The Ages of The Myst Series: A Tier List
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- Опубликовано: 16 май 2023
- The Myst series of point and click adventure puzzle games are subdivided into little self contained worlds, called Ages. Some of these ages, like Channelwood, Riven, and Voltaic are great! Others... are not so much... be it because of lackluster puzzle content, or just stale environment design, or other pace killing elements. So join me, as I go over each Age in Every Myst Game and assign them a letter grade in this here Tier List. Just in time for Cyan's next release Firmament!
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How is Riven not S... that island is the greatest piece of world building in the history of games...
Agreed! Riven is a crash course in world building and story writing through the environment.
Stoneship higher than Riven is a HOT take lol. Steamy even XD
I don't think you're being fair to Riven. While the puzzle count may not be huge, these are still hard puzzles that do take time. Bringing a puzzle down to "just draw a map" or "note comprehension" makes it sound trivial, where in reality these puzzles were never so. Everyone I've seen who has finished Riven admits it was VERY hard and a majority of those people couldn't finish it without looking up hints or a guide. The puzzles in Riven are amazingly done and feel hard while also being fair (something that can't be said for every puzzle in Myst for example). It's always quality over quantity, and despite maybe only being 10 puzzles, Riven does feel like you're solving something every step of the way.
You put Myst in S tier, and said you can't put Riven higher than B valuing puzzles over lore. Myst Island has a total of what, 5 puzzles? One to unlock each Age's Linking Book and one to get the White Page. And these are not even hard or complex puzzles. When you said "just draw a map" for Myst puzzles you could easily say "just look up the constelations in a journal" or "just note down the piano keys". Why do you put these 2 tiers higher than the ones you encounter in Riven?
I like the variety on Myst Island, and I also like fiddling with different types of machinery and figuring out what it does. The spinning gears, ratchet tree, power station, constellation seat, music machine... it all feels a bit more involved then puzzle content on Riven.
Most of your playtime on Riven is spent wondering around a much larger world with a lot more to see, but less to meaningfully do... most of it really is just familiarizing yourself with how to navigate, and keeping careful notes on what youve seen. Its a bit more abstracted in its puzzle design.
But yeah, I am being a little hypocritical, or charitably put, I find Myst Island to my taste where Riven just isnt.
Im dont to hear others rankings and reasons though! I am by no means an Objectively Definitive Judge
I like how onc you learn how to get the first open the other answers are just the same dailing in . Its more of 1.5
puzzles. Go to place A get key goto place B figure out how key applies. Which really isnt that hard.
I adore Riven...just beat the remake in fact (though I got impatient with one puzzle admittedly; knowledge of the first game is a double-edged sword, I'll tell you now). At the same time, I can see someone who likes puzzles almost for their own sake, as @ShifterChaos does, might not rank Riven as their favorite.
@@udkline I never told him to put it in S or to say it's his favourite, I just commented on how Riven despite maybe having less small puzzles than Myst, definitely has more complicated ones and that makes you feel like you're solving something constantly. Anyone can enjoy what they want, I just didn't want Riven to be trivialized and rated lower for that.
Out of curiosity, which puzzle did you get impatient with?
@@kalkstein2694 the animal totem one. My knowledge of the OG solution backfired on me 😆
I hope the Riven remake lets us see more of Tay. It seems like they're changing just enough that they might make it possible.
You were really close when saying Tomahna looked like Arizona... It's actually New Mexico. It's the same with D'ni. They are both just places rather than ages, from a relatively obscure age commonly called Earth.
Uru has some of the best ages in the series tbh, you should really check it out when you're less burnt out by the last couple mainline games
It's a bit of a hit or miss mess tbh but it's high moments are staggeringly high
Discovering the secret of Ahnonay is one of the best parts of Uru!
Well, in fairness, he really dug Myst 5 so...that bodes pretty well for him liking URU. But it's a lot to jump into, so his logic was not at all faulty lol. Even as someone who finished complete chronicles and did Myst Online, I'm a bit intimidated to jump back in given that it's even bigger now with the fan ages! Like I'm not sure I'd know where to start XD
Wow a tier list without Kadish Tolesah, brave
Okay so what happened is 3 and 4 were done by other teams while Cyan worked on the massively overambitious project that eventually became Uru *and* Myst 5.
Basically just forget revelations exists and call Uru myst 4, you'll be happier for it. (3 was also done outside Cyan but it at least has some high points, even if it doesn't quite reach Myst or Riven levels overall.)
I was most familiar with Myst 3 when I was a child, and Amateria was always my favourite age. Was honestly surprised when I heard it wasn't as well recieved as its predecessors
The 233rd age is a callback to the books. Gehn refused to name ages and would only number them. That short age was just there for the lore.
Amateria should've been S-tier and Tay should've been F-tier. Otherwise I can't really argue with you, though I might move some stuff around in the middle tiers just based on personal preference.
Reeeeeeaally hope you play URU and revisit this tier list :)
Atrus is a terrible father, but you can't call him the worst when Gehn is *right there.*
Edanna was my favorite myst world when i was a child. Haven't played any of the games since.
it's way better than voltaic
Good list! Nice to see someone tackle the Ages. Well, most of them anyway...Here's my ranking of each in each game:
Note: I will not be including ages that appear only in cutscenes.
I. Myst:
07. K'veer (D'ni): K'veer is just a section of the age of D'ni, which isn't even an actual age since it's found on earth, and it's literally one room at the climax of the game.
06. Rime: It's an ice age which is cool and the aurora borealis is pretty, but other than that there is almost nothing too this age, making it a nice addition and nothing more than that.
05. Myst: Before you stuck it in S tier I agreed with everything you said. Yes, it is the original age and it's certainly iconic, but I can't overlook the fact that it is a hodgepodge of stuff related to each of the other ages and lacks it's own identity. I still really like it, but it can't compete with the other themed ages for me.
04. Mechanical: The age is Admittedly just one giant floating building, but it does house the two hidden rooms that give you insight into Atrus's sons and their...shall we say proclivities.
03. Channelwood: I like this age for the simple water channeling puzzles and the ability to climb up into the canopy of the trees. It really feels like you're exploring an age that once housed a civilization.
02. Stoneship: An all around solid age with decent puzzles and atmosphere. If you're playing the original, it's a calm serene experience. If you're playing RealMyst, then it's stormy and foreboding. Apparently the newest version is set at dusk. I like the lighthouse and the rooms which once again give you insight into the minds of Sirrus and Achenar.
01. Selenitic: Definitely the most unique and alien of the ages in the first game. It gives off a strong feeling of isolation. I really like the emphasis on sound as a puzzle mechanic in this age. I even like the underground tram section. I'm proud to say I did eventually figure out the sound cues, but it certainly took awhile!
II. Riven:
03. 233rd: There's not much to see here. The flyby is cool and all, but since you never leave Gehn's lab, it's kinda pointless.
02. Tay: Another age comprised of like two rooms. The bummer here is, unlike the 233rd age, Tay actually looks like it would be interesting to explore. It would have been cool to traverse the Moiety civilization built into this giant tree thing.
01. Riven: Riven is arguably the best age in the series. This is because of the lore, scale, and the way the puzzles are built around the Moiety civilization residing in it. That being said, I too prefer variety and as good as Riven may technically be, I didn't love spending the entire course of the game on it. I wanted to explore other ages as well. I'm also not a huge fan of some of the puzzles. I didn't do well with learning the D'ni language. Also, FUCK that marble puzzle! So, for me, Riven is my least favorite game in the series. It is without a doubt, however, the best and practically only age in the game.
III. Exile:
06. Tomahna: It's nothing more than an introduction set in one room.
05. Narayan: There isn't much here either. Certainly not in terms of exploration. It's not much in the visual department either, at least until you drop the shield. However, it does offer the endgame events with Saavedro, who is easily the best villain in the series.
04. J'nanin: Another hub age, in the style of Myst and Riven. I've grown to appreciate J'nanin with time. While not as iconic as Myst Island, I feel it integrates it's puzzles better. As each is sectioned off and specifically relates to the age you'll be visiting in that section. It seems less haphazard to me. I also like the observatory. That elevator threw me off for so long when I was younger, playing Exile on a PS2...
03. Voltaic: It's hard for me to rank the three main ages of Exile, as I think they're some of the most solid ages in the series. I enjoyed this age for it's red rock aesthetic and mechanical puzzles. The air ship at the end was also a pretty cool way to end the age.
02. Amateria: The visuals of Amateria are gorgeous, with it's alien meets asian architecture. The whole marble thing as a puzzle gimmick is also very memorable, and man did I smash SO many of them! It also culminates in the best end ride of any age in the series!
01. Edanna: I strongly disagree with you on Edanna. I really liked the whole concept of solving puzzles through use of the wildlife native to the age. Other than Riven, the series hadn't featured any ages that included any sort of ecosystem like it until this one. The visuals are also great. From the breathtaking views from the canopy of the giant tree, to crawling through it's bioluminescent insides. It's an age that feels alive!
IV. Revelation:
05. Dream: I don't usually count Dream as seperate from Serenia, even though I think it technically is. That's probably for the best though, since I actually like Serenia. I really liked Revelation, but the visit to this astral age is where the game goes off the rails. There's some sort of flying angel. I've got a Peter Gabriel song in my ear for...some reason. And it just gets weirder from there. Definitely the low point of the entire series.
04. Tomahna: Atrus's home is fun enough to explore, and it's cool to interact with him and his daughter. I also like how it switches from day to night. That being said, this is another hub and I can't rank it any higher because of that. It's also not a real age since it's a part of D'ni which is on earth.
03. Serenia: Aesthetically, I find Serenia to be beautiful. It's also a unique age in which you can speak regularly to other people. Well, a couple of em' anyway. However, I can't rank it higher because I didn't particularly care for the individual puzzles and got stuck here for some time. I'm also not the biggest fan of how all the story threads are tied up here at the end.
02. Haven: Another age brimming with wildlife. This one feels just a bit more wild and hostile than Edanna. There's also more actual animals to be found hanging around in this age, making this place really feel like a home to these creatures. I will admit, however, that the monkey puzzle is a pain in the arse. I most definitely resorted to a guide!
01. Spire: One of the best ages in the entire series, though certainly not one of the easiest. It's probably the most difficult of all the mechanical themed ages in the series, but man if it's not a captivating one! Simultaneously hostile and majestic, I thoroughly enjoyed descending this giant spire in the clouds. Sure, I was stuck here for a long time, but I enjoyed my stay! I also really enjoyed the narrative bits with Sirrus, who pretty much loses his shit when he manages to descend below the clouds!
V. End Of Ages:
06. Direbo: It's just a tiny swamp that serves to link you to each age. In the other games, this would be done via the main hub age, rendering this place completely pointless.
05. K'veer (D'ni): Again, not a real age, but at least there's some depth to this visit. I also found slowly descending through the ruins to be pretty intriguing.
04. Noloben: A visually captivating age to be sure, but as I mentioned before, I'm not big on the needing to understand a whole other language to progress type of puzzle...and that's what this age is very much built around. On the one hand, I like the view, but on the other I'm not a fan of the puzzles found here.
03. Laki'ahn: I agree that there is enough variety in set pieces to keep this one interesting. I also like how this age is unique for the changing sky. It's a decent age, but a few of the puzzles did frustrate me, including one involving summoning a Bahro. I'd say it's a pretty middling age overall.
02. Tahgira: Finally, a proper ice age! On the whole, Tahgira is a relatively simple age. Until you gotta cross that lake and realize you're character can't proceed because the game has problems and won't let you proceed with the control scheme you're trying to use...anyhoo, it's a stunning age that serves as a nice respite from some of the other, more difficult puzzles found in the other ages.
01. Todelmer: I made this age way harder for myself by overthinking the puzzles, and because of this I was stuck here way longer than would have been necessary. Even so, I can't argue against what is easily one of the most awe inspiring backdrops in the entire series. I also really like the time shifting mechanic. The whole thing also ends with an excellent view! Without a doubt the most memorable of the final set of ages!
What a joy of a comment to get, thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video, and I mean, it all comes down to personal taste right? Really interesting to see how your rankings shake out!
@@ShifterChaos Why thank you!
I agree with Selenitic at #1. It's eerie, unique, and I enjoyed the sound puzzles.
I hope y’all go back and explore the URU ages and do another their list, even if you use walkthroughs to get through the puzzles and take in the environment. The online version has all the ages and more you would want to explore. Loves the video!
Uru doesn't get enough appreciation
Aye this is great and I almost entirely agree--I'd move myst and riven both to A and Amateria to S, but I love this video. When you're a bit less burnt out on it Uru is worth checking out, the To D'Ni expansion is nothing but the main game and Path of the Shell are a good bit above the better moments in 5, so not amazing but still decent. Nowhere near as PAINFUL as 4 certainly, and some neat locations.
I think not being able to explore Tay and Narayan is a real shame. Also Myst V really should have ended with a beautiful flyover of Releeshan.
Uru holds a special place in my heart and I hope it gets some treatment here. Path of the shell was a little beyond me though. Couldn’t figure some of that shit out without help. Edit: Have y’all read the books? Being able to see D’ni after reading about it was something else. Probably won’t hit as hard without that background.
Heihachi mishima would like to have a word with you.
“D” for DONE! Lol
tbh i've never ever been able to finish the dream age in myst iv lol
Hey! Guess what! You aint missing much! Go put on your favorite Peter Gabriel album and zone out! Cant be worse the lights out AND towers of hanoi!
Interesting rankings there. Definitely agree and disagree on a few of them, lol. I'd actually completely forgotten about Laki'ahn and how much I liked it. And yes, any re-release or re-make of Myst IV (if Cyan can get the approval and rights from Ubisoft) *must* deal with the frequency puzzle at the front and has to find a better way of dealing with the end than a freaking lazy color/blob matching puzzle in the Dream. (That's probably the most disappointed I've *ever* been in a game.
FWIW, I really think you should take a look at Uru Live -- or more specifically, the actually running MO:ULa world. (Unfortunately, the intro for the live component makes it easier to sequence-break than the boxed, single-player version did, so a new player does need to be careful about that.) If you really liked the mechanical/tunnel vibe of D'ni in Myst V then you'll enjoy Uru way more than you did Myst IV. It'll also really help to put the events of Myst V into more perspective as to who you're playing as. It's also free, and has puzzles, aesthetics, and design that take the best of a lot of the games.
Stopped watching after Riven was B!
I hate you tear list and thats my opinion. But your all over the place. Dont even bother with lore.