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Myst V: End of Ages Preview
Derek dela Fuente
08/07/2005
TVG takes a look at the final installment to the Myst storyline with Cyan Worlds...
Myst V: End of Ages is the fifth game in the series and sadly for many the final saga from this superb adventure brand. It has not only stretched the genre but is a game that has been strangely devoid of any real copycat clones and has pulled in many gamers who saw âadventureâ gaming as a methodical point and click experience and changed their perspective of the genre in a positive way!
Myst has relied on puzzles, lush locations, exceedingly detailed presentation and, of course, decision making that unfolds a compelling storyline and not least some wonderful characters. As you would expect the last game will offer a corker of an ending that will differ depending on a vital choice by the player. Reflecting on a game that has stood as one of a few very special iconic titles cannot be avoided as Rand Miller (founder of Cyan and the Myst series) offered some insight to the focus for Myst V. âWeâre staying consistent with what Myst has always offered a subtle, immersive experience with substantial consequences to the playerâs choices. We're not going for fireworks and fanfare (that would be very out-of-character), but we've concentrated on making Myst V as immersive as technology allows.
Two central characters in Dâni activists Esher, and Yeesha, the daughter of Atrus, who many will be familiar with from recent titles, are the gameâs focus. Randy added, âMyst V focuses on the future of D'ni, and what that will mean. The settings are varied - from the D'ni cavern to five very diverse ages; there will be plenty of intrigueâ. Listening and taking note of what you are told and making and taking the final decision on what to believe is one big ask of the player.
Many fans of the game will certainly be more eagle eyed, possibly trying to add extra meaning to events in the game whilst also hoping that loose ends from previous games may be sealed within this game but what of this being the final Myst title?
âThe decision was made for a number of reasonsâ, added Randy, âthe main one being that the story comes to a natural ending. But there were others - it was time for us to start with a blank sheet of paper - that are very motivating. And even more practical reasons - like there are no more products licensed.â
One question that had to be put to Randy was the fact that although Myst has virtually expanded the adventure genre, single handed, the âadventuring gameâ scene is slowly dying and its popularity is probably at an all time low. Do gamers want instant gratification; are standard adventure games too methodical? Randyâs response was both surprising and straight to the point.
âI'm not disappointed in the adventure scene trending downward - it's a free market system. But I do think that the tendency for publishers to move away from unique (i.e. risky) forms of interactive entertainment (because of the extreme production costs these days) is short sighted. There is nothing wrong with using formula to capitalize on trends, but trends wear out, and it's good long term business sense to have a few of the next potential trends waiting in the wings.â
The sheer eye catching beauty of the Myst universe has always been the talking point, perhaps not so much in Myst 4 in terms of quality of innovations from the previous games but the final instalment will once again please the purists wanting that extra bit more.
In Cyanâs own words,â the bar yet again will be raised with new photorealistic worlds ripe with life, weather, movement and mystery via pioneering cinematic technologyâ. Innovative facial mapping technology â“ âface overâ â“ brings characters alive with unprecedented emotion and expressiveness.
âMyst V is the first Myst (not including Uru) to be developed in real-time 3D. It's like no other Myst. You can go anywhere, look anywhere. And moving from place to place is not a dissolve, but a fluid motion - the way life intended.â
Myst V will pretty much stick to the roots of its success and many of the previous tasks and asks will be made of the player along with familiar point and click and keyboard movements. Although utilising real time 3D could have been relatively hard for games to move within the Myst universe the team has ensured there are a number of alternate control methods.
Both the characters will travel to some imaginative ages but returning to a central point. Now with Myst V Randy spoke of the direction of the game not really changing that much but with the locations looking so detailed and breathtaking with the normal quota of puzzles to solve, Cyan has ensured that both aspects of the game will be equally pertinent for gamers. Gamers who have a puzzle penchant will not have time to sit back and enjoy the beautifully crafted vista as exploring with be equally as important as solving task set!
Another interesting aspect within the game is a slate you will carry around. This offers an opportunity of communication with the creatures as you will be able to copy symbols and dialogue on it that the creatures will understand â“ plus some very other interesting aspects! Is the slate a help or hindrance?
The onus on solving puzzles, taking pictures, interacting with creatures, manipulation of objectives is all part of the Myth process but the sheer beauty and the compelling nature of all the locations once again mesmerically draw you into the story. Wonderful looking creatures and some excellently devised tasks break up worries or concerns gamers will have about this being just cash till games and could well turn out to be one of the best Myst games to date.
âWeâre always somewhat concerned with how each product is received. But we don't let that drive us. We push things as hard and far as the time and money permit. In spite of the fact that Myst V was produced faster than any Myst we've done, we still managed to pull a few rabbits out of the hat. We are currently in Beta. Should be available this fall.â
