Myst

"Myst...sounds interesting no?"

Ah Myst. Along with King’s Quest this was one of the 1st PC games I’ve ever played. Also a very good point and click adventure that’s quite surreal. In fact its so surreal it could become your world. Or at least the box told me that. Lets get on to the actual review shall we?

Story (5/10)
You are a nameless photographer looking through an old bookcase at a library in California. Noticing a certain book that catches your eye. Opening it the book comes alive before your eyes...an island...All of a sudden in a rush, you black out and are on a dock holding the book.And so begins your adventure into the world of Myst...

Gameplay (7/10)
The sweet taste of point and click adventure is what Myst is all about. On your adventure, you will journey through 5 “ages”, uncovering clues to the plot of betrayal and the history of Myst Island. Along the way you will need to solve many intricate puzzles that will pretty much drive your wits to the breaking point during the course of the game. The thing that will turn many people off sadly is the insane difficulty level and mind bending puzzles that will more than likely make you stop playing. Other than that, the game does what it sets out to do in offering a point and click environment that is very lonesome and surreal.

Graphics (10/10)
The graphics in this game are simply amazing for their time, with striking attention to detail, coupled with photo realistic environments makes for an incredible sight to behold. The articulation and thought put into the various ages and the way each area has a unique quality to it. Take for example the Channelwood Age with its forested paths, or the Seletenic Age with its mechanical walkways and titanium hatches. Each age seems to be an individual setting, and tat gives the game a feel of surrealism that I have yet to see be topped in a point and click fashion.

Sound (10/10)
There isn’t any music in this game because of the surrealistic nature of the game. The sound effects I can say are very good though, with the wind and birds chirping, rustling leaves, gears turning; things like that really add to the atmosphere greatly. All of these things combined accentuate the feel that you are actually alone on this alternate world, with nothing to guide you but your wits.

Overall (7/10)
This title was definitely the masterpiece of its time, much deserving of the title ''best selling PC gm o all time''. The premise is intriguing, the presentation is more than excellent and the overall game is an amazing game. Although from where I write this in the year 2002 it seems to be more in the groundbreaking area of interactive art, which is awesome to say in the least. If you have never taken the journey to Myst Island, you should definitely do so, it is very worth the $7.00 price tag. Have fun!

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 02/21/03, Updated 02/21/03