A masterpiece of art in the form of a computer game.

User Rating: 10 | Myst (1995) PC
I didn't played Myst on its year of release. Nor did I play it a year or two later, or even well over a decade after its release. It wasn't until several few months ago that I got to see the title "Myst" across my computer monitor for the first time -- in large, bright letters. And after finishing this game -- with the aid of a walkthrough on several occasions -- I must say I'm glad it wasn't until now that I got to add this to my mental list of games I've beat. The reason being that playing it fifteen years its initial release allows me to better appreciate classic gaming for what it was. Not to mention it also being of a video game genre that is next to abandoned. With that said, let's take a look at Myst.


The game begins with a brief intro, depicting a man falling into abyss, while holding a book in his hands; and then the man disappears while the book continues falling until finally landing on a ground that lacks visibilty. You, the player, are presented with that book in front of you, and it is flipped open to reveal a page which has an image of a seemingly deserted island. This book immediately thereafter whisks you away to said island, where you then partake in a story of deception, betrayal, mystery, and the legacy of a corrupted civilization long gone.


Left alone, with little guidance, you explore this island's structures; its supposed history glowing with ambiance. Coming across the library, you find a blue book with a red one at the adjacent end of the room. Contained in the books are two men "trapped" in them: Sirrus and Achenar -- the sons of Atrus, whom lead the path for Myst's people during what must have been its years of glory. With Sirrus -- the man in the red book -- demanding you bring him red pages, and Achenar -- the man in the blue book -- demanding blue pages. You set off on a journey across the island and its linking "ages"-- other abandoned islands or structures of unknown origins and locations. Trekking through this world, your progress is always slowed down by many puzzles; some require simple trial-and-error methods while others will likely demand you listening to every sound, and taking note of every object that appears to serve no purpose.

Myst is an immersive experience that was, and still is, a very innovative and breakthrough game that -- I should mention -- would likely appeal to the more intellectual and patient gamers, as you would likely find this game boring if you more into the more combat based games. And if the dated animations and slide show-esque transitions are a major turnoff for you -- which isn't likely -- then perhaps give "Real Myst" a try instead, as it has more up-to-date and photorealistic graphics. Either that or play one of the other games in this franchise instead, as Myst has numerous sequels that are great as well.