Fifteen years ago, those who weren’t already immersed in the world of Myst were either about to be, or wondering why their Mac-owner acquaintances were walking around in a daze. Released in September, 1993, Myst was a phenomenon in the still-new world of CD-ROM computer games.
Miller Brothers' Cyan Worlds Created a Uniquely Peaceful Game
Created by brothers Robyn and Rand Miller and developed by their Cyan Worlds studio, Myst’s uniqueness stemmed from a number of factors. It was unlike traditional shooting or racing games in that it was a quiet, peaceful strategic environment that didn’t involve death, or even much danger.
Myst was Best-Selling Game for a Decade
One of the things that stymied skeptics was that—contrary to the notion that “the more action, the better”—this tranquil world was essentially a slide show, with puzzles. Yet Myst became the best-selling computer game in history, and remained so for nearly a decade, until The Sims surpassed it in 2002. It’s stunning graphics, enchanting soundtrack, and novelistic storyline were all extraordinary.
Over the next decade after Myst’s initial release, four sequels (Riven, Exile, Revelation, & End of Ages) were released, none ever quite equaling the success of the original. Dozens of copycat games were also developed to take advantage of what was seen as a new direction in gaming: intelligent, adult play.
Myst for iPhone a Large Download, But Less Expensive Than Original
Now, fifteen years later, Myst is back in a somewhat smaller, though every bit as beautiful form. On May 2, 2009 Cyan released Myst as an iPhone App. At 727 megabytes, it’s a very large program for a handheld device, but old fans will be pleased to know that it’s the exact same game (except that the graphics are actually better). The $7.99 pricetag, while a bit high for an app, is considerably lower than the first version.
The questions arises: why would anyone want to buy and replay a game they took weeks (or months) to conquer years ago? The answer may well be buried in the question. Precisely because it is a game that slowly unfolds at the users own pace, and because the possible “endings” are multiple, Myst is a game that be enjoyed again, especially so many years later.
Former fans who attempted the game more than once will recall that the puzzles changed each time they weren’t saved. More than one recent reviewer has said that despite an intimate knowledge of the game “back when,” being dropped onto Myst island today was like starting anew, speaking more to the complicated aspect of the many “ages” within the game than the time passed.
iPhone Myst: Smoother Transitions, but Smaller Graphics
Game play on the iPhone app version is essentially the same as the original. The transitions are smoother, the graphics better. The only complaint might be that the much smaller screen sometimes makes visibility of some of the puzzles tougher.
One more thing former Myst visitors may recall: the relaxing sensation that comes with an escape to this strangely peaceful island. Who wouldn’t be interested in a little getaway these days? Even if it is while waiting to be called into the doctor’s office? As for first-time players, beware: the next few weeks will spent in another world, and another state of mind.
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