MyST

Myst is a graphic adventure puzzle video game developed by Rand and Robyn Miller and released in 1993 by Brøderbund. The game uses pre-rendered environments and a first-person perspective to tell a non-linear exploration and puzzle-solving experience.

Plot and setting: The player assumes the role of an unnamed traveler who arrives on Myst Island and uses linking books to travel to several Ages, each with distinct architecture and climates. Players explore, collect clues, and manipulate devices to restore order and uncover the island's history; the narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling rather than cutscenes.

Gameplay: Emphasizes exploration and logic-based puzzles, rather than combat or action. The interface is minimal; players interact with objects to trigger puzzles; devices like switches, codes, and environmental mechanics.

Development and technical aspects: Created by Rand and Robyn Miller at Cyan Worlds; development began in the early 1990s; used high-resolution pre-rendered backgrounds and an early 3D engine; was designed for CD-ROM distribution, enabling multimedia elements.

Impact and legacy: Myst was a commercial and critical success, selling millions of copies and helping to popularize CD-ROM-based graphical adventures and non-linear storytelling on personal computers. It spawned several sequels and re-releases, influencing game design and the broader adventure game genre.