Mystcan be a frustrating game for people that do not understand how to progress. But for puzzle lovers, part of the excitement in Myst is figuring out how everything on the map is related. Every decision and every switch is interconnected in one way or another. It is inevitable that everyone will hit a roadblock of some sort at some point. Until gamers begin to see how far the rabbit hole goes, nothing will make sense.
RELATED: Open World Games That Have No Combat
To ease the stress of starting from scratch, players will want to avoid making some of the common mistakes early in the game. For a game that is almost 30 years old, there is a surprising amount of detail to be found on this small island — and plenty of missteps for players to make.
Solving Puzzles Immediately
As they begin playing, gamers will want to get an idea of what the map layout looks like and where everything is. After all, Myst is confusing enough even with good map knowledge.
Because every input initiates changes around the map, it is important to know where each section of the map is. Explore the areas for thirty minutes or so before trying to beat the puzzles and discover the mysteries. This will cut down on time that players spend getting lost.
Getting Stuck On A Puzzle
Pretty much anyone who has played Myst knows that it is easy to spend an eternity trying to figure out how to get through a puzzle. Sometimes, there is no way to progress without finishing an objective on another part of the map. Try for a few minutes, and move on if the solution is not simple.
Too many people get fixated on one puzzle and waste hours of their time. Gamers should move from POI to POI regularly for their own sanity, and to keep the game from getting frustrating.
Missing Key Details
The game provides plenty of clues, but they are not always in plain sight. Look around and inspect everything possible. The minor details that give away crucial hints are there, but the developers did a good job of hiding them.
Anything that provides information is relevant when inspecting the areas of the map. Players should stay curious even when they have scanned a location from top to bottom. Pictures, dates, switches, buttons, and anything else that can be interacted with will play some role in a task.
Assuming The Game Is Frozen
Myst is an old game, and to a modern player's eyes, there will be moments where things appear to be completely broken. If the screen is stuck on one view, there are a couple of explanations.
The first is that the player may be stuck crouching to interact with an item. Click in all directions to get free from the animation. The other is that something must be done on the screen. Think of anything that might be consequential, before rage quitting to the main menu.
Not Thinking Ahead
Following a task, gamers should be looking ahead to areas that might be essential to progression. If a tower is activated, look for the tower and search the surrounding area.
RELATED: Myst TV Series Coming from X-Men: First Class Writer
If the power is turned on, look for areas that might need power to be operational. There is no set way to begin completing puzzles, but they all have related functionalities. Brainstorm the next objective or location that will help with the functional areas on the island to keep things interesting.
Not Tracking Progress
People should consider taking notes to keep track of everything they have done. It may seem tedious, but Myst is a challenging game, and forces players to think outside of the box. If they have a general idea of what has been accomplished and where, it will streamline the process of elimination as to what they need to do next.
RELATED: Myst Documentary in the Works
Taking notes can also help with individual puzzles. Ask what works and doesn't work to find a reasonable solution. It will be impossible to remember everything on one's own, especially if gamers are only playing a few hours at a time.
Not Exhausting All Potential Options
The developers left notes at many of the important points of interest on the map. For example, if there are three numbers and a keyboard, see what happens when all three are inputted. Consider entering them in a different order, or after interacting with an item in game.
The answer — or lack of an answer — while doing a puzzle can spark an idea. It can also indicate a potential progression wall. In a game like Myst, it is better to try everything than make a few attempts and give up.
Getting Burned Out
Only a genius will be able to finish this game in one playthrough. Myst is a beautifully designed title that requires critical thinking at almost every stage. Like every video game, when the frustration sets in, it's generally a good time to save progress, take a break, and come back later to examine puzzles with fresh eyes.
The feeling of accomplishment at the end will be worth the wait, and players will have a much better experience if they pace themselves along the way. Thankfully, the amazing soundtrack also eases the mind when things get complicated.
Skimming Over Text
Myst demands a lot out of its user. Players will need to read almost everything, because the game does not give out free hints twice. Without spoiling too much, each book has a hint that corresponds to one of the puzzles on the map. As stated, taking notes or screenshots is highly advised.
RELATED: Museum of Modern Art Adding Video Game Collection in 2013
This is not a game with a simple tutorial on the web. It requires consistent focus and attention to detail. Gamers may consider Googling some of the terms, people, and items mentioned in the various texts in game, especially since the text often contains references to prior eras or outdated technology.
Staying In The Dark
The new edition of Myst has a flashlight that players can use in poorly lit areas. Make sure to turn it on to avoid missing details in many of the dimly lit places on the map.
Those that enjoy the ominous feeling from the original game can experience it in the same way they did in 1993. For the others, though, the flashlight is a helpful tool. Similarly, gamers should take advantage of the 3D view and admire the remastered landscape and features. Take in those updated graphics!