November
29, 2004
Interesting eBay Auctions
A few
notable items have appeared on eBay:
4 Riven/Myst posters and a few
t-shirts. All 4 of the posters are rare or hard-to-find as
are 2 of the t-shirts.
November 26, 2004
Still No News on MIV Soundtrack
Jack Wall writes in his Journal:
"I'm sorry to report that I have nothing to report. After several attempts
to find out what's up with the release of the Myst IV soundtrack, I alas, have
no information. This can be attributed to perhaps some very busy people at Ubisoft
working on matters more pressing than this, or that they have something else to
do, or that they would rather spend their time doing something else. But, rest
assured, these people are my friends, and I know that if the soundtrack is not
out, there must be a good reason. Like they have more important matters to attend
to." Read the rest of the post here.
November 24, 2004
Cryptic Comment on Ryan Miller's Blog
Not sure what to make of it, other than to say it's interesting: "Given the
fact that our company is working on a project that hasn't been announced yet,
and that I'm working on a project that is after that one, I'm not sure what I
can really say about Cyan without sounding like I'm trying to be secretive or
hide information from you. So, there really isn't much to say - some people are
working very hard, trying to reach some important milestones." Here's a link
to the blog.
November 23, 2004
Sad News for Mac Fans
From CyanWorlds:
"Fellow Mac users, Back in February 2004, after trying to get
funding for the Mac version of Uru for several years, we announced that the Mac
version was underway. We are extremely disappointed to have to announce today
that the Mac port of Uru is officially cancelled. There were several sticking
points along the way, culminating with an issue involving the physics engine used
in Uru. The company doing the port found out that there would not be a Mac port
of that physics engine. We hoped that alternatives could be found, and we waited
for official word with the rest of the Mac community. Our last request for an
update from Ubisoft finally laid those hopes to rest. We thank you all for your
patience in waiting for the Mac version of Uru, and are sorry that your patience,
in this case, will not be rewarded. Rand and the Cyan Worlds Team. PS - We'd like
to think that we learned something from the experience. We chose not to use the
same physics engine on our current project."
Mysterium 2005 Will Be in Chicago
It's official! Read the details at the Mysterium
website. The dates to be announced later.
Great Review of MIV at Salon.com
You may have to go through a loop or two to get in, but the review
is worth a read. Here's the opening line: "Rich and evocative, "Myst
IV: Revelation" is a worthy successor to one of the greatest computer games
of all time." Spoilers abound.
November 22, 2004
Possible "Something Else[TM]" Concept Art?
Gadren
posted a story credited to Animan:
"Josh Staub, an artist for Cyan Worlds, recently uploaded two concept sketches
onto his website:
http://www.thestaubs.com/joshstaub/imgs/bookpedestal.jpg
http://www.thestaubs.com/joshstaub/imgs/tramcarsketchbig.jpg
These images are dated from July, after PotS's release. It's possible that these
are images from Cyan's secret new game, code-named "Something Else[TM]"
or "SASQUATCH." If they are from SE, then it proves that the upcoming
game is in fact related to the Myst/D'ni universe. DPWR.net will keep you all
informed." Thanks, Gadren and Animan!
IMG Interviews UbiSoft's Geneviève Lord
The interview
is by Inside Mac Games' Michael Phillips.
November 21, 2004
'Myst IV' Preserves the Magic
Great
review by Gene Emery for Reuters UK. Here's
the opening: "The "Myst" series has always been for people who
don't typically play computer games. Instead of providing pulse-pounding action,
it has taken players to exotic worlds, given them lots of time to explore, and
required them to solve challenging puzzles to move through the adventure. The
latest incarnation, "Myst IV Revelation" from Ubisoft, doesn't deviate
from that formula. Still, it's clear that the series has grown, and in all the
right ways."
November
19, 2004
Game Industry News Gives MIV 5 of 5 Gems
And it's a great review,
by Greg Crowe. Here's his summary: "Revelations continues along in the fine
tradition of the Myst line, bringing us great puzzles, fabulous story, and breath-taking
graphics and sound. It quite handily earns all 5 GiN Gems, and I expect it to
come out with some of our Game of the Year awards."
Jive Magazine Reviews MystIV
Here's a glimpse of the review:
"If you enjoy puzzle type games, and have a computer able to play this, and
a DVD-ROM capible of reading the disks, I highly suggest getting it. If you're
not a big fan of the Myst series, you may not get that much out of this game,
but if you weren't, then you wouldn't be reading this review, now would you? Go
out and buy this game, or go out and upgrade your computer and then buy this game."
November 17, 2004
From MystWorlds:
Updated Myst IV Revelation Patch Available
"The
Myst IV Revelation Patch has been updated (available here
or as an ftp file download ftp here.)
The update corrects some side-effects that were created by the first patch."
Myst Worlds Caption Contest - Week 2
"Week 2 of our Caption Contest has begun in the Myst IV Revelation Forums
in
this thread. Head over to submit your caption entry, and be sure to vote for
your choice of Week 1 entries, in our Poll on the right. Thanks!"
Just Adventure Interviews Jack Wall
Check out the interview here.
Until Uru Event: Living Statue Hunt Nov. 20th 2pm EST
From the Guild of Greeters forum:
"A challenging game for (more or less) skilled jumpers!!!! Enjoy a sportive
race against the clock, practice your jumps and enjoy the companionship of your
UU friends." Check out the posting
for more details.
November 15, 2004
New Myst IV Revelation Patch Announced
From MystWorlds:
"There will be a new patch released for Myst IV Revelation in the next few
days. Fixes will be same as in the first patch, but with improvements in performance
(i.e. bug fixes will not create new issues)."
Stephan Martiniere Moves From Cyan to Midway
Stephan Martiniere, visual art director for Uru, has moved to Midway's Chicago
studio, according to a press release. Here's
the paragraph about Stephan: "Stephan Martiniere, visual design director
at Midway's Chicago studio, comes to Midway from Cyan, Inc. where he was the visual
art director for the hit videogame, Myst. Mr. Martiniere has over 20 years of
acclaimed industry experience and worldwide recognition for his talent and artistic
successes across many artistic mediums. In addition to his visual contribution
to Myst, Mr. Martiniere has garnered awards and critical acclaim for his work
in feature films such as Star Wars Episodes II and III, The Fifth Element, and
most recently I, Robot, as well as for his work in animated television and book
cover illustration. He has received an Emmy Award nomination for his art animation
and his success in book illustrations garnered him Spectrum Awards in 1997 and
2004. Additionally, Mr. Martiniere won the 2001 Thea Award for his work on the
Paramount theme park attraction, Super Saturator and in May, 2004, Infinitee Designs
awarded Mr. Martiniere the Artist of the Month award for Para." Thanks to
Jim Stephenson for the story!
Project: M.A.S.S.
Aquila wrote to The Lysts: "Hello Lysters :) I
was just wondering if anyone here would like to participate in a unique project
:) I'm calling it: Project: M.A.S.S. My Idea is to collect "Screenshots"
from all the Myst games,... And create a nice screensaver available to anyone
who wants it. What is unique? Rather than The Developer, or Publisher, deciding
what screenies are included....
Why not let the Fans Decide? After all... The fans know what they want to see
:) So... I have opened The Lyst Gallery again at: http://thelysts.com/lystgallery/
Replay your games... Take some screen captures, and upload them to the site. If
you have some really special captures from Uru Live/Until Uru, include
them also! Note: To keep undesirable images off the site, registration is required
:) Let's make a killer Screensaver! :) Cheers, Aquila."
November 14, 2004
Game Chronicles Gives MIV 8.5 of 10
Here's a glimpse of the review
by Tyler Whitney: "Overall, Myst IV: Revelation is a very solid,
well produced game from a veteran and savvy development team who have defined
the formula for what an adventure game should be. It’s also one of the few
games that can run on both your PC and Mac-woo hoo for those stylish Macintosh
lovers out there with your snazzy little Ipods…."
November 13, 2004
The Winners Lyst Is In
As noted earlier, Aquila announced
a giveaway to celebrate the third birthday of The Lysts. Here's his report of
the winners: "Hello all...I know it's been awhile since The Lyst Anniversary
Give-away ended. But, an Unforeseen problem was uncovered. What was this Unforeseen
problem?
Answer: "Honesty" :)
Every Lyster/Myst Fan, that already had a copy of the game/prize... Declined acceptance.
They then requested that another person that, "Might not have The Game",
be selected. To all those that declined.... You prove what I've known for years.
Myst Fans are the best!
Here is the Winners Lyst:
Myst 10th Anniversary Edition: Charles J. Kelly III, Texas, USA.
Myst IV: Revelation: Salar, Virginia, USA.
Uru Complete Chronicles: Jeff Lipschultz, Nebraska, USA.
Thanks to all, for being a part of this ever-growing community :) Again...You're
The Best! Cheers, Aquila."
November 12, 2004
Reminder: A Gathering of Beta Testers
Posted
by Tweek: "The Gathering of Beta Testers. We invite the beta testers of Uru
(Choru and Ubiru testers) to gather on the tapestry shard on the 14th of November
(1 year anniversary of Urus release) at 6pm GMT 12pm CST. Meeting will take place
in the BetaTesters Hood. Tweek."
New Mystralia Website
Simon wrote to The Lyst: "Ladies and Gentlemen, It is with great pleasure
that I announce the opening of the Mystralia site... The website is located at:
http://www.mystralia.com/
Please go there for the latest information on the Mystralia gathering in Sydney,
to be held between the 25th and 27th of March next year. If possible, please help
spread this news to your Australia and New Zealand friends that might also be
interested in attending this event. Warmest regards to all, Simon."
November 11, 2004
Cyan Upgrades to Discreet 3ds Max 7
From GreyDragon's
blog: "Cyan Worlds has upgraded
to Max 7 and it feels good. Back in 2000 I was going to college and using at that
time 3ds Max 4. When I started at Cyan I was surprised to find out that they were
still working in Max 4. If you ask most artists at Cyan Worlds, it felt we were
out of touch with what the industry was using and doing with the technology. We
now have the Plasma engine working with Max 7; of course there are a few bugs
but nothing that is going to halt production."
For those unfamiliar with Discreet 3ds Max 7, here's the program's home page:
3ds Max.
Reminder to Vote for the Mystralia Tshirt Logo
From Simon, via The Lyst: "Hi all, Just a reminder that the
Mystralia Tshirt Logo Polls will be closing around noon tomorrow (noon of 12th
of November 2004, Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time)... which is roughly
just under 17 hours at the time I send this email.
The front of shirt logo poll is located at: http://users.tpg.com.au/choja/frontlogo.htm
The back of shirt logo poll is located at: http://users.tpg.com.au/choja/backlogo.htm
The poll itself is located at the bottom of both pages (you can cast your vote
twice - once for each page). You will also need a javascript enabled browser.
Please note sometimes the poll may take a bit of time to load, if websurveyor
server is somewhat busy when you tried to access it.
Good luck to all the entries! Simon."
November 9, 2004
New Member-Made Until Uru Icon Available
And feedback
is needed. Post your input to the thread
at UO. Thanks, Psion!
Two New Excellent Reviews for MIV
The Armchair Empire: 8.9/10
Review by Omni. Here's his
final words: "It's possible that Myst IV is not as good as I might think.
By way of a disclaimer, I was cringing my way through Leisure Suit Larry: Magna
Cum Laude at the same time I was playing Myst IV, so anything I've written above
should be taken in that context. Even so, I'd stick to the opinion that
the puzzles are a challenge - in some cases a real challenge - and that the graphics
are gorgeous with a solid interface. And hell, it's even fun at times.
In short, Myst and maybe even adventure fans will be pleased with Myst IV: Revelation."
G4TechTV: 4/5
Review by Greg Bemis. Final words: "Revelation
is a top tier adventure game. The visual tricks and techniques used to make
the worlds come alive are unbelievably impressive. Everything in the game
remains true to the source material, and Revelation is the best Myst sequel
yet released. If you've always wondered what all the fuss was about,
this is a good place to start."
November 8, 2004
MIV Giveaway at JustAdventure
"Myst
IV: Revelation Giveaway begins November 8, 2004 and ends November 14, 2004.
Only one entry per email address. Multiple entries will be disqualified Giveaway
is void where prohibited Winners are responsible for any local taxes, duties or
fees. Winners will be drawn on or about November 15, 2004). Winners will be notified
via email and have 7 days to respond or gift will be forfeited." Thanks,
Aquila!
Apple Features MystIV
Apple has an excellent feature
on Myst IV: Revelation (not too much spoiler-wise). Thanks to Karen for the heads-up.
November 5, 2004
Myst Worlds Caption Contest Begins Today
From MystWorlds
(via Frank-thanks, Frank!): "Today is the start of the Myst Worlds Caption
Contest, which you can participate in and submit entries to by following the link
to the Myst IV Revelation Forums and joining the thread, here.
We plan to have a new screenshot each week so enter early. At the end of each
week we'll post the best 5 entries for you to vote on here, in our Myst Worlds
Poll. Good luck to everyone and have fun!"
Deg's Revelation Journal Online
Also from MystWorlds: "Long-time AVID Myst Fan "Deg"
has a beautiful journal he's keeping for Myst IV Revelation, here.
Be warned, there are spoilers there but if you've finished the game it's a must
read as a fond remembrance. Enjoy! Thanks Deg."
Announcing the Nexus Online Resource Directory
From Blade Hamilton, via The Lyst: "The Nexus
is a Yahoo-style directory of Myst and related websites and URLs brought to you
by the Myst Embassy. The Nexus is in an 'open beta' right now. There are over
300 links right now, but we are looking for more! Also, we are looking for bug
reports, spelling corrections, category suggestions and the like. If you have
any comments, please email nexus@officiallyunofficial.com."
November 2, 2004
Myst IV Patch Released
From MystWorlds:
"Ubisoft has published a patch for Myst IV Revelation. The patch addresses
technical issues and some balance issues discovered after launch. The patch is
available at the following locations: PC
Patch and MAC
Patch."
Vote!
<Steps up on soapbox>Americans: Today is one of the most important days
in our lives, when we can truly change world history. Regardless of your party
affiliation, please be sure to vote. Let's show the world that
democracy works.
<Steps down off soapbox>
November 1, 2004
MIV Gets an "A" From JustAdventure
Although
it's another example of a reviewer who thinks that Cyan Worlds developed the game.
Great review,
anyway. Here's the closing line: "While not creating anything new, per se,
Cyan Worlds has taken the venerable Adventure Game and, once again, raised it
to a new height. If you enjoy adventure games, then you will enjoy Myst IV. Buy
this game. Pay retail for it. Tell your friends about it. Get the t-shirt. Yes,
I'm giving it a score of "A." With no reservations." Spoilers abound.
Uru Beta Testers Gathering Announced
Tweek posted: "We invite
the beta testers of Uru (Choru and Ubiru testers) to gather on the tapestry shard
on the 14th of November (1 year anniversary of Urus release) at 6pm GMT 12pm CST.
Meeting will take place in the BetaTesters Hood."
Thanks, Tweek!
Video Games
Live Website Launched
The first ever video game music concert tour has a brand new website.
Here's a note from Jack Wall: "Jack Wall, COO, Mystical Stone Entertainment,
LLC, who is best known for his epic orchestral scores for the Myst series, said;
"It always amazes me how many people continue to believe that video game
music still sounds like bleeps and bloops! Tommy and I are certainly going to
do everything we can to dispel that myth. Most of all, we're going to try hardest
to simply entertain people with this show."
Adventure Gamers Gives MIV 4.5 of 5 Stars
Here's the takeaway:
"Pros: BEA-U-TI-FUL graphics! Sock away 35-45 hours because this game has
playing time. And did I say crazy gorgeous graphics already? Cons: Some of the
puzzles ought to be made illegal for causing toxic levels of frustration. Bottom-line:
A fateful return of a venerable series proves it still has legs even 10 odd years
on." Warning: Spoilers galore!
October 30, 2004
Happy Birthday to The Lysts!
Aquila writes:
"On October 31, 2004... TheLysts will be 3 years old :)
The Admins and Moderators would like to thank everyone that has participated here
at TheLysts over the last three years.
Myst fans are, by far, some of the most caring and wonderful people on this planet!
It has been a pleasure for the Admins and Moderators to be a part of your lives.....
Even if it has only been in a small way.
So....To help celebrate the third anniversary of The Lysts.... The good people
at Myst Worlds & UbiSoft, have graciously donated a copy each of:
The Myst 10th Anniversary DVD Edition.
Myst IV: Revelation.
Uru: Complete Chronicles.
A drawing for these prizes, will take place on November 5th, 2004."
Thanks Aquila, MystWorlds and UbiSoft!