oct 11, 2018 |
| Size | 2.3 GB |
| Genre | PC > Action, Adventure, Indie |
Released in 2018, The MISSING: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories is a puzzle-platformer game that not only challenges players with its intricate puzzles but also tackles heavy themes such as self-acceptance, mental health, and the power of relationships.
The Plot
The game follows the main protagonist, J.J. Macfield, as she searches for her missing best friend, Emily. J.J. finds herself on a mysterious island, where she discovers that she has the power to regenerate her body after being severely injured. She must use this ability to solve puzzles and progress through the game, all while uncovering the truth about her relationship with Emily.
The Unique Gameplay
The gameplay of The MISSING is what makes it stand out from other puzzle-platformer games. J.J.’s ability to regenerate her body allows her to manipulate her body in various ways. She can use her severed limbs to reach high places or solve puzzles by sacrificing different body parts. However, this power comes at a cost, as the injuries she inflicts on herself will take a toll on her mental health, represented by a sanity bar.
The game also uses the concept of life and death to progress through puzzles. J.J. can die in multiple ways, and each death reveals a new piece of the puzzle. As the game progresses, the deaths become more gruesome, adding to the unsettling atmosphere of the game.
The Themes
The MISSING not only offers challenging gameplay, but it also delves into deep themes that will leave players reflecting long after they have finished the game. The main theme of the game is self-acceptance and self-love. J.J. struggles with her identity and her relationship with Emily, who constantly bullied her and made her feel inadequate. As J.J. navigates through the island, she confronts her past and learns to accept herself for who she is.
The game also sheds light on mental health, specifically the impact of bullying and the struggle of coming to terms with one’s sexuality. Through J.J.’s journey, players can understand the importance of support and the damaging effects of suppressing one’s true self.
The Visuals and Sound
The MISSING’s visuals and sound are hauntingly beautiful, adding to the overall eerie atmosphere of the game. The use of muted colors and distorted graphics adds to the surreal experience and complements the game’s theme of self-discovery and self-perception.
The game’s soundtrack is equally mesmerizing, with its haunting melodies and ominous tones, further immersing players into the eerie world of The MISSING.
The Reception
The MISSING received critical acclaim for its unique gameplay and thought-provoking themes. It has been praised for its delicate handling of heavy subjects and its ability to create an emotional connection between J.J. and the players.
In Conclusion
The MISSING: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories is not just a game; it’s a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and the power of relationships. It’s a game that will leave a lasting impact on players and will continue to haunt them long after it’s over.
System Requirements
Minimum:- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 7 / 8.1 / 10 (64-bit OS)
- Processor: Intel Core i-5 @ 2.4GHz
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 6 GB available space
- Sound Card: Realtek High Definition Audio Device
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit OS)
- Processor: Intel Core i-7 @ 3.4GHz
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 6 GB available space
- Sound Card: Realtek High Definition Audio Device
How to Download
- Open your web browser.
- Copy and paste the direct "Download" button link given above into the address bar.
- Hit the "Enter" key on your keyboard.
- On the website, locate and click on the "Download" button, usually denoted by a downward arrow or cloud icon.
- A pop-up window may appear, asking you to select a location to save the game file. Choose a suitable location and click "Save".
- Wait for the download to complete. The time may vary depending on your internet speed.
- Once the download is finished, navigate to the location where the file was saved.
- Double click on the game file to start the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the game. Make sure to read and agree to the terms and conditions if prompted.
- Once the installation is complete, you should see a confirmation message.
- The game should now be successfully installed and ready to play. You can find the game icon on your desktop or in the start menu.