Missing Translation

Language has a been a barrier for people ever since different cultures started to interact with each other. However, everyone managed to get along eventually, because languages can be taught and learned pretty quickly in the right circumstances. On the other hand, there are concepts that do not need to be translated in order to make sense, since they mean the same thing to everyone.

Missing Translation is a simple puzzle game that features a bunch of original concepts, as well as a unique approach to the genre. In essence, its greatest selling point is the fact that there is no written text anywhere in the game, which means that you must figure everything out by trial and error. The mechanics and the puzzles are pretty intuitive, on the other hand, so it shouldn’t be that difficult to understand them.

To begin with, you have the option to choose your character, although it doesn’t really matter in the actual story. Speaking of which, the story does not make a lot of sense either, probably because there is no voiceover or text to tell you what actually happens. You can figure out that your character is in a weird world, on the other hand, and you have to collect a couple of items in order to return home.

The actual gameplay revolves around solving a couple of puzzles, and you need to figure out how to do that by yourself. They are not very complicated, but the concepts are a bit difficult to grasp without any guidance or tutorials. Even after you understand how to proceed, the puzzles get more and more difficult toward the end, so the challenge is always there.

Visually, the graphics are retro and beautiful, sporting a slick black and white theme and gorgeous pixel art. You can really get lost in the fascinating environments, although exploration is not part of the deal. The intricate machinery you have to interact with is always worthy of study, while the soundtrack playing in the background goes very well with the general atmosphere of the game.

In the end, Missing Translation pulls off a hell of a trick, considering the fact that it tries pretty hard to keep everything as cryptic as possible. However, even without tutorials or text, the game is engaging and fun, especially if you enjoy solving puzzles and getting lost in strange worlds.