MISSING: An Interactive Thriller for PC, iOS and AND is an episodic adventure game utilizing the FMV technology, popular in the 1990s. It was developed by Canadian studio Zandel Media, which focuses on productions that blend video games and movies. The studio is run by Simon and Flavie Tremblay – previously employees of Electronic Arts, Eidos and Ubisoft.
Plot
The game focuses on a series of mysterious disappearances, which is being investigated by one of the protagonists, detective Lambert. However, you meet another character first – David Newcastle. Abducted for unclear reasons, he wakes up in an unknown place, trying to break free and learn who kidnapped him. The game was inspired by popular crime TV series, and you play as various characters, little by little discovering the interwoven plot threads.
Mechanics
The gameplay mechanics blend the classic detective adventure games with interactive movies, popular in the 1990s (such as Psychic Detective). In the game, you play as several characters, played by real-life actors, and help them in such typical adventure-game activities as solving puzzles and finding and using items that are necessary to move the story forwards. Like in a crime TV series, there are also action sequences, in which your reflexes matter more than your wits.
Technical aspects
Unlike the genre classics of the 1990, MISSING for PC, iOS and AND doesn't feature both video sequences and pre-rendered backgrounds. The production consists completely of video footage, which makes you feel as if you are a part of a crime TV show. The cast features experienced Canadian TV series actors, such as Roy Dupuis (Nikita), Serge Houde (Largo Winch) and Patrick Hivon (Providence).
