Myst (PC, 1994)

I've been a long time fan of the Myst games. The game does have a few issues with Windows 7, but I did expect that. But thankfully Microsoft finally had the foresight to install a compatibility program to run older software.
The game itself is awesome to those who have never played any of the "Myst" games. I consider these games the pinnicale of game solving mystery that uses the most basic fundementals of commonsense along with intense strategy. Not only are the answers you need hidden in clues through out the puzzle, but there can also be multiple answers derived from the clues. But there is only one solution of course. Solving these games are no small task with the various machines, switches, controls, patterns and of course that curly headed freak constantly messing with you sabotageing the machines along the way to make it just a little more difficult. All in all I love these games, Myst, Riven: Sequel to Myst, Myst III: Exile, Myst IV: Revelations and Myst V: End of Ages.
After you decide to venture into the Myst Worlds, beware that the sluth in you may get lost in adventure for hours on end, with soothing music and soft sounds of the ocean, wind and at times various wildlife, creating serene setting, while taxing and at times vexing as your mind as it challenges to solve Atrius' very inventive and puzzling machines. They stretch your mind yet are simply commonsense solved. (once you know the solution)

I bought Myst because I had borrowed it from a friend and played it when I was younger. Now, going back to it, I find that I still really like the game. Myst isn't like most other games found on the market today; game developers today largely cater to audiences who crave either sensory-overload full-body-armor 24-hour-a-day immersion, or simple mind-numbing trivial entertainment. Myst is neither. The game plays out like a Sir Aurthur Conan Doyle novel where nothing is ever as easy as it seems; it will hook you right from the start when it drops you, unwittingly, onto the island of Myst without any clear indication of what you're supposed to do but explore. Then, ever so slowly, the pieces of a deep and complex story fall into place, where puzzle after puzzle leads you through the evolution rich plot and leaves it up to you, the traveller, to determine Myst's fate.

Pros

I like that the game is quiet, introspective, and requires a good deal of real creativity when it comes to solving the puzzles. I especially like how so many clues to different puzzles are all available right when you first enter the game. The game is addicting, but not the kind that drives your mom (or now, in my case, my wife) crazy with sounds of death and gore everywhere. I really liked that even for me, now, some of the puzzles were still hard, and I felt a certain level of real accomplishment when I solved them. This game has more substance than most games I've played, the kind that would benefit children a lot more than the hand-eye coordination "benefits" heralded by other games.

Cons

For any first-time player, the graphics will be a huge drawback. For me, it gives a sort of classic, vintage look to the game, but even I was surprised to see them again in their original Win 3.1-compatible format. Sometimes the interface feels a bit unwieldy, though they do help with the "zip mode" option. Then, of course, you run the risk of missing important clues.

Replayability isn't the best in this game, either, since once you've solved all the puzzles, well, you've solved them. It's fun to go around in the game, being able to move about freely and look at your accomplishments... for a little while. I wouldn't be surprised, either, if a lot of kids found this game boring at first, since we've all been trained now to have an attention span of no more than thirty seconds, and you might not get any real "feel good" progress for five or even ten minutes.

Overall, this is a great game. The first of its series, it's a classic tribute to compelling story and good gameplay over graphics and mind-numbing entertainment. Two thumbs up!

Myst is a wonderful game! I was bored one weekend, thinking back on days gone by and and recalled fond memories of weekends filled with Myst, so I looked the game up on eBay and bought it. Expecting to be minimally challanged with such an old game, I was delightfully suprised with all with the depth and problem solving within. I am the type who quickly tires of most video games and never touches them again, however, Myst has kept my attention and found me returning to it day after day.
One must keep in mind that this game is over a decade old, but if you can relieve yourself of the expectations built by the more visually detailed modern games, then you will find Myst most enjoyable. This game can entertain you almost endlessly, though if you are the type of person who enjoys the mindless entertainment of racing or shoot 'em up type of games, you may not find Myst as fulfilling as someone who prefers games requiring deep thinking and puting intricate puzzles together.

I first played MYST for the playstaion 1 and when you 'move' in the game you move in a way too slow also if you move too fast the game will (sometimes) freeze. But the PC version is lot better. You move ALOT faster. But anyways. The graphic are BREATHTAKING. The music/sound effects are pretty good. But I didn't like it. All you do is go around and 'well' solve puzzles. Don't get me wrong I love adventure/puzzle games, but not this one. To me MYST was boring and the puzzles were HARD. They give you like 'no' clues on how to solve some of them. If you play MYST you'll be spending days,weeks,months on playing this game without cheating. But I will give a two thumb WAY up on the people who made this game. I just wish I had there brain. And thanks to (who ever created this game) for confusing the hell out of us. GREAT job on the puzzles.

This is a very classic series of video games. A nice old puzzle game. The moving is very easy except sometimes it will take you a little farther than you want, but it's possible to get used to. The story line is very good and keeps you geussing all the way. There is no profanity or language which makes it family-friendly. Another advantage is.....you can't die!!! There is only one section you are able to lose in. I would recommend this game to anyone.