Info about Myst:

Official game description:
**ABOUT THIS GAME**
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Welcome to Myst: a starkly beautiful island, eerily tinged with mystery and shrouded in intrigue.  
Journey to Myst Island and other stunning, long dormant locations - called “Ages”- and begin to unravel the mystery you have been thrust into. As you learn what happened on the island, you will find that you are playing a key role in an epic story whose ending has not yet been written. Explore deeper connections in these stunning and surreal Ages, uncover a story of ruthless family betrayal, and make choices that will affect both you, and the world of Myst itself.  
Cyan, the indie studio that created the beloved classic, has reimagined Myst.  
Built from the ground up to play both in VR as well as traditional flatscreen displays, Myst is teeming with new art, new sound, re-imagined interactions, and even optional puzzle randomization. Finally... the highly anticipated Myst 2D/VR experience has arrived!  
Now you can explore the Ages of Myst in a new dimension!  
**BUILT FOR BOTH VR AND 2D DISPLAYS**
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Designed and built from the ground up in Unreal Engine, this newly-reimagined version of Myst includes fresh takes on the visuals in every area in the game. With both VR and 2D play experiences in mind, this definitive, modern edition of Myst will immerse you in the world in a way that has never been possible before.  
Additionally, Myst includes many “comfort level” features for both new and experienced VR users, including the option to enable smooth or snap turning, quick travel up stairs and ladders, vertical height quantization, and more!
**NEW AND REQUESTED FEATURES**
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For the first time in Myst’s history, enjoy the game in many different languages through localized UI, including dialogue and gameplay-context subtitles.  
\- A variety of accessibility options to assist in gameplay.  
\- Tired of taking notes? Now you can take photo captures in-game to keep track of what you’ve encountered!  
\- A large number of graphics options to choose from, such as supersampling options and Ray Tracing to bring the best Myst experience out of the hardware you have.
**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS**
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Q: _Do I need a VR headset to play Myst?_  
A: You do not need a VR headset to play Myst. Myst is playable with or without a VR headset.  
Q: _I bought Myst when it first came out in 1993. Can I get a free upgrade to this new version?_  
A: Thank you for your support over the years! We are not giving out free upgrades to previous purchasers of the original Myst. We put a lot of effort into making this new version of Myst and would appreciate your financial support again!  
Q: _I want to play Myst, but am concerned about my computer not meeting the minimum requirements. What should I do?_  
A: If your machine does not meet the minimum requirements and you still want to try Myst out, we recommend enabling one of our supersampling options through the graphics settings menu to see if it alleviates performance concerns. Depending on the storefront you purchase Myst from, you may be able to qualify for a refund through the store (not through Cyan support) if Myst does not run well on your platform. Please review each store platform refund policy for details.  
Q: _Will Myst support \[insert language here\] one day?_  
A: Possibly! We’d love to hear from you through our support team about any languages you’d like for us to support.

Release date: Aug 26, 2021

Categories: Puzzle Solving, Environmental Storytelling, Exploration, Perspective-based Puzzles, Illusion-based Gameplay, Non-linear Progression, Atmospheric Horror, First-Person Perspective


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Challenging yet rewarding puzzles (weight 0.73): The puzzles are a core strength, praised for their logical design, variety, and satisfying difficulty. Players enjoy the mental challenge, the integration of puzzles into the environment, and the sense of accomplishment upon solving them.
- Nostalgic yet modernized experience (weight 0.65): The game successfully blends nostalgia for long-time fans with modern improvements, such as updated graphics, controls, and accessibility options. Players appreciate the preservation of the original’s magic while making it accessible to new audiences.
- Immersive VR experience elevates gameplay (weight 0.64): The VR adaptation is frequently praised for enhancing immersion, allowing players to feel deeply engaged with the game world. Many reviews highlight how VR transforms the experience into something magical and emotionally impactful, especially for long-time fans.
- Rich lore and engaging narrative (weight 0.6): The game’s story, world-building, and lore are frequently highlighted as immersive and intriguing. Players enjoy uncovering the narrative through exploration, puzzles, and environmental storytelling, which adds depth to the experience.
- Free movement improves navigation (weight 0.59): The shift from rigid, click-based movement to free movement (WASD) is widely celebrated. Players find it more intuitive, immersive, and comfortable, especially in VR, where it enhances spatial awareness and exploration.
- Strong sound design and atmosphere (weight 0.55): The game’s sound design, including immersive environmental sounds, music, and voice acting, is frequently mentioned as a key contributor to its atmosphere. Players appreciate how sound enhances puzzles, immersion, and the overall mood of the game.
- High replay value with randomized puzzles (weight 0.27): The puzzle randomizer and classic/random modes are highlighted as excellent additions for replayability. Players enjoy the challenge of solving different puzzle configurations and the freshness it brings to subsequent playthroughs.
- Accessibility and quality-of-life features (weight 0.27): Features like subtitles, in-game notebooks, screenshot systems, and accessibility options (e.g., color adjustments) are praised for making the game more inclusive and convenient. These improvements address common frustrations from the original.
- Rime age enhances replayability (weight 0.07): The addition of the Rime age, originally a DLC, is praised for adding significant content, new puzzles, and lore. Players appreciate how it bridges the game with later titles in the series and provides a fresh experience for returning fans.
- Option to toggle original FMVs (weight 0.04): The inclusion of the original FMV videos alongside the remade 3D characters is appreciated by players who prefer the classic aesthetic. This option allows players to customize their experience while preserving the game’s historical charm.
- Positive community and developer support (weight 0.03): Players highlight the responsive developer team, frequent updates (e.g., ray tracing, DLSS), and community engagement as major positives. The game’s ongoing support and willingness to address feedback contribute to its longevity and appeal.

Common complaints:
- Buggy and unstable performance (weight 0.32): Frequent crashes, glitches (e.g., stuck doors, black screens), and VR-specific issues (e.g., unresponsive controls) plague the experience. Performance problems are especially noted on Linux and VR platforms.
- Short length and high price (weight 0.3): The game is criticized for its short playtime (4-6 hours) and perceived overpricing. Many feel the content does not justify the cost, especially compared to other modern titles.
- Lack of guidance and tutorials (weight 0.12): The game provides minimal in-game guidance, leading to confusion and frustration. Players struggle with unclear mechanics, no hint system, and limited save slots, making progress difficult.
- Poor CGI character models (weight 0.11): The replacement of FMV with stiff, plastic-like 3D character models is widely disliked. Players feel the CGI detracts from immersion and prefer the original live-action footage.
- Translation and localization issues (weight 0.06): Poor translations (e.g., awkward overlays, missing subtitles) break immersion. Some puzzles become unplayable due to language barriers, and non-English speakers face accessibility challenges.
- Missing or disappointing content (weight 0.05): Key features like the Rime Age are missing, and some endings feel rushed or underdeveloped. Players expected more substantial updates or additions compared to the original.
- Poor note-taking and photo systems (weight 0.05): The in-game notebook and photo album are cumbersome to use, disrupting puzzle-solving. Players struggle with inaccessible screenshots, awkward menu navigation, and no shortcuts for quick reference.
- Unintuitive UI and controls (weight 0.05): The UI is criticized for being clunky and outdated, with poor keybindings, unresponsive interactables, and no remapping options. Players struggle with small hitboxes and unintuitive mechanics (e.g., long-press interactions).
- Lack of innovation for returning players (weight 0.04): Players who experienced older versions find the remake lacking in meaningful changes. Many feel it fails to justify its price or offer enough new content to warrant a purchase.

Gameplay feedback:
- Sound and accessibility design (weight 0.9): Sound plays a key role in puzzles (e.g., auditory clues for locks) and immersion. The game includes subtitles, color accessibility options, and configurable controls to accommodate different playstyles, including VR-specific interactions.
- VR and 3D movement integration (weight 0.6): The remake introduces free 3D movement (WASD/mouselook) and VR support, replacing the original point-and-click mechanics. VR interactions include teleportation, smooth movement, and tactile puzzle-solving (e.g., gripping levers), though some puzzles were redesigned for compatibility.
- Core puzzle-based gameplay (weight 0.59): The game revolves around solving environmental, logic-based, and observation-driven puzzles. Players interact with switches, levers, and notes while exploring surreal landscapes to progress. Puzzles range from simple input-based challenges to complex, multi-step problems requiring note-taking and pattern recognition.
- Note-taking and exploration tools (weight 0.59): Players rely on in-game notebooks, photo modes, and screenshot systems to document clues, map mazes, and track puzzle solutions. These tools are critical for solving puzzles that require connecting scattered information or revisiting earlier discoveries.
- Multiple ages and open-ended exploration (weight 0.57): The game features distinct worlds (e.g., Mechanical Age, Rime) with unique aesthetics, puzzles, and environmental storytelling. Exploration is non-linear, encouraging players to wander off-path to uncover hidden areas, Easter eggs, and lore via journals or notes.
- Remake with modernized features (weight 0.56): The remake retains the original’s puzzle design while adding quality-of-life improvements (e.g., carrying multiple pages, VR support) and updated graphics (Unreal Engine). It offers options to toggle between classic FMVs and 3D-rendered characters or movement styles.
- Randomized puzzle modes (weight 0.51): A replayability feature randomizes puzzle solutions, codes, or item placements, offering varied difficulty and encouraging multiple playthroughs. This mode appeals to players seeking fresh challenges beyond the original’s fixed puzzles.
- Post-game and DLC content (weight 0.51): The *Rime* era was added via a free update, introducing new puzzles, lore, and an additional world. This expansion extends the base game’s content and addresses feedback about replay value.
- Frustration and difficulty spikes (weight 0.49): Some puzzles (e.g., maze navigation, direction-picking) are criticized for requiring trial-and-error or external help, leading to frustration. The lack of modular puzzle design or clear hints exacerbates these challenges.
- Legacy and comparisons to original (weight 0.47): The remake is praised for preserving the original’s atmospheric world and puzzle design while modernizing controls and graphics. Comparisons to *Riven* or *Masterpiece Edition* highlight its evolution in mechanics and storytelling.
- VR-specific challenges (weight 0.03): While VR enhances immersion, some puzzles (e.g., the fireplace finale) are poorly adapted, causing confusion. Movement options (teleport vs. smooth) and controller interactions (e.g., climbing ladders) vary in intuitiveness.

Performance notes:
- Frequent crashes and freezes (weight 0.12): Crashes and freezes are a recurring issue, especially during specific interactions, in VR, or when using ray tracing. Some users report softlocks or unplayable states due to these bugs.
- Performance optimization and stability (weight 0.12): The game is generally well-optimized, running smoothly on various hardware, including M1 MacBooks and older systems. However, occasional performance drops, crashes, and freezes are reported, particularly in VR. Workarounds like menu resets or config tweaks are suggested.
- DLSS and ray tracing trade-offs (weight 0.09): DLSS improves performance by 10-15% but causes blurriness, while ray tracing can lead to crashes. Users recommend disabling DLSS for sharper visuals or adjusting settings for better stability.
- Visual and audio bugs (weight 0.05): Users report lighting flickers, blurry visuals, jagged edges, and audio issues like sounds passing through walls or spatialization problems in VR. Some graphical effects are missing in VR for performance reasons.
- Menu and UI glitches (weight 0.03): Cursor disappearance, menu access issues (especially on Index controllers), and non-functional puzzle viewers are reported. Some users experience the game hiding behind a black screen or warping outside map bounds.
- Hardware and compatibility problems (weight 0.02): Compatibility issues arise with specific hardware, such as Intel MacBooks, Linux systems, and ultrawide screens. Ray tracing and Proton (SteamPlay) also cause problems for some users.
- Load times and world transitions (weight 0.01): Long load times between worlds and uncontrollable world flickering are noted, requiring resets to resolve. These issues disrupt gameplay flow.
- Overheating on MacBooks (weight 0.01): MacBook Pro M4 Max and MacBook Air 2020 users report overheating and crashing, likely due to hardware demands or optimization gaps.

Recommendations:
- Strong recommendation for puzzle fans (weight 0.24): The game is highly recommended for enthusiasts of puzzle games, intellectual challenges, and atmospheric experiences. Many reviews emphasize its value for both newcomers and veterans of the series.
- VR enhances immersion but has flaws (weight 0.22): The VR version is praised for its immersive experience but criticized for clunky controls, hardware compatibility issues, and occasional bugs. It is recommended conditionally for VR enthusiasts.
- Conditional price recommendation (weight 0.21): Reviewers frequently suggest purchasing the game on sale or at a lower price (e.g., €10-15) due to its length or niche appeal. Full price is often deemed less justifiable.
- Best modern version of Myst (weight 0.21): This remake is widely regarded as the best way to experience Myst, especially for newcomers or those seeking a modernized version with VR support. Some prefer older editions for authenticity.
- Nostalgic appeal for returning players (weight 0.2): The game is praised for its nostalgic value, offering a modernized yet faithful experience for fans of the original. It serves as a great entry point for the series.
- Puzzle design frustrates newcomers (weight 0.05): New players often struggle with cryptic puzzles, backtracking, and the lack of guidance. Hints or external resources (e.g., Universal Hint System) are recommended to avoid frustration.
- Alternatives suggested for better value (weight 0.03): Some reviewers recommend older versions (e.g., Masterpiece Edition) or other games (e.g., Obduction) for a longer or more authentic experience, especially if not playing in VR.
- Refund requests due to dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): A small subset of players expressed extreme frustration, particularly with puzzle design or technical issues, leading to refund requests or strong negative recommendations.

Other player notes:
- Historical impact of Myst (weight 0.1): Myst is recognized as a defining game of the CD-ROM era, influencing adventure and puzzle games. It was the top-selling PC game from 1993-1996 and inspired many subsequent titles due to its innovative design and storytelling.
- Modern remake success (weight 0.09): The remake of Myst has been praised for modernizing the original experience while preserving its core gameplay mechanics. Players appreciate the updates, such as the Rime age and AI-upscaled FMV.
- Playtime and achievements (weight 0.07): Players discuss the game's playtime (approximately 7 hours) and the automatic unlocking of achievements for most endings. This provides clarity on the game's length and completion mechanics.
- Nostalgia and personal connections (weight 0.05): Many players express deep personal nostalgia and emotional connections to Myst, often citing childhood memories or familial influences. The game holds sentimental value for long-time fans of the series.
- Comparisons to other games (weight 0.02): Players frequently compare Myst to its sequels (Riven, Obduction) and other modern games in the genre, such as Outer Wilds. These comparisons highlight its lasting influence and unique qualities.
- Community engagement and updates (weight 0.02): The community appreciates developer responsiveness, modding support, and recent additions like the extra map. Feedback on updates and community-driven efforts are noted positively.
- Technical and localization issues (weight 0.01): Some players report minor issues, such as Japanese text overlay problems and limited language support. These are niche but impactful for affected users.
- Franchise sales milestone (weight 0.01): The Myst franchise has sold over 12 million copies, underscoring its commercial success and enduring popularity among players.
- Enjoyable storyline (weight 0.01): Players describe the storyline as silly but enjoyable, contributing to the game's charm and replayability.
- Unique immersion efforts (weight 0.01): Some fans go to great lengths for immersion, such as simulating wind effects, reflecting the game's ability to engage players deeply.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.16): Players experience frustration primarily due to clunky controls, unintuitive puzzle design, and technical issues. Puzzles often lack clear guidance, requiring trial-and-error or external help, while performance problems like crashes, freezes, and VR-specific bugs (e.g., height resets, awkward interactions) exacerbate the difficulty. Tedious mechanics, such as slow traversal, non-skippable dialogues, and repetitive tasks (e.g., maze puzzles), further hinder progression.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.14): Nostalgia is driven by the game’s ability to evoke fond memories of its original release in the 1990s, often tied to childhood experiences or family bonding. Players appreciate the remaster’s preservation of classic elements like puzzles, music, and atmosphere, which resonate with long-time fans. Comparisons to the original *Myst* and its cultural impact highlight its enduring legacy and personal significance.
- Disappointment (weight 0.13): Disappointment stems from unmet expectations regarding puzzle depth, visual fidelity, and technical polish. Players criticize the game’s short length, repetitive or overly simplistic puzzles, and lack of innovation compared to modern standards. Technical issues (e.g., crashes, bugs) and design choices (e.g., cartoony CGI characters, missing content like the Rime Age) detract from immersion and replay value.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Satisfaction arises from overcoming challenging puzzles, appreciating the game’s faithful remake of classic mechanics, and enjoying modern improvements like VR and updated graphics. Players highlight the rewarding sense of accomplishment from solving puzzles logically, the stability of the remaster, and the preservation of the original’s spirit while adding new content (e.g., the Rime Age).
- Excitement (weight 0.08): Excitement is fueled by the game’s VR implementation, graphical upgrades, and the addition of new content (e.g., the Rime Age). Players anticipate exploring the remastered world, diving into sequels like *Riven*, and experiencing the series’ iconic puzzles in a modern format. The immersive potential of VR and the game’s nostalgic appeal amplify this emotion.
- Appreciation (weight 0.06): Players appreciate the game’s historical significance, the developers’ efforts to modernize it while preserving its core identity, and the inclusion of accessibility features (e.g., subtitles). The remaster’s attention to detail, atmospheric design, and faithful adaptation of the original’s puzzles and lore are frequently praised, along with the addition of new story elements like Rime.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.05): Enjoyment comes from the game’s engaging puzzle-solving mechanics, immersive world, and the satisfaction of personal discovery. Players relish the challenge of logical puzzles, the freedom to explore at their own pace, and the collaborative or nostalgic aspects of playing with others. The remaster’s updated controls and VR support enhance the experience for both new and returning players.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy is derived from the game’s successful blend of nostalgia and modern enhancements, particularly in VR. Players delight in revisiting familiar puzzles and environments with improved visuals and controls, as well as the addition of new content like the Rime Age. The remaster’s ability to meet or exceed expectations for a classic experience contributes to this emotion.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise stems from the game’s unexpected quality, such as its short length, the addition of the Rime Age, or its ability to exceed expectations despite mixed reviews. Players are also pleasantly surprised by the remaster’s faithfulness to the original or its immersive VR implementation, which enhances the sense of discovery.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Curiosity is sparked by the game’s open-ended exploration and intricate puzzles, which encourage players to uncover lore and experiment with solutions. The gradual reveal of the game’s world and narrative, along with comparisons to sequels or remakes, fuels a desire to delve deeper into the *Myst* universe.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from unclear mechanics, lack of guidance, or narrative twists (e.g., spoilers about the children’s fate). Players struggle with initial direction, understanding puzzle logic, or determining the game’s completion state, often requiring external resources to progress.
- Immersion (weight 0.01): Immersion is achieved through the game’s atmospheric design, including its soundscapes, visuals, and environmental storytelling. The sense of being stranded in a mysterious world, enhanced by VR, draws players into the puzzle-box experience and fosters a deep connection to the game’s setting.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Gratitude is expressed toward the developers for preserving the original game’s legacy, adding accessibility features (e.g., subtitles), and delivering a high-quality remaster decades after the original release. Players also appreciate the inclusion of classic content, such as FMV videos, in recent updates.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Admiration is directed at the game’s historical impact, technical modernization, and the beauty of its remastered visuals. Players praise the creators’ storytelling, the game’s timeless appeal, and the meticulous attention to detail in the remake, which honors the original while introducing improvements.
- Awe (weight 0.01): Awe is inspired by the game’s stunning landscapes, immersive environments, and the magical experience of exploring *Myst Island* in VR. The remaster’s visual fidelity and the game’s cultural significance as a pioneering title in gaming history contribute to this sense of wonder.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Relief is felt when players overcome technical hurdles (e.g., crashes, controller binds) or complete challenging puzzles without excessive frustration. Success in navigating the game’s difficulties, such as easier traversal in the remaster or finally solving a long-standing puzzle, provides a sense of accomplishment.
- Nostalgic (weight 0.01): This emotion mirrors the broader *Nostalgia* category, emphasizing the game’s ability to retain the magic of the original while evoking personal memories. Players highlight the remaster’s faithfulness to the classic experience and its role in revisiting a legendary puzzle game.
- Frustrated (weight 0.01): Similar to *Frustration*, this emotion focuses on specific pain points like obtuse puzzle design, game-breaking bugs, and the need for external help. Players express irritation with awkward interactions, sound-based puzzles, and technical issues that disrupt immersion.
- Recommendation (weight 0.01): Players strongly recommend the game to fans of puzzle games or those seeking a nostalgic experience, often suggesting it as a must-play if available at a discounted price. The remaster’s quality and faithfulness to the original are cited as key reasons for endorsement.
- Pride (weight 0.01): Pride stems from personal achievement, such as solving difficult puzzles without guides, completing the game independently, or creating mods that gain community recognition. Players take satisfaction in overcoming the game’s challenges through their own efforts.}