Myst facts for kids
Myst is a classic computer game that was created by two brothers, Robyn and Rand Miller. They worked together at their company, Cyan. The Millers started making Myst in 1991, and it was first released for Macintosh computers on September 24, 1993. Later, Myst became available on many different computers and video game consoles.
In Myst, players begin their adventure by using a special book to travel to a mysterious place called Myst Island. On the island, players find other unique books that let them journey to different worlds. These worlds are known as "Ages." By solving puzzles in these Ages, players slowly uncover the secrets of Myst Island and learn about the people who once lived there. The choices players make during the game can even change how the story ends.
When Myst first came out, it became incredibly popular very quickly. Many critics praised Myst because it felt like exploring a real, living world. Myst was the best-selling computer game for a long time, until a game called The Sims was released in 2002. Myst also helped make CD-ROMs more popular when they were a new technology. Because of its huge success, four sequel games were made, and three Myst novels were written, expanding its story even further.
Contents
About the Game
Myst is a first-person adventure game. This means you see the world through the eyes of the main character. The game focuses on exploring and solving puzzles. There is no fighting in Myst. Instead, you use your brain to figure out clues and unlock new areas.
How the Game Works
The main goal in Myst is to explore different "Ages." Each Age is a unique world with its own environment and puzzles. To travel between these Ages, you use special linking books. These books are found on Myst Island and within the Ages themselves.
When you arrive in an Age, you need to look for clues and interact with objects. Some puzzles might involve machines, while others require you to understand stories or symbols. Solving these puzzles helps you learn more about the characters and the history of the world. Your progress in the game depends on how well you solve these challenges.
Story and Characters
The story of Myst centers around a mysterious family. You discover clues about two brothers, Sirrus and Achenar, who are trapped in different books. Their father, Atrus, is also a key character. As you play, you learn about their past and the events that led to their current situation. The game allows you to decide who to trust and how the story concludes.
Development and Release
Myst was created by Robyn Miller and Rand Miller. They worked on the game for several years. They wanted to make a game that felt very immersive and real. They used early computer technology to create the detailed graphics and sounds.
Technical Challenges
Developing Myst was challenging because computers in the early 1990s were not as powerful as they are today. The game was designed for Macintosh computers. It used CD-ROMs, which were new at the time. The slow speed of early CD-ROM drives and limited computer memory made it hard to create such a large and detailed game. Despite these challenges, the developers managed to create a groundbreaking experience.
Impact and Legacy
Myst had a big impact on the video game world. It showed that games could be more than just action or fighting. It proved that players enjoyed exploring rich stories and solving complex puzzles.
Popularity and Sales
Myst was a huge commercial success. It sold millions of copies around the world. For many years, it held the record as the best-selling computer game. Its success helped to popularize CD-ROM technology for home computers. Many people bought CD-ROM drives just to play Myst.
Sequels and Adaptations
Because of its popularity, the story of Myst continued in several sequel games. These include Riven, Myst III: Exile, Myst IV: Revelation, and Myst V: End of Ages. There were also three novels written that expanded the lore and history of the Myst universe. The game's unique style and challenging puzzles continue to influence new adventure games today.
Images for kids
-
Screenshot of Myst, showing the island's library and a puzzle with a ship.
-
Macintosh computers like this one helped create Myst. Early CD-ROM drives were slow, which was a challenge.
See also
In Spanish: Myst para niños
