Myst

Myst is an awesome game, whether you play the original or the 3D version. For a long time, Myst was the number one selling game of all time (may still be) - and it deserved it. When it came out, there had been NOTHING to compare - the graphics, the integration of the puzzles, the AWESOME use of sound.

Play this game with in a dark room with a LARGE monitor and a 5.1 surround speaker system (if possible) - and it will take you to a different world! You need to use your ears as well as your eyes to make your way through the Ages of Myst and the music is great, so a good sound system is really recommended. Good headphones will work. I recommend getting your hands on a 17" TFT (Flat Screen LED) monitor, and playing with the monitor about 12" away from your face, so that the screen subtends nearly your whole field of vision. You are going to WANT to get IN to this game! Of course, a 21" (or better) CRT works great - but you don't want to stick it so close to your face!

Be patient! Wander around - think about EVERYTHING you see or hear. Look for information in one place that might be useful in another place. This is a difficult game - but it is worth the time, and besides - the Ages of Myst are so beautiful that there is no reason to be in a hurry.

This is NOT an action game, not a shoot `em up, not even a role-playing (RPG) game. You won't be increasing your Mana, fighting fell demons or gathering loot. You WILL be making your way through the most incredibly GORGEOUS and REAL gaming worlds ever.

Myst is great, Riven (the sequel) is GREAT, and Myst III - Exile is REALLY REALLY GREAT. Take your time playing these games. If you get totally stuck, there are "walk-thrus" available on CNET or GameSpot. Don't use hints or walk-thrus except as a last resort - enjoy your time in these worlds - the puzzles ALL have some logic to them (although there is some maze running).

If you are interested in learning more about the Ages of Myst, there are multiple Myst novels available - but play Myst first!

Myst was revolutionary for its time. In 1993 most people who had a computer did not have a computer that could handle more than 20 megabytes of RAM. So video game programmers didn't have much to work with, unlike today. Myst was revolutionary because it had the best sound and music of any game before. It also had the best visuals ever seen. I played the original version of Myst and was originally frustrated and confused. The original version doesn't give you any explanation of the storyline and just throws you into it. This was hard for people with short attention spans but great for people who love solving puzzles. The story slowly unravels and eventually you start to put the pieces together. Unlike other click and point adventures, this one is clever and has an original feel to it. You feel like you are truly in a different world. Myst isn't for everyone. If you only like games full of action and that are fast paced, this isn't a game for you. Even the re-releases of this game won't change that. I have also played Real Myst which was definitely refreshing, but still not the type of game that Doom fans would normally love. Real Myst did, however, do a better job of tying into Riven. It also contains an extra age not shown in the original Myst and explains more of the history of Atrus's family. I recommend the Myst series of games to anyone who likes a good story, likes solving mysteries, and who is patient.

The game is intuitive to operate and addictive with how you want to know more and solve the games obstacles. You get sucked into the great story and it takes over all your spare thoughts. This is one of the best games ever, without shooting, dying or anything violent. It requires no hand-eye coordination either. It's easy to play.

this is a very good game. the graphics are good, the edition I own has a making-of program, the sounds convince you that you're sitting in this world! If I must complain, it's the difficulty. probably because it was created as a point-and-click adventure (not typed, mostly) on Macs with HyperCard, you can't change the difficulty so it will be easy. It's hard, hard, hard. For some reason, a lot of the 10-million-plus (!) people who bought the game because there's no killing in it-you or anybody-couldn't get past a major puzzle: The rotating lighthouse. I thought it was easy. the 'mystery science theater 3000' joke was not funny (kid is translating words, robot:I solved Myst in ten minutes, why can't I solve this?!) Myst is fun for smart people (mainly the ones at Cyan, E.L.P., and Mensa), but normal people should wait until people submit more reviews to the IMDB. And, don't free Sirrus or Achenar, take something to D'ni! Twenty-eight out of thirty

Myst is one of the most unusual creations to change gaming history! This surreal Artwork renders a dream-like place full of puzzling controls, eclectic architecture, and strange technology.

As you explore, you will discover this complex landscape holds an even more detailed history. A family story no less tragic than any Greek play unfolds as you search through notes, and messages, and examine the worlds in which some of the events occurred.

Myst caught the world by storm on its release and it deserved to! It wasn't just its considerable beauty, or the safety designed into the gameplay (though that was a welcome relief in itself) nor was it the cleverness of its many puzzles. It was the entire mindset of the island...resting from its old battles....waiting on you for resolution.

There are many who "got" Myst..who understand the intuitive way it works... who flowed their minds into Myst's story and truly absorbed these Ages as their alternate reality. You don't have to be a genius to solve Myst..though intelligence helps! You need to be able to imagine where you are, and realize what clues the journals are offering you.

If you can do this, then Myst has many delightful hours of play in store for you. I recommend realMyst to all those who have not played yet (and have a new enough computer) the graphics are awesome and the game play is greatly expanded by the 3d realtime freedom of movement.

The performances are excellent... all of them.. the Miller brothers are quite convincing as Atrus & his sons.

Enjoy!