The game has a mysterious plotline that is largely uncovered in bits and pieces, by finding scattered clues while exploring the island in solitude, or by reading some of the few remaining books on the island's library. After the surprise discovery of several highly dynamic personalities imprisoned inside two of these books, major elements of character interest and suspense are introduced to the game, as each character implores the player to aid him alone, accusing the other of being guilty of dark crimes...
The interior of the library where two strange characters are found imprisoned within red and blue books... |
Myst's gameplay required players to solve many challenging puzzles, often using only a handful of cryptic clues— but the atmosphere and plotline was engaging enough that even many people who don't generally care for solving puzzles still loved the game.
Myst was also noteworthy for its complete absence of violent gameplay dynamics: The game design simply ignored violent dynamics in favor of exploration, puzzle-solving, and admiring the game's amazing atmospheres, while speculating about the plot's many mysteries. All of this ultimately had the effect of increasing the sense of realism, and therefore heightening the impact of the game's dark, suspenseful and macabre moments...
A macabre scene discovered in one of the Ages of Myst... |