Myst
Robyn Miller

  • Original Score Composed by: Robyn Miller
  • Label: Cyan
  • Online Ordering Options: Amazon.com

Review

Myst is still the biggest selling computer game of all time, and only came a very respectable second in last year's count for the number of units sold -- it was beaten by its sequel, Riven. Even after five years it sells well not only for its superb graphics, but more importantly the atmospheric setting -- rivalled only by Riven. The music was produced, composed and performed by one-half of the Miller brothers: Robyn Miller.

Robyn Miller stated that he didn't want any music in Myst because he thought that it would make the game degenerate into a version of the Mario Brothers. I am certainly glad he decided to put music in, because 50% of the Myst experience comes from the music. Eerie, atmospheric and very, very good.

Unlike Riven, the music in Myst is really only a background to set the scene, rather than being an integrable part of it. Though it does contain a number of themes, it is a lot simpler and less mature than the music of its sequel. However, there is much to like about the music, not only because it is the original. For anyone requiring pieces of eerie, strange music Myst and Riven are your best sources. For strange alien buildings; ancient ruins of civilisations long dead; fairies, goblins and elves would all appreciate a dose of the good stuff to introduce them.

Once again, an excellent buy.

Track Listing and Notes

    Myst Island

  1. Myst Theme (1:31) - opening
  2. Treegate (2:00) - exploration
  3. Planetarium (1:38) - magical
  4. Shipgate (1:27) - strange
  5. The Tower (1:43) - discovery
  6. The Last Message (Forechamber Theme) (2:38) - sad

    7. Mechanical Age

  7. Fortress Ambience Part I (0:39) - danger
  8. Fortress Ambience Part II (0:49) - search
  9. Mechanical Mystgate (2:00) - exploration
  10. Sirrus's Cache (1:41) - sad
  11. Sirrus's Theme - Mechanical Age (1:35) - discovery
  12. Achenar's Cache (1:43) - tension
  13. Achenar's Theme - Mechanical Age (2:11) - tension

    14. Stoneship Age

  14. Compass Rose (1:27) - arrival
  15. Above Stoneship (Telescope Theme) (1:29) - exploration
  16. Sirrus's Theme - Stoneship Age (1:25) - exploration
  17. Achenar's Theme - Stoneship Age (1:39) - eerie

    18. Selentic Age

  18. Selentic Mystgate (1:41) - strange

    19. Channelwood Age

  19. The Temple of Achenar (1:34) - eerie
  20. Sirrus's Theme - Channelwood Age (1:31) - exploration
  21. Achenar's Theme - Channelwood Age (2:07) - exploration

    22. Finale

  22. Un-finale (1:56) - longing
  23. Finale (1:33) - ending

    24. Bonus Tracks

  24. Fireplace Theme (0:43) - danger
  25. Early Selentic Mystgate (1:16) - court music
  26. Original Un-finale (1:27) - sad

Total Running Time: 41:36

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© 1998 - 2002 David Schibeci

Myst © 1995 Cyan, Inc.