I have Myst in all of it's forms and this is the best one so far! Any fan has to play this game! It's beautiful, just stunning! The sounds and music are incredible as well. There's so much detail, it's mind blowing. The VR really puts it over the top!
Yes by now if your a fan of Myst like myself you have played many a Myst across several versions of Windows, or even a few consoles. Now you ask yourself, why would I want this one if I own one version of it? Well Honestly it looks the absolute best from the collection of the titles easily. With the option of VR to boot.
Some of the downsides to it is the original content or FMV is long gone due to being lost to the tides of time. The game is built from the ground up impressively. It feels like I am playing the game for the first time again. If the price is a little much for you its worth a purchase, even if you own different versions for some quality of life navigation.
I've been a big fan of Myst for nearly 20 years, though I was initially skeptical of this release, considering it hasn't been that long since the last re-release (RealMyst MasterPiece Edition was release in 2014, while Myst MasterPiece Edition and RealMyst were released in 2000) and I don't play games in VR. That said, the visual quality of Myst 2021 or Myst VR is way beyond that of RealMyst Masterpiece Edition, and I think the randomized puzzle solutions are a great addition for veterans who are basically just going through the motions on replays at this point.
For better or worse, Cyan has opted not to faithfully recreate the environments from the original Myst, like they did with previous 3D remakes, and instead redesign much of the environments to be even more detailed, while staying true to the original style, and likely making other changes based on use of the Unreal Engine, like adding clearly defined buttons to open doors, while previous version would simply have you click on the door. You could say it's not quite the Myst you know, but you know it's Myst.
One gripe however is use of 3d modeled characters in place of the earlier live action, especially since the audio from the original live action is still used and Cyan's previous Unreal Engine game did use live action. Perhaps Sirrus and Achenar were redesigned to resemble their appearance in Ubisoft's Myst IV: Revelation.
I first played Myst (1993) for the first time last year, so no nostalgia-goggles here - Myst is an absolute classic, and every bit as good as people say. In my opinion, it’s perfect - it just gets everything right: the visuals, the atmosphere, the puzzles, the music. It's immersive in ways VERY few games are, and its world and story is still very engaging to this day.
I’ve played a few point-and-click adventure games over the years, but none have gripped me like Myst. My main issue with similar games is how often the puzzles border on the absurd and unfair. In Myst, the puzzles are difficult, but never obtuse - every puzzle feels deliberate and never too punishing. It’s a real joy to play, but still gives your brain a good workout at times!
This remake is all of the above…except more beautiful, and with freedom of movement.
Personally, I adore the original Myst aesthetic. The pre-rendered backgrounds of the original have an elegance and charm to them that can never be replaced. However, there’s no denying that this remake looks STUNNING. The level of detail is jaw-dropping at times, and thinking of the hours of work that must have gone into making each individual asset truly amazes me.
I’ve read that a few people dislike the CGI characters - personally I think they fit this version quite well, but there is an option to change back to the classic FMV characters in the menu! Also, another review claims that Rime is not included, but it definitely is! Not sure if this was an update or what, but it is included.
Overall, this is a stellar remake and probably the best way to play Myst. It does exactly what it sets out to do: bring Myst up to modern standards with impeccable graphics and presentation - it does that perfectly. Super immersive, beautifully recreated worlds with stunning levels of detail and gameplay that’s stood the test of time- well worth picking up regardless of whether or not you've played Myst before.
Just brilliant! Time to play Riven!