Myst IV: Revelation Review

Help System

Thankfully, there are a number of things in Myst IV to help you but the game is still no cakewalk. You have a camera that you can use to take pictures of clues and secret codes you find which is a great deal of help because now you can have a photo record in the game of important things you come across. Another big help is that there is a rapid transportation option so you can quickly warp between areas you have already explored. This cuts back on tedious backtracking because you can warp directly to key points on a map and quickly see the results of the latest puzzle you have solved. The final big help in the game is a “help map” that you can access at the touch of the d-pad. The help map will give you clues to the puzzles as well as complete solutions if you are hopelessly stuck. You still have to actually go and do the things at the right times and you also have to dig a bit before the game will give you the full solution, so the help system is the perfect balance of keeping you moving forward without making things too easy.

Graphics and Sound

Graphically, Myst IV: Revelation is a great looking game. Of course, it is hard for a game like this to not look good since it is made up of static scenes that you only ever see one screen at a time. The scenes look almost photorealistic and really help absorb you into the game world. There are a handful of plot sequences that feature full-motion video and the actors in these sequences do a surprisingly good job. The various ages – which include a beautiful cove, a bizarre world filled with floating cliffs, a lush world filled with strange creatures, and a utopian society – all look really great and help drive you forward because it is fun to see what gorgeous locales you’ll be visiting next.

The sound is also very good. The Myst series has always been known for having great sound and Myst IV is no different. The music is perfectly suited to the pace of the game and is very smooth and calming. Sound effects for when you interact with different materials and items are all exactly what you would expect and they really help to draw you into the world.

Bottom Line

If you are a fan of graphical-adventure games, Myst IV: Revelation is a great game that you’ll be able to jump into and enjoy right away. If you aren’t already a fan of these types of games there isn’t anything in Myst IV that will change your mind. It is still very slowly paced and the puzzles are insanely difficult, so this game definitely isn’t for everyone. It has to be noted, though, that this is a game that was designed for the PC and it doesn’t translate too well to the Xbox. The Xbox version is still fun and interesting and perfectly playable, but using a mouse makes controlling the game much easier to control. The load times are also much longer and more annoying and the graphics aren’t quite as crisp on Xbox as they are on the PC. I would suggest getting it for PC instead of the Xbox, but it is up to you. If you are a fan of the Myst games you can buy this now and you won’t regret it. For only $19.99 you will get many days and most likely weeks and months of gameplay, so it is a solid purchase.