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Myst Review—A Beautiful Mystery With Blurry Edges
When Firmament launched on PSVR2 from Cyan Worlds, it didn’t make a significant impact, as players pointed out various issues that persisted even after updates. This history understandably led to some skepticism about the release of Myst on the same platform, with concerns about whether it would suffer from similar flaws. Given Myst’s status as a legendary title in the puzzle adventure genre, there was a natural curiosity about whether Cyan had addressed past shortcomings or if old problems would resurface. Having now experienced Myst on PSVR2, have any of those issues have reemerged?
Books, Brothers and Betrayal
In Myst, you take the role of an unnamed Stranger who discovers a mysterious book that transports them to a strange place called Myst Island. As they explore the island and its linked worlds, known as Ages, they uncover messages from two trapped brothers, Sirrus and Achenar, who each claim innocence and ask for help. Through solving puzzles and piecing together clues left by their father, Atrus, the player slowly learns that not everything is as it seems. The story unfolds through exploration rather than direct narration, creating a sense of mystery as players decide who can be trusted and uncover the truth behind the island’s secrets.
Observation Is Everything
The gameplay revolves around exploration and puzzle-solving, urging players to meticulously examine their surroundings and interact with various objects across the island and its interconnected Ages. Instead of focusing on combat or action, the game emphasises observation and the synthesis of information from discovered elements. This deliberate pace offers a distinctive experience, though it may feel too slow for those who favour a more dynamic style.
A notable enhancement in the remake is the option to choose between classic and randomised puzzles. Returning players can engage with the original puzzle designs that contributed to the game’s legacy, while newcomers or seasoned players seeking a fresh challenge can opt for randomised components in the puzzles. This feature not only boosts re-playability but also prevents seasoned players from relying solely on their memories to navigate the game.
However, some puzzles can still pose challenges, particularly for those unfamiliar with Myst. The game offers minimal direct guidance, encouraging players to learn through observation and trial and error. While this aligns with the game’s mysterious atmosphere, it can lead to frustration at times, as the expectations for progression are not always clear.
Players often face puzzles that require them to synthesise information from various locations, with crucial hints sometimes concealed in seemingly trivial spots. Overlooking a minor detail can result in frustrating stretches of aimless exploration, which may lead to rewarding moments of revelation for some, while others might resort to trial and error or seek help from guides to progress.
This remake successfully retains the essence of Myst, yet some of its older design elements remain evident despite the updated visuals. The ability to choose between classic and randomised puzzles is a fantastic addition that enhances variety, but certain puzzle designs lack clarity, potentially hindering first-time players. Although solving these challenges can be gratifying, the occasional roadblocks can disrupt the flow of the experience.
Sharp Worlds, Blurry VR
The PS5 presentation stands out as one of its key strengths, showcasing environments that are clean, detailed, and true to the style that made the original game iconic. The island and its various Ages benefit from enhanced lighting and contemporary visual effects, which breathe life into the locations while maintaining the series’ signature quiet and isolated ambiance. On a standard display, the image quality is sharp, allowing intricate environmental details and puzzle elements to be easily discerned.
In contrast, the PSVR2 version presents a less compelling visual experience. While the immersive nature of exploring these renowned environments enhances the sense of adventure, the noticeable drop in resolution results in a softer, blurrier image compared to the PS5 version. This diminishes the clarity of fine details and distant objects, echoing the visual softness criticisms seen with Firmament, which were never adequately addressed in subsequent updates. This raises concerns that similar visual compromises may persist in this iteration.
Despite the visual drawbacks in VR, the sound design remains robust, effectively enhancing the overall atmosphere. The game opts for ambient sounds and subtle environmental effects over constant music, fostering a sense of mystery and isolation. Background tracks emerge at pivotal moments, enriching the mood without overshadowing the experience, while sound cues throughout the world highlight important interactions. Even with the VR visuals lacking some sharpness, the audio successfully upholds the calm yet unsettling tone that Myst is celebrated for.
Comfort
Verdict
As a remake, Myst effectively captures the enchanting atmosphere, sense of mystery, and exploration-driven gameplay that defined the original, while introducing both classic and randomised puzzles that enhance re-playability. The PS5 version boasts crisp visuals and impressive sound design, which amplify the game’s isolated ambiance; however, some design elements from the past have not aged gracefully. New players may find puzzle progression confusing, leading to moments of frustration and trial-and-error, while the PSVR2 version experiences a noticeable dip in visual clarity that detracts from immersion. Although the game offers satisfying moments of discovery, the inconsistent puzzle design and VR limitations culminate in a commendable yet average experience for PlayStation VR2 users.
Release Date: May 19th 2026
Developer: Cyan Worlds
Publisher: Cyan Worlds
Price: £29.99 / US $34.99
Reviewed On: PlayStation VR2
* Access Provided For Review *
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Copyright / Virtual Grip (formally The VR Realm) / 2016 -