Myst is a classic adventure game that captivated players with its atmospheric exploration and mind-bending puzzles. However, if you’ve already experienced the wonders of Myst and are hungry for more immersive adventures, you’re in luck.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 20 games that share the same sense of wonder and intrigue as Myst. So, grab your notebook and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through these similar adventure game alternatives.
Riven
Riven is the direct sequel to Myst and continues the story of the mysterious island. In this game, you’ll explore a stunningly detailed world filled with complex puzzles and enigmatic characters. The haunting environments and intricate storyline make Riven a must-play for any fan of the genre.
As you embark on your journey through Riven, you’ll find yourself immersed in a captivating narrative that unfolds with every step you take. The island itself is shrouded in mystery, with its secrets waiting to be uncovered.
The enigmatic characters you encounter along the way will provide you with clues and guidance, but their true intentions remain elusive.
Not only does Riven offer a visually stunning experience, but it also challenges players with a wide variety of intricate puzzles. From deciphering cryptic symbols to manipulating complex machinery, each puzzle in Riven is a test of your problem-solving skills.
Riven is a game that rewards patience and attention to detail. It invites players to immerse themselves in its richly crafted world and uncover its secrets at their own pace.
Obduction
Obduction is an immersive and captivating adventure game created by Cyan Worlds, the same developers behind the critically acclaimed Myst series.
Building upon the success of its predecessor, Obduction takes players on a mind-bending journey through a mysterious alien world.
As you embark on this extraordinary adventure, you will find yourself transported to a realm beyond imagination. The game begins when you stumble upon a peculiar artifact that unexpectedly transports you to an unknown and enigmatic planet.
Obduction is a game that challenges your intellect and problem-solving skills. As you navigate through the alien landscapes, you will come across a myriad of puzzles that will test your ingenuity and resourcefulness.
With its stunning visuals, captivating storyline, and challenging gameplay, Obduction is a must-play for fans of adventure and puzzle games.
The Witness
The Witness is a puzzle game set on a mysterious island. But don’t let the simplicity of its premise fool you. The Witness is a masterclass in puzzle design, offering a vast array of challenges that will test your logic and observation skills.
You’re free to explore the island at your own pace, discovering hidden secrets and solving puzzles in any order. This non-linear approach adds a sense of freedom and discovery, making each playthrough unique.
As you embark on your journey through the island, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush landscapes and breathtaking vistas. The vibrant colors of the flora and fauna create a visually stunning environment that immerses you in the game’s world. From tranquil beaches to dense forests, every corner of the island is meticulously crafted to captivate your senses.
As you delve deeper into the puzzles scattered across the island, you’ll uncover a rich narrative that slowly unravels the mysteries of the island. Through cryptic clues and hidden messages, you’ll piece together the history and purpose of this enigmatic place.
The puzzles themselves are a testament to the game’s brilliance. Each one is meticulously designed to challenge your intellect and push the boundaries of what you thought was possible. From simple line puzzles to complex mazes, The Witness offers a diverse range of puzzle types that will keep you engaged and captivated for hours on end.
The game never holds your hand or spoon-feeds you the solutions. Instead, it encourages you to observe, experiment, and think outside the box.
With its open-world exploration, stunning visuals, and ingenious puzzle design, The Witness is a must-play for any fan of the genre.
Quern: Undying Thoughts
Quern: Undying Thoughts is a captivating first-person puzzle game that takes inspiration from the beloved classics like Myst. Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey as you awaken on a mysterious island, your mind blanketed in a fog of forgotten memories.
The enigmatic surroundings beckon you to explore, enticing you with the promise of unraveling the island’s deepest secrets.
As you venture further into the depths of Quern, you will encounter a plethora of ancient machinery, each with its own intricate mechanisms waiting to be deciphered.
These mechanical marvels hold the key to unlocking the island’s enigmas, and only through your keen observation and logical thinking will you be able to unravel their mysteries.
The puzzles that await you in Quern: Undying Thoughts are not for the faint of heart. They will challenge your intellect and test your problem-solving skills, pushing you to think outside the box.
As you delve deeper into the heart of Quern, you will encounter cryptic symbols scattered throughout the island. These symbols hold the key to unlocking the island’s deepest secrets, serving as breadcrumbs on your path to enlightenment.
The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle is a philosophical puzzle game that explores deep questions about humanity and consciousness. As an AI trapped in a mysterious world, you must navigate through a series of increasingly complex puzzles.
What sets The Talos Principle apart is its thought-provoking narrative. Through terminal entries and philosophical texts, the game delves into themes of free will, identity, and the nature of existence.
The puzzles themselves are cleverly designed, forcing players to think outside the box.
Return to Zork
If you’re looking for a dose of nostalgia, Return to Zork is the game for you. Released in 1993, this point-and-click adventure takes place in the magical land of Zork. As a traveler, you must uncover the secrets of the Great Underground Empire.
Return to Zork features a diverse cast of characters and a mix of humor and fantasy. The game’s non-linear structure allows players to explore the world at their leisure, uncovering hidden paths and solving puzzles along the way. It’s a charming adventure that any fan of Myst will enjoy.
Dear Esther
Dear Esther is an experimental game that blurs the line between interactive storytelling and exploration. In this game, you explore a deserted island and uncover the fragments of a tragic story. The narrative is conveyed through poetic monologues and atmospheric visuals.
Dear Esther is a departure from traditional gameplay, focusing more on evoking emotions and creating a sense of immersion. It’s a game that invites reflection and interpretation, offering a unique and contemplative experience.
Gone Home
Gone Home is a narrative-driven exploration game that tells a deeply personal story. As you step into the shoes of a young woman returning home, you must piece together the events that unfolded in your absence.
The game’s strength lies in its attention to detail. Each room in the house holds clues and objects that shed light on the lives of its inhabitants. Gone Home tackles themes of family, love, and self-discovery, delivering a powerful narrative that will leave a lasting impression.
Firewatch
Firewatch is a first-person adventure set in the Wyoming wilderness. As a fire lookout named Henry, you’re tasked with keeping an eye on the forest for potential wildfires. However, as the story unfolds, you find yourself drawn into a mystery that goes deeper than you could have imagined.
The beauty of Firewatch lies in its writing and character development. The witty banter between Henry and his supervisor, Delilah, adds a layer of humor and humanity to the game. The stunning visuals and haunting soundtrack make Firewatch a truly immersive experience.
The Room Series
The Room series is a collection of puzzle games that challenges players with intricate contraptions and mind-bending puzzles. Each game in the series presents a new set of challenges, requiring players to think creatively and manipulate their environment.
What sets The Room apart is its attention to detail. The puzzles are meticulously designed, with each solution revealing another layer of the game’s mysterious narrative. The atmospheric sound design and atmospheric visuals add to the overall sense of immersion.
Ether One
Ether One is a first-person adventure game that delves into the depths of the human mind. Set in the hauntingly beautiful Pinwheel, the player takes on the role of a Restorer, an individual tasked with exploring the memories of patients suffering from dementia.
As the player delves into the minds of these patients, they are transported to vivid and immersive environments that represent fragments of memories. Each memory is like a puzzle waiting to be solved, with clues and objects scattered throughout the virtual space.
The player must use their keen observation skills and logical thinking to uncover the hidden connections and unlock the secrets that lie within.
The attention to detail in Ether One is astounding. From the meticulously designed environments to the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, every aspect of the game is crafted to immerse players in the world of dementia and memory loss.
Ether One offers a unique blend of puzzle-solving, exploration, and narrative-driven gameplay that will surely captivate fans of Myst.
Soma
Soma takes players on a haunting journey below the depths of the ocean where humanity’s last remnants struggle to survive. Developed by the creators of Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Soma immerses players in a world filled with existential questions about identity, consciousness, and the nature of humanity.
Imagine being submerged in the vast expanse of the ocean, surrounded by darkness and uncertainty. Soma plunges players into this eerie underwater facility, where every step taken is filled with trepidation and anticipation.
As players navigate through the labyrinthine corridors of the facility, they will encounter a myriad of strange creatures. These beings, born from the depths of the ocean, are a testament to the twisted and mysterious nature of Soma’s world.
The puzzles in Soma are intricately designed, challenging players to think outside the box and unravel the mysteries that lie within the facility.
Just like Myst, Soma invites players to explore a meticulously crafted world, filled with hidden secrets and enigmatic clues. The narrative in Soma is thought-provoking and deeply philosophical, leaving players pondering the nature of their own existence long after the game is over.
What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch is a masterful exploration of the Finch family’s history and the mysteries surrounding their secluded home. Set in the fictional town of Orcas Island, Washington, the game takes players on a haunting journey through the lives and deaths of the Finch family members.
Players step into the shoes of Edith Finch, the last surviving member of the family, as she delves into the secrets of her ancestors. The Finch house, a towering and enigmatic structure, serves as the backdrop for Edith’s exploration.
The game’s unique storytelling approach involves playing through a series of vignettes, each representing the final moments of a different family member.
The game’s stunning visuals and atmospheric sound design further enhance the immersive experience. From the lush forests surrounding the Finch house to the creaking floorboards within, every detail is meticulously crafted to draw players deeper into the world of Edith Finch.
The stories of the Finch family are not mere entertainment but a reflection of the human experience. As players uncover the secrets of the house and the family, they are left contemplating their own mortality and the legacy they will leave behind.
Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture
Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture is a critically acclaimed video game that transports players to the tranquil yet desolate village of Yaughton.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game presents a hauntingly beautiful landscape that is both captivating and eerie.
As one of the few remaining inhabitants of Yaughton, players are tasked with unraveling the mystery behind the sudden disappearance of the population. The village, once bustling with life, now stands empty and silent, leaving players with a sense of isolation and curiosity.
The game’s developers have meticulously crafted the world of Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture, paying close attention to every detail.
With its emphasis on narrative and exploration, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture offers a captivating experience reminiscent of the classic adventure game, Myst. Players are encouraged to take their time, to soak in the atmosphere, and to piece together the fragments of the story at their own pace.
Tacoma
Tacoma, developed by the creators of the critically acclaimed game Gone Home, invites players into a futuristic space station. As Amy Ferrier, an independent contractor, players uncover the truth behind the station’s sudden evacuation.
By exploring the meticulously detailed environments and interacting with holographic recordings of the crew members, players gradually uncover a complex web of personal stories and corporate intrigue.
Tacoma’s compelling narrative, immersive world, and engaging puzzles make it a worthy alternative for fans of Myst.
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a first-person mystery game that immerses players in a beautifully rendered open world. As Paul Prospero, a detective with supernatural abilities, players investigate the disappearance of a young boy named Ethan Carter.
The game’s striking visuals, atmospheric soundtrack, and intricate puzzle-solving mechanics create a captivating experience. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter’s emphasis on exploration and unraveling a haunting narrative will surely resonate with fans of Myst.
Syberia Series
The Syberia series, created by renowned game designer Benoît Sokal, offers a captivating adventure set in a steampunk-inspired world. Players follow the journey of Kate Walker, a lawyer tasked with finalizing the sale of an old toy factory.
However, as Kate delves deeper into her journey, she becomes embroiled in a web of family secrets, automatons, and the enigmatic Syberian mammoths. The series’ immersive atmosphere, engaging storytelling, and challenging puzzles make it a must-play for fans of Myst.
Oxenfree
Oxenfree combines supernatural elements with a coming-of-age story set on an abandoned island. Players assume the role of Alex, a teenager who, along with her friends, unknowingly unlocks a supernatural force during a late-night beach party.
As players navigate the island, they must make choices that impact the relationships and story progression. The game’s atmospheric setting, clever dialogue system, and paranormal elements create a unique and engaging adventure that will resonate with fans of Myst.
The Longest Journey
The Longest Journey is an iconic adventure game that weaves a complex tale spanning two parallel worlds. Players take on the role of April Ryan, a young woman thrust into a world of magic and mystery.
The game’s enthralling narrative, richly detailed environments, and complex puzzles create an immersive experience that will captivate fans of Myst. The Longest Journey is a timeless classic that should not be missed.
Braid
Braid is a beautifully crafted puzzle-platformer that challenges players’ perceptions of time and reality. As Tim, players embark on a quest to rescue a princess from a wicked monster.
The game’s innovative time manipulation mechanics, hand-painted visuals, and emotionally resonant story create an unforgettable experience. Braid’s thought-provoking puzzles and atmospheric world make it a worthy alternative for fans of Myst.
Conclusion
Whether players seek to explore the depths of the human mind, unravel haunting mysteries, or contemplate the nature of reality, these games offer captivating narratives, immersive environments, and intricate puzzles to satisfy their craving for memorable experiences.
So, don your explorer’s hat, sharpen your puzzle-solving skills, and embark on these enchanting adventures that will transport you to worlds beyond your wildest imagination.
