The
expansion pack to Uru: Ages Beyond Myst, The Path
of the Shell lets us explore more 3D worlds while
solving a host of new, brain bending puzzles. Fans
of Myst that appreciate the new dimension of the gameplay
are certain to enjoy The Path of the Shell. New gamers
may feel slightly alienated in the largely silent
and static worlds whereas fans may take comfort and
revel in the solitude. Myst has long been a virtual
sanctuary due to its incredibly imaginative landscapes.
Ahnonay
and Er'cana are the two new worlds (called "Ages")
that you will explore. Shells act as warp points in
the Ages so that you can move around to different
areas without having to start at the beginning of
a particular Ages. Due to the nature of the puzzles,
some of which require backtracking, this is a very
welcome addition.
One
can expect the puzzles to be in the same vein as Ages
Beyond Myst, which is a good thing if that's the reason
you're interested in purchasing this expansion pack.
You will explore ancient lands that once thrived with
sophisticated civilizations. Many of the worlds are
void of any terrestrial life but remain breathtaking
examples of artistic imagination whether they are
barren dessert or a lush natural paradise.
Remnants of these civilizations remain scattered throughout
the Ages. Various machines, buildings and architecture
have long since been assimilated into the environment
forming an odd, juxtaposed coexistence between the
natural and the unnatural.
Understanding
the relationship among all these elements is the key
to solving the puzzles but since you have no point
of reference pertaining to these obscured civilizations
the puzzles appear arbitrary and confusing. Not to
worry. Although you don't carry around an inventory
like you did in the original Myst series, you will
have a journal that you can use to store the various
helpful clues and hints that you will discover. Various
clues will be posted in the caves, caverns and structures
that you explore. They don't always make sense and
sometimes you'll need to find quite a few hints before
you can tackle a certain puzzle. Just attempting some
of these by trial and error right off the bat is not
recommended since it may result in broken monitors
when you put a fist through it.
Nothing
is lost in terms of stunning graphics despite the
inexpensive $20 price tag. The different Ages look
incredible but even though the game is in 3D you are
still forced to stay on a path that sports an invisible
barrier prohibiting you from exploring any area that
you see. The sounds are sparse, in keeping with the
overall sense of alienation perpetuated by the mysterious
abandoned civilizations. There is an occasional voiceover
which is well done, and the background music is always
appropriate for the situation. When the sound effects
kick in, especially when the huge machines start up
in the desert world, the effect is quiet pronounced
given the sparseness of such sounds. Even if you don't
have the latest PC software, upgrades or
a killer sound system you'll still be able to appreciate
the quality of the presentation of this game.
The
Path of the Shell may not be the best place to start
if you want to get into the Myst series, but longtime
fans will appreciate the new direction that the expansion
pack helps to further while adhering to the ambience
of the Myst universe.
|