4 stars (The Myst Finale - A mixed bag) - To sum it up in a few quick sentences: The music scores used in the game as well as the Soundtrack are wonderful if you're into Classical music, but are immensely boring if you're not. If you loved any of the previous Myst games, you'll love this one. If you're a first timer, go get an older Myst game from the bargin bin and try that first before purchasing this one. And if you disliked the other Myst games entirely, then just forget about this one as it's beyond your interests.
For those still interested, the game itself was drawn on an outstanding group of writers and imagineers, and it shows. The graphics are fun to adore, the puzzels are difficult, but not absurd, and dialogs are very fun to listen to. I thoroughly enjoyed the game and played every one of the multiple outcomes I could think of at the very end. I guess my only other gripes about this game were:
-Worlds were not very big and did not have much space to just "get lost" and roam around.
-Too short of game play. I finished it in 3 days (16hrs or so) of playing).
-Limited edition Prima Game Guide had VERY small text, but was still worth it in those tight spots where my patience cracked.
5 stars (Perfect end for a perfect series) - I have been a Myst fan since it came out in 1993 and loved every game. Rand Miller and the Cyan Worlds team came up with a perfect end to the series. I was glued to my seat from begining to end and didn't even want to stop to go to work! I have the limited editon and definitly recomend it for all you true Myst fans. Do not listen to the bad review of the soundtrack. Very moving music just as the music of the entire franchise. This is a must buy. The game has gorgous graphics I think as beautiful as revelation if not better. Execellent story and well done gamplay. I will not give any spoilers but the game leaves the ending up to you. You will be given several differnt paths to take pick the right choice or there will be no turning back.
The puzzles are challenging enough for any Myst fan. Do not listen to reviews of it being short. It is a little shorter than most but not to short unless you read the guide all the way through. Only prblem I found is minor sluggy graphics on lower end computers. My desktop runs it slow while my laptop runs it smooth as silk. All in all Myst V is an excellent game and Myst fans young or old will love it.
5 stars (A superb end to one of the best series around!) - Rand Miller, CEO of Cyan Worlds and creator of the Myst series, said that he didn't want to end the Myst series with a bunch of explosions and drama, but rather he wanted to help tie up some loose ends and give players answers to questions they've been asking. And Rand succeeded.
Packaging: While the Limited Edition could have been a bit better in comparison with the European Collector's Edition, it was well-designed and has enough to be worth the money. It contains a soundtrack CD with high sound quality and interesting ambient melodies. The Behind the Scenes DVD was a treat to enjoy on my TV after I finished the game. It also included a beautiful piece of artwork which I plan to hang, as well as the complete strategy guide, which has an entertainingly written walkthrough and a series of interviews with Cyan employees. Some have said that the smaller size of the strategy guide makes it not a good value, but I was able to read it just fine.
Graphics: The move to realtime 3D was important -- from playing the game, you realize that it just couldn't be done with prerendered. While some details take a hit because of this, it was an immersive experience even on my old bargain computer. The use of motion-capture and face-recording for the characters helped keep the worlds feeling alive. At several points in the game, I was stunned and simply watched with literally an open jaw.
Puzzles: This was the first Myst game that I was able to finish completely without using a strategy guide. I do not think that this was because the puzzles were easier, but because they were logical and catered more to my style of puzzle-solving. The length of the game was rather short, and some may find that a flaw, but I saw it as a good length, especially considering the short time in which it was made.
Plot: This plot does a stupendous job of connecting the storylines of Myst and Uru in a satisfactory way. The characters are interesting and realistic, and the way that the story is told through journals and speeches continues the Myst legacy. The ending is stellar and is definitely worth the time to get there.
Overall: Myst V: End of Ages is a wonderful game that is more than anyone could have hoped for an end to the series. |
