“Myst” is a game that has ensnared countless generations of puzzle lovers and gamers with its enigmatic allure, unique atmosphere and intriguing challenges. For a decade, starting from its release in 1993, it was the best-selling PC game of all time. But between a remaster, a remake, a remaster of the remake, and a second remake, which version is the ideal one? Does it still hold up as a landmark in gaming all these years later? 

Three accessible versions of the game exist: a remaster of the original released in 1999, “Myst: Masterpiece Edition,” a 3D remake called “realMyst: Masterpiece Edition” from 2014, and a new Unreal Engine 3D remake released in 2021. Notably, despite the differences in era, technology and visuals, the puzzles remain remarkably unchanged. 

In the original “Myst,” puzzles rely heavily on memory. You’re left on your own to wander the island, see its strange sights, and remember what might be important. Books on the shelf contain interesting lore about this mysterious world and its inhabitants—as well as clues for later puzzles. Some puzzles even reference solutions to earlier ones, so it’s best not to forget anything! 

Atmosphere is part of what makes the game so intriguing. The art style and visual design of the island feel very Jules Verne-esque. Even with how much the visuals have clearly aged, strong art direction always helps preserve a game’s identity. Live-action video clips from the island’s inhabitants make it feel real, even with the dated graphics and fantastical environment. 

One element that has aged particularly poorly is the spoken audio from the voiceover and video clips. I often missed words, particularly in the video clips. Frequently, I found myself saying, “What did he say?” 

Although I rate the original highly due to the strength of its puzzles, art design, story and creativity, I find its age works slightly against it—particularly in the visuals, which don’t look great on high-resolution monitors, and the audio quality, which can be difficult to hear clearly. If you want to see the original vision and can appreciate older games, you might still enjoy it, but I find it difficult to recommend either of the available 3D remakes. 

“realMyst: Masterpiece Edition” is a 3D remake from 2014, based on an earlier 3D remake from 2000. It features updated visuals, high-quality audio and the ability to fully explore the island rather than just clicking between static screens like in the original game. There’s also an optional setting to traverse the island through the original static movement system or walk around freely in the 3D environment. 

In terms of puzzles and story, everything is unchanged. If you play this version, you can be assured you’re getting essentially the same experience as those who played the original, just with updated visuals. 

I found the 2014 remake to be an excellent graphical update. It effectively captures the original style while modernizing the experience. However, one section of the game does have a fairly large divergence in style, which I felt significantly influenced the overall tone and aesthetics of the area. 

One section takes place on the wreckage of a ship at sea near some sea stacks. In the original, this area is bright and calm, but in the 2014 remake, it’s dark and stormy. Although I personally like this version, I can’t help but notice that it’s a significant departure from the intended artistic vision. Also notable is the day/night cycle—while interesting, I wish it were optional. 

The 2014 remake also has extra content. After the game’s completion, additional exploration reveals a new level that, while short, adds an extra connection to the next game in the series, “Riven.” I found this content well-integrated and a satisfying little finale for an enjoyable experience—not nearly a guarantee when it comes to additional content in remakes. 

In terms of performance, I had no difficulties playing it. It was perfectly compatible without any complicated setup on both my new computer and my old laptop (thanks to GOG.com, where I bought all three games). Though I did occasionally notice a minor bug with the controls while switching between traversal modes, it always resolved itself quickly. 

The controls were difficult to get used to. You can move and look around with controls typical of many first-person games—except when standing still, in which case you control a cursor that you drag to the edge of the screen. If you hold the right mouse button, you can look around normally, but only while holding it down. It feels strange at first, and I found it difficult to get used to. 

Overall, I found the 2014 remake to be an excellent update that keeps the creativity of the original intact while also adding just a little extra. This version also has widescreen and 4K support. “realMyst: Masterpiece Edition” is a wonderful introduction to this classic puzzle adventure.

The latest remake has an advantage simply by being the most recently developed, with modern sensibilities and quality-of-life features. This version of the game also features native widescreen and 4K support, as well as newer features such as DLSS upscaling and ray tracing. Notably, this version of the game can also be played in VR. 

Most noticeably, the controls in this version are much easier to use than those in “realMyst.” Strangely, you get familiar with the controls during the intro, which was a video in the other two versions but is done in-engine here. Since the screen goes dark and the game repositions you every few seconds in the intro anyway, I’m not quite sure why they didn’t just make this portion a regular cutscene like in the other versions. 

This version is unmistakably the most beautiful. With full graphical settings, the island looks stunning, with modern lighting effects enhancing the creatively reimagined visuals. Lighting-wise, I think this might be closer to the original game than “realMyst,” given that game’s significant visual adjustment in one area. Some minor changes are implemented, such as doors being opened with buttons and a few repositioned pieces of scenery or objects. 

Puzzles have actually received a small change, albeit an optional one. For replayability, you can randomize the puzzle solutions. That way, even after completing the game, you can experience it again and still be challenged rather than knowing all the answers. This is such a good idea for a puzzle game that I’m surprised every puzzle game doesn’t do it. 

“Myst’’ (2021) is not without flaws. This is the first “Myst” to have subtitles—something I personally find essential. Unfortunately, they only seem to work with the rather unappealing new 3D character models and voice acting. If you prefer the (in my opinion) far superior voice acting of the original live-action sequences (which you can enable under interface settings), you’ll have to go without subtitles. Considering that the dialogue is identical, I can’t imagine a reason not to subtitle both versions. It also lacks the bonus level from “realMyst.” 

Despite those issues, I found this my most enjoyable experience on the island of “Myst” so far. The essential magic of the original “Myst” shines brighter than ever. It’s also inexpensive at $30 – only a little over $10 more than “realMyst.” If you love puzzles, I’d recommend giving this version a try. You might find yourself captivated and enchanted.