Myst V: End of Ages - PC

One of the most popular PC games of all time, Myst is enshrined in adventure gaming as a shining example of how it should be done, and is so accessible that it has had no trouble in winning over legions of fans. Now Rand Miller and the team at his studio, Cyan Worlds are back to wrap up the long running saga in Myst V: End of Ages. Being the last in the series, Myst V sets out to be a satisfying finale as Cyan Worlds bring the epic to a climactic close. The story follows Yeesha, daughter of Atrus and Catherine and a mere baby in the first game. She is, however, the only character that you will remember from previous games.

Like previous Myst games, gameplay is driven by simply pointing and clicking to make decisions. The mouse driven nature of the game is expanded for the first time with the addition of the slate feature, on which you draw symbols as part of the game play. The worlds are visually richer than ever before, and rendered in real time 3D for the first time. And gone are the old live action sequences, replaced this time with impressively expressive CG characters. As the game is now true 3D and not pre-rendered, there’s also the opportunity to explore the worlds in FPS mouse and keyboard style.

With intriguing puzzles but an even more intriguing storyline pulling you along to the conclusion of the five part series, justice has been done to the Myst legacy. A game that was already well known for it’s accessibility has become even more intuitive and enjoyable for gamers and non gamers alike. And the slate feature adds a very interesting new slant to proceedings. The real time 3D makes the game more exploratory and absorbing than ever before – it’s a triumphant and touchingly handcrafted ending to a satisfying series. It only remains to be seen what Cyan will get up to next.
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