Myst Remake PS5 Review – Light Reading

by

Lately, many classic video games have been remade for new players. When these remakes are successful, they offer a fresh way to enjoy beloved adventures, combining updated features with the nostalgic feeling of the original games.

As a long-time fan, I’ve always loved the sense of adventure in Myst, and this new version really captures that spirit! It feels fresh and breathes new life into that amazing, surreal world we all know. Thankfully, it still keeps that core mystery that made the original so special. But so many versions of Myst have tried to recapture the magic. The big question is: does this one do enough differently to really stand out? Let’s dive in and find out!

“There are no enemies to fight, and no death screens to worry about.”

You find yourself on Myst Island because of Atrus, an explorer who documents his journeys to different worlds in special books. These books are hidden all over the island, protected by puzzles and mechanisms. His two sons are trapped inside these books, and each one claims the other is responsible for their predicament and apparent death.

You’ll progress by filling out pages in each son’s book, uncovering more about their situation as you go. But reaching those pages and making progress isn’t simple – that’s the main challenge and how the game works.

Myst doesn’t have typical challenges like enemies or failing. Instead, it tests your problem-solving skills by keeping its story and purpose a mystery. You’re dropped onto an island with no explanation of why you’re there or what to do next. Exploring gradually reveals more about the world, but sometimes the lack of guidance can be a little frustrating.

The game doesn’t offer obvious clues about what objects do, and many are meant to mislead you, creating a real sense of mystery. It takes careful investigation and revisiting areas before the game truly becomes enjoyable, much like the original version.

“Myst is a rather short experience once you know what you’re doing.”

Will that be enough to keep you playing for long? It depends on how much you enjoy solving puzzles, but many players might lose interest once the initial excitement fades. Alternatively, the abundance of guides and walkthroughs could let some people finish the game very quickly.

Wouldn’t solving it directly ruin the fun? Myst isn’t a long game once you understand how it works, but the real joy comes from the challenge of discovery. The gameplay and story are perfectly intertwined, creating a world that slowly reveals its secrets only to those who can cleverly unravel them.

The game looks fantastic! The remake’s updated graphics and improved performance, especially the lighting, make this the best-looking version yet. The levels are richly detailed, and you can see much further into the distance, which really makes you feel like you’re exploring a remote island.

The sound design is excellent, and the music really enhances the game’s moments. Performance was consistently smooth on the standard PS5, making the transition to a 2D style feel seamless.

A key part of playing Myst is exploring and interacting with the world, and this new version does it really well. The game shows you where you’re looking with a cursor that changes to indicate when you can touch or interact with something in the environment.

While Myst was innovative for its time, its complete absence of conflict or risk feels dated by today’s standards. It’s something to consider when looking back at the game.

It might take a little time to get comfortable with the controls, and the right stick feels a bit too sensitive, but these are small issues considering how fun it is to explore the island. The updated graphics are beautiful and a huge improvement over the original game. While it’s not pushing the limits of what’s possible graphically, Myst Island still looks really good.

Is the updated graphics, new lighting, and improved controls enough to justify the $35 price? Myst is a well-known and important game from gaming history, and that holds some value. While it’s initially captivating, experienced players will likely finish it in just two or three hours.

The game does have multiple endings, which adds some replay value. However, I doubt many players will go through it multiple times except to get the ‘true’ ending that leads into the sequel. There’s plenty of online content available to see what happens in the other endings, so most players won’t need to experience them firsthand.

One thing to consider is the complete absence of combat or any real danger. While Myst was innovative for its time, modern games have moved past this. I’m not suggesting we need enemies or forced challenges, but this game only tests your intellect – it won’t require any physical skill.

Ultimately, your experience will likely come down to either fond memories or genuine curiosity. If you’re revisiting this game, your enjoyment will depend on your nostalgia. But if you’re new to Myst, it can be incredibly engaging. Just be prepared for a game that doesn’t hold your hand and often leaves you completely stuck, requiring a lot of independent problem-solving.

“Myst is now a modern reminder of an era of video games long gone”

If you’ve played before, you can probably jump back in and get the hang of things in just a few hours. New players might feel a little lost at first, but honestly, looking up a guide kind of ruins the fun. I mean, part of what makes this game great is figuring things out yourself – taking away that mystery just isn’t the way to go, in my opinion.

I’ve been digging around, and honestly, finding the right approach to Myst really lets you appreciate it. It’s a game that’s lasted over thirty years, which is pretty incredible! It feels like a throwback to a different time in gaming, and it’s not for everyone. You really have to be curious and willing to explore to get into it, but if you are, it’s a really special experience.

For the rest of you, it’s still worth picking up on sale.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

Read More

2026-06-01 18:44