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Hidetaka Suehiro, also known as Swery, is the creative mind behind cult classic video games like Deadly Premonition and D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die. While he may not yet be a household name like Hideo Kojima or have a legendary franchise under his belt like Hironobu Sakaguchi, Swery continues to carve his own niche in the gaming world with unique and thought-provoking titles. The MISSING: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories is a testament to his distinctive style and storytelling prowess. The game opens with a powerful message: “Nobody is wrong for being what they are.” This statement sets the stage for a deeply symbolic and emotional journey of self-discovery. But does the game truly live up to this profound message, or is it merely a superficial tagline? This review delves into the intriguing world of The MISSING to uncover its strengths and weaknesses.

The Missing: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories

A Symbolic Journey

The MISSING immediately captivates with its atmospheric visuals. From a tranquil starlit sky to ominous forests and sprawling fields of flowers, the game draws you into a world brimming with mystery. The initial beauty quickly gives way to unsettling and surreal imagery, leaving you questioning the nature of reality itself. You play as J.J. Macfield, a young woman searching for her friend Emily after they become separated during a camping trip on the enigmatic Memoria Island. While the search for Emily serves as the initial premise, the game quickly descends into a series of bizarre and unsettling events. Burning fields, J.J.’s inexplicable ability to survive gruesome injuries, and the sudden appearance of a deer-headed doctor all contribute to the dreamlike, and at times nightmarish, atmosphere. This is where The MISSING truly begins to shine.

The Missing: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories

The island itself is a canvas of metaphors, with every location, obstacle, and puzzle piece holding significance for J.J.’s personal journey. As you progress, the game slowly unravels the mysteries surrounding the island and its inhabitants, revealing J.J.’s inner struggles and the emotional turmoil she faces. Witnessing her pain and perseverance as she overcomes each challenge offers a poignant and introspective experience. The game masterfully connects the surreal events on the island to real-world issues, encouraging players to reflect on their own experiences and interpretations. Ultimately, J.J.’s journey is one of self-acceptance and resilience. She confronts her inner demons and emerges stronger, embodying the game’s core message of embracing one’s true self. Even after the credits roll, The MISSING leaves you pondering its deeper meaning and the significance of J.J.’s transformative journey.

The Missing: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories

Death and Rebirth: A Unique Gameplay Mechanic

The MISSING is a puzzle game at its core, and its challenges are often brutal and unconventional. J.J. doesn’t simply avoid death; she utilizes it to her advantage. To overcome obstacles, she must often resort to self-mutilation, using barbed wire fences, dangerous machinery, and even her own body as tools. Severing limbs, burning herself, and enduring other gruesome injuries become necessary to progress. The game cleverly incorporates physics-based puzzles, requiring players to think creatively and strategically. For example, early on, J.J. must dismember herself to weigh down a seesaw, allowing her remaining parts to cross a chasm. This cycle of self-inflicted harm and regeneration is central to both the gameplay and the narrative, symbolizing J.J.’s journey of self-destruction and rebirth. While the concept may sound gruesome, the game’s stylized visuals avoid excessive gore, making it accessible even to those sensitive to graphic content.

The Missing: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories

Room for Improvement

Despite its strengths, The MISSING has a few shortcomings. The controls can feel sluggish and unresponsive, partly due to the character animations. Switching between different movement styles, such as walking, crawling, and rolling, can be cumbersome and interrupt the flow of gameplay. While not game-breaking, these clunky controls can be frustrating, especially during time-sensitive puzzles. Another issue lies in the delivery of the narrative. A significant portion of the story is conveyed through text messages, which can easily be missed or ignored during gameplay. This can hinder the player’s understanding of the plot and its deeper themes.

The Missing: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories

Conclusion

Despite these flaws, The MISSING: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories offers a unique and emotionally resonant experience. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, coupled with its striking visuals and thought-provoking narrative, make it a worthwhile experience, particularly for fans of puzzle games and those seeking a game that explores complex themes of identity and self-acceptance.