The Minimal Instruction Set Computer is a 32-bit Sail-validated instruction set architecture created very early in the development of the various parts that comprise Crosstalk, specifically to perform daily computing operations without unnecessary overhead and complexity. MISC defines an array of processor opcodes, flags, and memory rules that dictate how a conforming processor is interfaced with and how it will load, access, and execute.
MISC is separate from any specific processor. The difference is equivalent to the difference when saying "x86" versus "80386." When you see a reference to MISC, such as in a game's target platform list, it means that it runs on the architecture itself, no matter what CPU implements it. Conversely, you may see a game say that it's compatible with a specific MISC CPU, which would mean that a CPU implements something on top of MISC that is unique to itself.
Hardware Sniffers is coming next week:
MISC on Steam: