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>> Soaking up Myst

by ERIK LEIJON

Few games have ever been as controversial from a merit point-of-view as Myst. The first Myst, which heaven forbid was released for Macs first, was a series of pre-rendered still graphics, plodding gameplay, click-intensive puzzles and, most heinous of all, reading. Rest assured, I’m not unique in holding these sentiments, but I hated Myst. I hated the slow pace, the lack of violence and especially the reading. But someone must have liked it: Myst was the best-selling computer game of the ’90s.

In 2007, Cyan Worlds is still quietly churning out new Myst games, in this case, the not-sold-in-stores Myst Online: Uru Live (PC/GameTap, Cyan Worlds). Under most circumstances, I would avoid this like the plague, but their latest game has experienced some hardships before surfacing on GameTap’s subscription service. Uru Live actually existed in 2003 as the online component of Uru: Ages Beyond Myst, but due to lack of interest, the servers closed not long after its release. Truthfully, Myst Uru probably deserved a better fate, but today is a more MMO-friendly environment, and Uru Live now has a second lease on life.

TRIPPY REALMS:
Myst Online: Uru Live

The singleplayer mode is still here, and what separates Uru from the snoozefests of the past are the visuals, which are thankfully no longer prerendered stills, but rather fully 3D environments. The story also has an existential feel, as it takes place in the present day, with your avatar making frequent visits to fictitious and trippy realms. Your avatar is completely customizable, and it’s not hard to create your likeness.

The adventure starts in your fortress of solitude, called a Relto, and using the books in your library will allow for travel between the different worlds. The puzzles are still largely accomplished by running around and moving the cursor over every object to see if your avatar can manipulate it (the reading is still there too). Every mission requires finding seven hidden journey cloths, but the still puzzles are surprisingly creative at times (as well as tough enough to have you reaching for a walkthrough).

In addition to transporting from world to world, one can also travel to online neighbourhoods. The online community is still fairly small (the largest public group I ever saw had a dozen people), but vets seemed helpful towards newbies, and there were quite a few events happening. Once there, you can ask other players to complete the online-specific missions, or you can also invite people back to your own world to visit your customized Relto. Another plus is many of the features Cyan never had a chance to include will come in the form of downloadable content every month.

Myst is about sitting back and soaking in the experience, the pretty graphics, and less about actual gameplay. Playing Uru multiplayer merely expands this to include friends and unite Myst fans, an odd collective that clearly deserve each other. Even for haters, it’s actually a good change of pace from the normal action and an above-average MMO. If curious, players can try it for free before subscribing by visiting www.mystonline.com.

PARTING PRESIDENT’S PUT-DOWN

Doug Lowenstein recently quit his job as ESA (Entertainment Software Association) president and gave a scathing parting shot at the industry, which he feels has hindered the progress he’s made legitimizing gaming in Washington—where politicians are quick to blame games for every violent act in America.

He’s been the industry’s most important lobbyist for over a decade and will be missed. But does he have a point? Does the gaming industry do nothing to improve its image in the eyes of its detractors? Check out his condemnation of his peers at www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=12693.