IN MEMORY | Myst

In In Memoriam we regularly look back on a series that we have lost and 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 it was well-rounded. This is a series from the heart, the broken heart.

Today we turn our attention to a 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 all about discovery and exploration, and it brought a whole new experience to the world of video games.

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

The game was a visual masterpiece, with beautiful, hand-painted environments and a sense of depth and detail that was unprecedented at the time. The soundtrack, composed by Robyn Miller, added an extra layer of enchantment to the experience. The whole created a world that invited exploration.

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

The success of Myst spawned multiple sequels and spinoffs, including “Riven,” “Exile,” and “Uru: Ages Beyond Myst.” Each of these games expanded the Myst universe and brought new challenges and mysteries. The Myst franchise was also expanded into 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 for years, Myst V dates back to 2005, and the gaming world has evolved into other genres and styles.

Nevertheless, Myst remains a milestone in the history of gaming. It brought a new approach to storytelling and puzzle solving in games, and it reminded us that games are not just about action and thrills, but also about introspection and intellectual challenge.