4 ms·
> I remember in some "gamer" circles it wasn't considered a real game but an interactive slideshow. I always wondered how those people would categorize, for e
by Mezzie 4y ago
> I remember in some "gamer" circles it wasn't considered a real game but an interactive slideshow.
I always wondered how those people would categorize, for example, the Zork games. Myst is interactive fiction, which is its own genre. The disdain for Myst reminds me somewhat of the disdain for things like The Sims (which for some reason never extends to the types of simulation games that 'gamers' like such as SimCity, Cities:Skylines, RCT, etc.).
- the_af 4y agoGood point. But consider this: in the Halcyon Days book of interviews with veteran game designers (like Dani Bunten, Chris Crawford and other trailblazers) at least one mentions disliking Myst: Eugene Jarvis (of Robotron fame). He considers Myst one of those style over substance and no action games (the other game he dislikes is Wing Commander!). I remember a similar debate in my circle, that Myst was (unlike Zork) all style over substance. Remember that the graphics back then were really impressive. In my opinion, there's no doubt Myst is a real game.
- Mezzie 4y agoI remember Myst's release and how awesome those graphics were. (It wasn't particularly my thing, but my mom was really into it and into IF in general. She's a puzzle game person. My dad was more the 'conventional' gamer.) The graphics were neat, although the traveling was annoying. I can see valid reasons for critiquing and disliking Myst (and Riven) and I can definitely see why Jarvis in particular would bounce off both Myst and Wing Commander. But most of the shit talking was not as well thought out as I imagine Jarvis's to be. Also now I want to know Eugene Jarvis's opinion of The Stanley Parable. :)