Somehow, the series still holds its initial charm while continuing to keep things fresh.
Because of that, the game looks absolutely beautiful. Ever single part of the game contains painstaking detail, and there is no shortage of beauty in the Ages (my favorite, Edanna, was stunning to say the least). Everything is well-crafted and integrated into the game, and yet it still manages to be pre-rendered. The ability to freely look around definately allows you to fully appreciate the imagination and craftsmanship put into every section of every Age. In short, this is such a stunningly beautiful game, that even now, with games like Crysis under my belt, I can appreciate it.
The sound is just as good. The sound effects are very fitting and sound perfect for each situation. The quality is magnificent and the music is perfectly fitting. It is a pity that the game doesn't support proper surround sound, because it definately would have benefited from it. Still, the game sounds great, and keeps true to the series' amazing aural presentation. The acting is also well done and appropriate, and I couldn't have asked for more out of the game.
So what? The game is an aesthetic achievement for its time, but that doesn't make it good necessarily. What is it that makes the game so good? Well first and formost are the puzzles. They are perfectly integrated into each Age (much better than the other games) and there is no disbelief in any of the puzzles. They make perfect sense for how and why they are there. One thing I did notice though, are that all the puzzles are a level easier compared to the past games. They are all more focused to their areas (like Myst, unlike Riven) and are generally not too complicated. They still require a little thinking and attention to detail, but they are definately a lot more forgiving to people that are not very good at puzzle solving. This can be good, and bad. For me this was great, because I am not good at puzzle solving, so I didn't get frustrated too much with this game. This couldbe bad because veterans might find it a bit too easy, especially after what we had to go through for the past 2 games. Overall though, the puzzles are logical, well-made and solvable.
The story in the game is also magnificent, and is explained through notebook pages all over the game and conversations with characters. The game plays simply enough as well. Like its predecessors, you merely point and click to move, and to interact, and to do anything. It isn't too hard, and even with 3D movement, it is still made with simple controls in mind.
With that being said, also like its predecessors, you will not find much reason to come back to this, unless you have an urge to replay the series. The puzzles will remain in your brain and you will have no trouble solving them again. The game is slightly shorter than Riven but still longer than Myst, so it is of a good length. Nothing extra is offered upon completion, though it should be noted that a nice 25 minute making of video is included with the game. Most games these days come with short 5-10 minute making of videos that are useless, but this one is actually decent, AND you don't have to buy a special edition to get it. This is definately a huge plus, but unfortunately doesn't help the overall replay value much.
In the end though, Exile delivers a unique experience that only the Myst games have been able to deliver, and does a good job of it. Here is yet another sequel to this fantastic series that did everything right. Do check it out. Enjoy.
Gameplay: 8/10
Sound: 10/10
Graphics: 10/10
Value: 6/10
OVERALL: 8.5/10.0