4Gamers – In Memory | mysterious

At In Memoriam, we regularly look back at a lost series that has left a hole in our hearts. An IP that deserved more than it got or just a series of games that left us wanting more regardless of whether they were comprehensive or not. This is a series from the heart, the broken heart.

Today we turn our attention to the series that changed the gaming world forever and left a lasting legacy: Myst. It all started in 1993, when the first game in the series, simply “Myst,” was released. It was an adventure game centered around discovery and exploration, and it brought a whole new experience to the world of video games.

Myst was developed by brothers Rand and Robin Miller and published by Cyan, Inc. The game placed players on a mysterious island, where they were challenged to solve puzzles and uncover the secrets of the world. What really sets Myst apart from other games is its focus on atmosphere, story, and intellectual challenges. There wasn’t much gameplay, if we look at it honestly. Some just click here and there while you try to solve the puzzles.

The game was a visual masterpiece, with beautiful hand-drawn environments and a sense of depth and detail unparalleled at the time. The soundtrack, composed by Robin Miller, added an extra layer of magic to the experience. All have created a world that invites exploration.

Myst was also unique in its approach to puzzles. Instead of the traditional “collect objects and use them appropriately” approach, Myst’s puzzles were more about logic, observation, and deduction. Players had to understand the world and use clues in the environment to progress. The game challenged you to think outside the box, and thus is still a huge source of inspiration for many today’s puzzle games. Just think of The Witness, The Talos Principle, or RiME.

The success of Myst has spawned several sequels and spin-offs, including “Riven,” “Exile,” and “Uru: Ages Beyond Myst.” Each of these games expanded the world of Myst and brought new challenges and puzzles. The Myst franchise has also been expanded to include books, audiobooks, and even an actual TV series.

Unfortunately, despite its status as one of the most influential franchises in gaming history (certainly within the puzzle genre), the Myst franchise has been somewhat forgotten. There haven’t been any new major releases in years, and Myst V dates back to 2005, and the gaming world has evolved into other genres and styles.

However, Myst remains a landmark in gaming history. She brought a new approach to storytelling and puzzle-solving to games, reminding us that games aren’t just about action and excitement, but are also about reflection and intellectual challenge.