Introduction When Myst came out so long ago in the early 90s, it was an instant hit and became the best-selling computer game of all time. Although games such as The Sims might have taken the throne, adventure games would be nowhere today without it. Combining mind-boggling puzzles and a mysterious storyline, the game immediately draws you in. Now times that by three, and you have the Myst 10th Anniversary Edition, which includes not only the ground-breaking original, but also its follow-ups Riven: The Sequel to Myst, and Myst III: Exile, which are great games themselves, all combined together in this great collector's bargain. *Note that I will not be reviewing all three games seperately, but as one package.* Presentation All three of these games give off an intense aura that many games have not been able to reproduce in the same way. The stories are so mysterious and filled with great intrigue - they just draw you in from the start. The first game sets you on a deserted, lonely island, filled with passages to other strange worlds. Each of them is uniquely different and much fun to explore and solve their mysteries. Combine that with two brothers trapped inside books, tempting you to release them, and you have one great game. The puzzles are very difficult as well, and not for the average player - you have to have brains. Riven, which in my opinion is the greatest out of the series, expands upon the first game and has an even deeper storyline and better setting. The place you are explore are so full of life and great to just look into every corner, it makes you not want to stop playing until you reach the end. Puzzles are more limited this time around, and less difficult as well, making this game the choice for the everyday gamer. Myst III is probably the weakest out of the trio, with a storyline that is sort of cliche, never-the-less good. It deals with a tale of revenge, and brings back the story of the brothers from the first two games. The puzzles are amped up in difficulty again, but most are not too difficult to solve. All three of the styles of the games are extravagantly elegant and give off a feeling of a classy game. Characters are all well developed and acted out by a very convincing cast, including Rand Miller, one of the creators of the game, who gives a great performance as Atrus, creator of the worlds. Graphics All these games are beautifully rendered, and the first game was way ahead of its time with stunning 3D graphics. The atmosphere in each of the worlds are impeccably real and moving. They are truly some of the best settings in gaming history. Ranging from Jungles, to barren rocks, to watery paradises, the are all extrodinary. The costumes are well done, and you can tell that the creators really put their effort forth. In mainly Riven and Exile, an odd and interesting assorment of creatures and animals are brought aboard which are well designed and exotic looking. The architecture of the structures placed throughout are also masterpieces themselves, adding to an overall fantasy-like, yet real in many a way, environments. Gameplay The Myst series utilizes a point and click feature which is easy and simple to use (perhaps the were saving all the problems for the puzzles). Even through the basic plan, it gets the job done. In Exile, a full 3D view is executed immersing you even more into its world. The other half of the game's core is the insanely hard puzzles. Some of them took me hours to solve (yes, that long)! I highly recommend you find yourself a strategy guide to reduce the amount of headaches that result. However, if you do manage to solve a puzzle by your own intellect and skill, you feel very well congratulated after the feat. Sound The game's feel would be nothing without the top-notch soundtrack provided for each installment. Seriously, they are masterpieces in their own rights, and if you have a chance to pick up the soundtracks, do so. I rather enjoy relaxing while listening to them, they are so well done, moving you through the game with intense emotion. The sound effects are not to be left out either, as the sound very real, and some of the sounds are creative and ingenious for the creatures and odd mechanics. The actors, as I mentioned, are superb and well chosen - you care what happens to them, rare for games most of the time. Replay Value Here is where the games are lacking a bit. In plain terms - there is no replay value. Once you beat the game, that's it. While, there are slight variations in some cutscenes a couple "bad endings" for each game, that's about the only thing that changes. However, the sheer power of these games should give you a reason to go back and play them again when you have some spare time. They never get old, because you love to be in the worlds.
Other Helpful Reviews for Myst 10th Anniversary Collection
As it stands, each individual game is fantastic. Unfortunately, two of the games in the package are broken on Windows XP and require a lot of tweaking in order to work. Those would be Myst: Masterpiece Edition and Riven ... Read Full Review
This is the definitive collection for Myst. The first three Myst games are here on DVD, which means no tedious CD switching. The Sound and graphics are about the same in Myst and Riven, the biggest differences bein... Read Full Review
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