Change Your Image
sprainedcranes
Reviews
Myst (1993)
Myst & real-Myst:: Beautiful Dreams as Thoughtful Portals
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!
Riven: The Sequel to Myst (1997)
Amazing Immersion in Rivenese waters
Riven has been the standard by which all subsequent adventure games have been judged, and so far none has been able to take the crown from this well-crafted, intelligent, strangely realistic work. Riven brings you into a logical, almost photographic, immersive environment in which all that is lacking is the feel of the trembling ground beneath your feet.... or the scent of the humid, air clinging to your sweaty skin as you climb paths and plumb depths to search out the lands puzzle-like controls in your quest to aid your friend, Atrus, in a desperate hour.
The acting is good to excellent. Keston was engaging, even intriguing! I wanted to hear more from him! Rand Miller's opening performance was quite moving. I don't think I want to know the person who could look into Atrus' eyes and deny his request. The other performances were pretty good. I liked the little girl & the moiety lady next best. I fully recommend this game to anyone and everyone, provided you are willing to think...