Myst, released in 1993 by Cyan, is a groundbreaking adventure puzzle game that redefined interactive storytelling and visual design in the gaming industry. Set on a mysterious island, players assume the role of the Stranger, who stumbles upon a magical book leading to a world filled with strange mechanisms, cryptic symbols, and immersive environments.

Unlike many games of its time, Myst offers no combat, time limits, or direct instructions. Instead, it emphasizes exploration, observation, and problem-solving. Players navigate through a series of interconnected “Ages,” each with its own distinct theme and logic. These Ages are accessed by special books, and uncovering their secrets reveals the fragmented story of a family torn apart by greed and betrayal.

Myst’s visual fidelity was revolutionary for its era, featuring pre-rendered 3D graphics that created a sense of photorealism unheard of in early ’90s games. Combined with ambient soundscapes and a hauntingly minimalistic soundtrack, the game fostered an atmosphere of solitude and curiosity. The puzzles themselves are deeply integrated into the world, requiring keen attention to detail rather than abstract logic.

The narrative unfolds subtly, through journals, environmental clues, and the personalities of Atrus and his two sons, Sirrus and Achenar, whose motives you must decipher. Myst became one of the best-selling PC games of all time, praised for its artistry and immersive approach to storytelling. It pioneered a new genre of adventure games, appealing to players who valued contemplation and discovery over fast-paced action. Even decades later, Myst remains an iconic piece of gaming history, inspiring remakes, sequels, and spiritual successors.

• Developer: Cyan
• Publisher: Brøderbund
• Release Year: 1993
• Platform(s): Mac OS, Windows, later ported to many systems
• Genre: Graphic Adventure / Puzzle
• Game Mode: Single-player
• Graphics: Pre-rendered 3D environments
• Sound: Ambient audio with minimalistic music
• Key Feature: Non-linear exploration with environmental puzzles