How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 78 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 65 | 17 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 5h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (11)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 90
“The Missing's self-harm mechanic is deliberately uncomfortable and inscrutable, as the disturbing process clashes with its bizarre, often humorous results.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Swery's the MISSING is a touching game, with original thoughts behind a good and surprising plot. A mysterious and mystic adventure through classic puzzle-platforming. Sometimes is slow and unrefined but the good atmosphere deletes the pains of backtracking and dead times.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The Missing is smaller and more mechanically conventional than Deadly Premonition or D4, but its components remain focused on distinctly a Swery game: a dark, idiosyncratic experience that tells a deeply personal story that's as confronting as it is sincere. It is absolutely not for everyone, but as the game reminds us, there is nothing wrong with that.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The Missing: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories is an evocative, offbeat adventure with a sinister yet imaginative gameplay hook. Its story suffers slightly from subpar voice acting and an eagerness to tell more than show, but for the most part this is a dark, strange and utterly compelling journey into the tortured mind of its main character, and one absolutely well worth taking. ”
read full review ↗ - 77
“JJ has to impale herself, burn herself alive and suffer all other kinds of mutilation in order to progress. Even when you get accustomed to that, The Missing keeps getting under your skin in many other ways. [Issue#234, p.62]”
- 70
“A short, dark trip through the nightmare of youth; growing up, discovering yourself, and existing among a society that rarely understands. Sure to be a divisive title, there are those who will find The Missing overpriced and melodramatic, while others will be taken by its surrealist story of undying friendship, ironically becoming an indelible memory to those who dare to experience it.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Swery proves that his storytelling skills are unlike any other in the industry, I would only wish that someone helped him to design better puzzles. [13/2018, p.80]”
- 80
“The Missing told a moving story about J.J.’s personal struggles that caught me off guard more than once. Like its surprisingly heartfelt narrative, this quirky indie side-scroller came out of nowhere, but I’m glad I didn’t miss out on The Missing.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The Missing, J.J. MacField and the Island of Memories combined it's puzzle-platformer gameplay and narrative in a way that truly makes use of the medium and highlight's it's best potential. Difficult subject matter and a leaning toward the surreal drive a story that touches upon aspects of humanity that are rarely explored in games.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Swery's touch keeps the whole adventure interesting, although many issues regarding its control make it hard to enjoy sometimes. It is definitely unique, but it needs some polishing.”
read full review ↗ - 78
“The Missing: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories is a game full of feels and pain, that uses a puzzle game to tell a story of searching and growing up in our strange and bad world.”
read full review ↗
Slant Magazine
Eurogamer
GameSpot
IGN
Destructoid
CD-Action
Game Informer
The Digital Fix
Multiplayer.it