Myst: Masterpiece Edition VS realMyst

The main difference between the two games is that Myst and Myst: Masterpiece Edition are 2D games, while realMyst and realMyst Masterpiece Edition are 3D games. All version tell the same story, except that the realMyst games have the Rime age not found in the 2D games.

In the 2D versions of Myst, you can only go to certain locations and turn to fixed viewpoints. In the 3D version of Myst, you can explore anywhere.

The main difference between Myst and Myst: Masterpiece Edition is that the former uses an 8-bit color palette, while the latter uses a 24-bit color palette. This is a noticeable difference if you play the two games.

The main difference between realMyst and realMyst: Masterpiece Edition is that the latter uses redone textures of a much higher quality as well as running in a higher screen resolution.

On a side note: Myst's first sequel, Riven, is a 2D-only game. It's also considerably larger and more difficult than the original Myst.

Note: There are 4 more Myst games after Riven. They are:

• Myst III: Exile - A person who has a grudge against Atrus steals his latest linking book to what is Atrus's new home. You need to get it back.
• Myst IV: Revelation - Atrus's daughter is missing, you need to find her. Also reintroduces Atrus's sons from the first game.
• Myst V: End of Ages - The final game in the main storyline.
• URU: Ages Beyond Myst - Not in the normal Myst storyline and uses a different game engine. It was developed as an online game, but also has offline components. The online component was discontinued for a while, but appears to be back now.

When they originally did Myst, the 24-bit rendered views (~2,500 of them) were downscaled to 8 bit to load quickly from early CD-Roms.

The Masterpiece edition uses full-quality images (and remastered sound) but the models and textures themselves haven't been updated - so to me it feels a little like you can see the rendering imperfections better. (See below how pixelated the path / column textures are [more clearly visible at full-screen sizes]). There are also colour improvements - try opening them in 2 tabs and switching back and forth.

Conversely, RealMyst is a complete re-texture and (I believe) re-model of the world with a free-moving perspective. IMHO It looks prettier and plays better.

Original

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Masterpiece Edition

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RealMyst

Myst: ME is node based, with individual screens. realMyst is full 3D.

the story is the same and the graphics are pretty close. Personally I prefer the classic style of Myst: ME, and think that the graphics are slightly more stylish.

realMyst does have a few minor additions. The only important ones being Ti'ana's grave stone, and a small but interesting bonus age after the game is finished.

If money is an object buy Riven, you do not have to play Myst first and Riven is 10 times the game Myst is.