![[myst.jpeg]] "Myst" is a classic graphic adventure-puzzle [[game]], first released in 1993 by Cyan, Inc. Its groundbreaking use of immersive graphics, atmospheric audio, and non-linear gameplay captivated audiences and forever changed the landscape of adventure gaming. At its core, "Myst" presents a narrative-driven exploration and puzzle-solving experience. The player is plunged into an unnamed protagonist's shoes, who finds a peculiar book titled "Myst." Upon touching the book, they're transported to the island of Myst, a serene yet eerie place, filled with unusual structures and deserted landscapes. The game's central design principle is the freedom of exploration. The island and its various Ages (unique worlds linked to Myst) can be explored in a non-linear manner. The player is free to investigate the environment, interact with objects, and uncover pieces of the story at their own pace. This exploration is done via a point-and-click interface, where the player navigates through pre-rendered scenes representing various locations. "Myst" stands out in its minimalist approach to gameplay mechanics. There are no enemies to defeat, no time limits to beat, and no overt objectives to follow. Instead, the game relies heavily on environmental storytelling and subtlety. Clues are often hidden within the environment or tucked away in handwritten notes and books. The player must rely on their observation skills, logical thinking, and problem-solving abilities to progress. The puzzles in "Myst" are intricate and often require understanding of the game's lore to solve. They're embedded into the environment naturally, making them feel like part of the world rather than arbitrary obstacles. The variety of puzzles, ranging from sound-based puzzles to intricate mechanical conundrums, keep the player engaged and challenged. Artistically, "Myst" is a marvel. The pre-rendered 3D graphics were revolutionary at the time of release, creating a sense of realism and immersion rarely seen in games of the era. The design of the island and its Ages are unique and imaginative, each providing a distinct atmosphere and aesthetic. The ambient sound design and hauntingly beautiful musical score further enhance the sense of place, making the exploration of Myst Island a truly immersive experience. "Myst's" narrative is deep, filled with intrigue and mystery. The game reveals its story in a non-linear fashion, requiring the player to piece together fragments of information gathered from the environment and various texts. The story of the island, its former inhabitants, and the enigmatic characters of Sirrus and Achenar, provide a compelling backdrop to the gameplay. In conclusion, "Myst" is a masterclass in game design, blending immersive storytelling, inventive puzzles, and atmospheric visuals and sound to create an unforgettable gaming experience. It challenges the player not with twitch reflexes, but with thoughtful exploration and problem-solving, and in doing so, it redefined what a video game could be. It's no wonder that "Myst" has left an indelible mark on the landscape of video games and continues to inspire game designers today. The main game loop of "Myst" is a cyclical process that facilitates the player's exploration, discovery, and problem-solving throughout the game. While there is considerable freedom and non-linearity in "Myst," the game loop can be broadly described as follows: 1. **Exploration**: The player starts on Myst Island with the freedom to explore the environment. This phase involves navigating through the island's various locations, interacting with objects, and discovering key elements such as locked doors, strange devices, and other intriguing structures. The exploration phase is open-ended, with the player deciding where to go and what to interact with. 2. **Discovery**: During exploration, the player will come across different puzzles, clues, and narrative fragments. This might involve finding a hidden switch, reading a mysterious book, or noticing a sequence of sounds or symbols. These discoveries are often connected to the puzzles that block the player's progress. 3. **Problem-Solving**: Once the player has discovered a puzzle, the problem-solving phase begins. This involves interpreting the clues, understanding the puzzle's mechanics, and applying the gathered information to find a solution. In "Myst," problem-solving often involves a degree of trial and error, as well as logical thinking and deduction. 4. **Resolution**: Upon solving a puzzle, the player gains access to new areas, additional puzzles, or more pieces of the story. This might involve unlocking a door, activating a device, or discovering a linking book to another Age. The resolution often leads directly back into the exploration phase, as the player continues their journey through the world of "Myst." 5. **Progression and Revelation**: As the player progresses through the game, they gradually unravel the story of "Myst," its former inhabitants, and the mysterious brothers, Sirrus and Achenar. The narrative is closely tied to the gameplay, with major revelations serving as key motivators and rewards for the player's exploration and problem-solving efforts. This loop repeats throughout the game, driving the player's actions and engagement. The compelling combination of exploration, discovery, problem-solving, and story revelation serves to immerse players deeply in the world of "Myst." At the beginning of "Myst," the player is presented with a brief, enigmatic introductory sequence. The screen is dark, and the voice of an older man, Atrus, can be heard reading from a mysterious book. He speaks of a "dear friend" and how his "end" is near. He talks about his fear that everything he's worked for might be destroyed, and he wonders if he's chosen the wrong person to trust. The screen fades in to show the Myst book, and the player hears Atrus say, "I realized the moment I fell into the fissure, that the book would not be destroyed as I had planned..." The game then transitions to a first-person perspective, and the player finds themselves on the shore of the eponymous island of Myst. The island is eerily quiet and seemingly deserted, with only the sound of waves crashing and seagulls cawing in the distance. In front of the player is the Myst linking book they just touched, now closed and lying on the ground. From this starting point, the player is given complete freedom to explore the island with no explicit directions or objectives. They can navigate through pre-rendered still images, moving from one location to another by clicking on different points of interest. The island is filled with various structures, devices, and landmarks that pique the player's curiosity, encouraging them to investigate further. As the player explores, they will come across objects they can interact with, such as levers, switches, and buttons. The environment also contains numerous clues and hints, including notes, journals, and other books. These provide crucial context for the puzzles and the unfolding narrative. Early on, the player will likely discover the central library of Myst Island. Inside, they will find two books, one red and one blue, each containing a trapped brother—Sirrus and Achenar. Through their fragmented communications, the brothers implore the player to help them escape, but both are suspicious and appear to have ulterior motives. This discovery sets the stage for the primary objective of the game: to uncover the truth behind the brothers, their father Atrus, and the mysteries of the island. From here, the player is left to explore the island, unlock access to the different Ages, and solve the intricate puzzles that stand in their way. The story unfolds as they progress, delving deeper into the enigmatic world of "Myst."