Myst Online
The unique world and history at Myst lies before you to explore.
The rapidly emerging massively-multiplayer genre is perhaps the most exciting in the industry at the moment, as developers introduce a hungry public to their own take on what comprises such a game. This excitement is fuelled by the comparative youth of the game-type, and the increasing awareness of its potential from both manufacturers and gamers. This is helped further by the slow-marching progress of broadband as it becomes more predominant.
Not only are massively-multiplayer titles becoming hugely popular, it is also becoming a very competitive area, with publishers realising that the potential for lucrative subscription games is too good an opportunity to miss. Just ask Sony Online, who rake in several million dollars monthly from Everquest alone.
One developer however, who you wouldn’t expect to be chancing their luck in this most risky of genres is Cyan – the Rand Miller controlled company responsible for the massively-popular, though hardly envelope-pushing, Myst series. But that is exactly what they’re doing – expanding the unique world of the games into the infinite possibilities of the internet, through Myst Online.
They hope and believe it will prove rather popular, especially given Myst’s reputable name and already well-established fan base – admittedly consisting mainly of consumers you wouldn’t usually expect to be interested in a game as ‘hardcore’ as a massively-multiplayer one. But perhaps that’s the beauty of their plan, introducing new gamers to new territory, and not having to worry about the competition.
The game’s been progressing under several different development titles, ‘Mudpie’ and ‘Parable’, since the much-delayed Riven was nearing completion. The current name, the most appropriate thus far, may change too as development continues, but Rand Miller’s aim is clear: "Myst without limits." This is certainly going to be no massively-multiplayer game in the sense we’ve grown accustomed to.
We’re told that the gameplay of Myst Online won’t lead us along typical MMORPG games such as Everquest or Dark Ages of Camelot, with Cyan Worlds instead focussing on the exploration that made the pre-rendered adventure games so popular. Of course, meeting other players and interacting with them is a major aspect; but unlike every other game, Myst Online will not place individuals in competition. There will be no emphasis on statistics or progress in the traditional role-playing style.
With the focus on discovery of new people and new worlds, Cyan have made the decision to keep the game fresh with constantly evolving worlds – new content updates for players to explore. As Rand Miller points out, "People want fresh content and new things every night." Just like TV networks offer their viewers, it is this philosophy which Cyan hope will give this game mass appeal. "I think to have mass-market appeal, you can't require the level of attention a lot of these online games demand," commented Miller. "Most people don't want to hang around with a thousand other people. They want to explore interesting places with a few of their friends."
Comments
Wow...I hope it flies. I've been hoping for someone to come out with something that avoided the usual violent coventions (cliches) of the genre. After awhile, most of the MMOGs I've played feel more like pointless work than fun: commonly referred to by players of these games as the "treadmill" effect. It would be really great to see something creative, cooperative, and just...kinder. All of the current MMOG's require one to take the role of a killer, which can become so tedious. Good luck Cyan. I'll be there at launch.
The Myst/Riven games are perfect for me; I love the exploration, the puzzle solving, the beautiful landscape and the colors....each world is like a paradise!! I love the worlds the Cyan team creates!!! The Myst/Riven worlds are adventurous, marvel filled and never boring!!! I can not wait to play the new one!!!
I'm really not a big fan of Myst, but this game sounds like it might just turn out to be the best MMOG ever made
I still really have no idea how this game will play. I mean, what do you do, just walk around and look at the scenery? There was a story in the prior Myst games and you solved puzzles. I'm not sure how they can incorporate it for a game which thousands are participating in.
I'm surprised by your comment that Cyan created the "hardly envelope-pushing, Myst series". When I first learned of Myst, it was one of only a handful of games available in the genre, and was only available on CD - something that was definitely considered both innovative and risky at the time.
I see Myst Online as a continuation of something Cyan does very well - raising the calibre of Computer Adventure Gaming to its highest, and classiest level. I chose a computer with a CD-ROM drive to play Myst.
I'll chose my next computer's specs to play Myst Online.
~ Kha'tie
: )
now heres something i didn't think i'd see in a million years.. phatty phat tho! Loved this series from the beginning!
I can't wait until it comes out!!! :)
I'm French, so I will write in French, because my English is too bad... Sorry for you, I hope you will understand me.
La saga Myst deviendrait donc infinie avec un nouveau défi, myst on line... J'ai joué pour la première fois à Myst quand j'avais 14ans, et ça a été pr moi une expérience vraiment très forte. J'ai récidivé trois ans après avec Riven ,et là encore, je n'ai pas été déçu. Ce genre de jeux est pour moi très reposant, enrichissant, et surtout, me fait oublier les tracas de la vie quotidienne. Espérons que Mys Online sera à la hauteur, qu'il sera accessible à tous malgré le fait qu"il soit on-line. J'attends beaucoup de ce jeu, comme j'avais bcp attendu des jeux précédents de Cyan, et je n'ai jamais été déçu, bien au contraire. Espérons que ce soit la même surprise avec ce prochain jeu. Une chose est sûre, je suis très impatient de voir son évolution.
Affaire à suivre
This article helps solidify a theory long held in DaDungeon (where The Mental Mob is "normally" in residence).
From the very beginning of public (read "online") responses to Cyan's MYST and RIVEN games, the impression has been this:
"This is the seed - the acorn - from which a huge growth will result."
And it seems to be proving to be so.
The growth is beginning to take on form now, direction.
New branches are gaining fibre and strength as they reach out into the great infinite realm of possibilities.
Direction is unbounded.
Subject matter, whether for purposes of entertainment, education, or socialization is also unlimited in choices.
This will indeed mature into one Massively Anticipated, Massively Participated, presicts The Mental Mob.
The world id FULL of thirsty minds.
They are thirsty for adventure, not mandatory hoops through which they must jump, slaughtering all that moves along the way.
And believe DaDUngeon, underground locations are only the starting points. To get a little ummm, derivatory here: "To infinity . . . and beyond!"
Please, please make a Mac version. We are devoted fans. The original MYST was created firstly on and for the Mac. Don't forget about your origins :)
I hope you guys are planning a Mac version of this series ...
Cyan, you are horrible horrible people. Do you really want all gamers to suffer this bad? Please, let Myst die a quiet death and go find something else to do. Please.
Myst, Riven and Exile is the best gaes i the world
Myst, Riven and Exile is the best games in the world
Jeg elsker bare Riven og Exile jeg har ikke prøvet Myst så det kan jeg ikke sige noget om, men Riven og Exile er verdens bedste spil.
I come from Denmark and i'm only 12 yers old so i'm not so good at english.
To all that dont now: mudpie is like the other myst games you can just play with your freinds
The Myst series of games are by far the best games I have yet to encounter for the PC. My next computer will be a Mac, and I hope UbiSoft will have the entire series on DVD for the Mac by then. Meanwhile, I hope Myst Online becomes reality. I prefer roaming around in make-believe worlds of peace than on patrol in fantasy worlds of violence.
cool picts
Myst, Riven, and Exile - yes, Exile - why's nobody talking about Exile? -
All great stuff.
Mudpie/Myst online/Parable? Dunno. I think I'm gonna miss a whole lot of good fun because I've been playing since the first one - when I was 25 or so... that was ten years ago, I'm 35 now, two kids, a wife... I don't have the time to invest to get the most out of the game - exploring, finding new things.
Same things goes for Star Wars online.
Yup, I'll be missing a whole lotta fun.
Here's to hoping for another single-player game from Cyan sometime.
MYST will never die! It is the embodiment and representation of all things that should be used when making a good game: A good storyline/plot, surreal characters and most of all very well thought out environments/graphics.
If you put all those together you get what millions have fans have come to admire, cherish, and come to know as the world of Myst.
The best
I absolutely disagree with Mr. Guttridge's statement that the Myst series is "hardly envelope-pushing".
My family owns three game consoles and a tremendous amount of current games-- not one can match the detail and realism that Exile displays.
I believe that Guttridge enjoys the mindless task of shooting anything that moves, rather than exploration and discovery. Hopefully someone better qualified to write on this topic will come along and make a more balanced judgement.
I love Myst and Riven very much.All the ages are like a peradise.
Neil, perhaps you should find a game that does not require the use of your brain, but your reflexes only.
The Myst series is obviously far too difficult for you; as I am sure are reading, tying your shoes, and eating without a bib. Here is my recommendation my slow-witted friend: go away. We who enjoy Myst and Riven do not care what you think. Happily, we do not have to worry about that often, do we? Cyan has done a superb job. You will probably have to move to Oregon because putting gas in your car is too difficult a task for you.
its just simple math, MO will be the pinnacle of all interactive electronic entertainment:
myst = good
online games = good
myst+online game = GOOD!
it makes perfect sense...
:D
I am stuck in the game and can not find a hint page anywhere can you help me. And why does the game play one time then the next time I try it tottaly screws up and freezes my comp.and mess up the screen?
i hate this set up but the game totally rules good luck and farewell
I love Myst! Its great just exploring and looking around! Good luck everyone!
game looks great! the landscapes remind me of morrowind :-D
stupid mafia advertisment video, everywhere i click it's always playing! please remove it! anyways game looks awsome myst will be a big hit!
em em em em um um i i i ii love mmmmyst its stimulating visit my web site on it at www.coxie.co.uk
I'm a little worried about this. Myst was great as a puzzle game and it was meant to be just that, but I can't imagine it as anything different.
WHERE DO I SIGN UP
yea you all suck
its pretty good
jason.mcgaw