A unique world, full of suprises, Myst captures your interest by enthralling you into an environment unlike any other. I, for one, haven't played any of the previous Myst titles or anything quite like it before. To say the least I was a little confused with the game. Myst V: End of Ages has a deep story line which I thought was hard to grasp without having any previous experience with the series. Never the less, I was constantly intrigued by the games beauty and depth. Myst V: End of Ages is, as its name implies, the end of the Myst series. There are several new features, such as a free roaming system as opposed to the linear system of past games. The puzzles are interesting and very interactive, slate drawing is one of the puzzles in which you have to draw out the liking of an object to continue.
The graphics are amazing, in my opinion, and really draw you into the world. Although the characters you meet in the game give you hints as to what you should do next, the hints are more like riddles or puzzles themselves. I felt almost as if I was the character because there wasn't anyone holding my hand and guiding me, it was up to me to figure out what I needed to do so I could carry on.
I was very confused at times, though, as if I was thrown onto an island with no direction as to what my goal was, how to leave, where to go or any idea as to what I was doing there. Sometimes I ended up solving a puzzle doing the same thing with the slightest difference that I had done all along, I thought it was a little monotonous. So on one hand I did like the realistic aspect, on the other I had times where I didn't enjoy playing because I really had no idea what I was suppose to do.
My favorite thing to do in the game was just run around and take in the environment. Although I didn't progress any by running around, I gained a true appreciation for all the work put into the game. There are many interesting things going on in the world, but unfortunately there isn't much interaction or investigation, only mystery.
All in all I am rather torn in my opinion of Myst V. I love the world, I love the looks and the interesting things going on. Yet the puzzles are sometimes more difficult than necessary and most of the interesting things that happen are things in the corner of your eye or in some in accessible place. Those things only leave you to wonder what was actually going on. I would say that if you're like me and haven't ever played a Myst title or similar game, try one of the earlier Myst titles. On the other hand, if you are familiar with the series you will find many interesting wonders hidden in the wonderful world of Myst V.
I'm an RPG fan above all but I enjoy most all types of gaming. I wouldn't consider being the best RTS/Flight/Space player though. PC gaming is my passion, but I try to be fair so my PS2 doesn't get lonely.
