I don't think I ever mentioned that my wife, Angel, and I are Myst game players. I have to say, I never really got into the original Myst. I made some attempts to play it but Angel played it through to the end. Then we go the Myst Complete Chronicles this summer, although we could only play Exile because our computer uses the Windows 2000 operating system. The Myst and Riven versions on DVD only wanted either Windows 95 or Windows 98. Later, we got a $5 version of Riven in its original CD format and could play that. Then we got intrigued by Uru: Ages Beyond Myst and purchased the Complete Chronicles version of Uru, which includes two bonus packs ("To D'ni" and "The Path of the Shell"). I played that game all the way through and thoroughly enjoyed it. Now, we've just gotten Myst IV: Revelation -- the newest edition of the Myst series.

We like the Myst games for several reasons. First and foremost, they don't require you to shoot people or kill them in other unsavory ways (to which someone in the blogosphere replies "but what else are games for, man??"). Secondly, these games continue to raise the bar on high-quality graphics, animations and music scores in a videogame (there are reasons the Myst games consistently win awards). Third, the Myst games have great stories that create a fascinating, logical continuity between the games. Fourth, the games require great problem-solving skills -- in fact, the "puzzle" aspects of the game will most likely seriously stump and frustrate you at some points...but it's okay, there are plenty of game walkthroughs online. There's no shame in getting some help. Really, it's better than the alternative: banging your head against your monitor (I imagine that could get pretty expensive). Lastly, it really is fun to play these games. Our boys are even into them and, unlike other games, we don't have to worry that the boys are going to imitate fight moves.

I'll play Myst: Revelation for the first time tonight.

Do we have any other Myst players out there? If you do play Myst, which Myst game (Myst, Riven, Exile, Uru) do you like the most? The least? Why do you like or dislike the Myst games? Will you be trying the new Myst: Revelation? Feel free to comment below...

Best Wishes,
Allen