14 DAY TRIAL // Back in August 2007, Midway Games was announcing a publishing deal for rolling out a Nintendo DS version of Myst, one of the best adventure games ever created. Now, Empire Interactive is disclosing some of the game's features, as the source code for Myst for DS has been completely re-written specifically for performance and gameplay on Nintendo's handheld.
Needless to say, the DS owners will benefit from the same mesmerizing worlds and environments, enhanced and recreated with an original soundtrack, re-mastered video and an all-new age - the Rime Age - that was never included in the original MYST. The game of course uses the stylus as the key method of interaction and the upper screen for additional information.
Now, let's see what you'll be doing on each screen exactly. First of all, the new interface enhances the gameplay already. The upper screen mostly provides information and allows you to view magnified images. The bottom screen is used to access mini-tools and navigate throughout the world of MYST. Players also have a new arsenal of mini-tools at their disposal (to aid in their expedition to uncover clues and solve the mysteries of MYST) including a magnifying glass, camera, notebook, and map. As a result, you'll be able to inspect clues and items more thoroughly, take snapshots for future use, keep notes in a diary, and pinpoint key locations within the game.
DS-specific features for Myst, as confirmed by Midway Games a little while back:
- All source code has been re-written specifically for Nintendo DS performance and gameplay. - A complete all NEW Age, the RIME AGE, to explore and uncover mysteries on DS - NEW sounds, effects, and video clips added throughout. All newly created graphic sets for the added RIME AGE specifically done for the DS - Newly re-mastered Video and audio - Save Multiple games for various players.
"As one of the strongest video game franchises in history, with more than 12 million games sold, we felt it was only natural to partner with Hoplite Research and Cyan Worlds to bring MYST to an innovative system like the DS," said Karim Farghaly, vice president of sales, Empire Interactive. "The DS addition to the MYST game library allows players to take advantage of the new features created exclusively for the DS, while still maintaining the integrity of this classic game, creating a refreshed, on-the-go adventure experience for players of all ages."
The Nintendo DS version of Myst is scheduled to ship in North America in March 2008.