Giveaway of the Day Forums

1. 

   midori
   Member

   I think someone awhile back asked if any of the Myst games were freeware yet. I just checked Gametap, and realMYST (which is the supposedly enhanced version of the original MYST, tho some prefer the original) is available for download.
   http://www.gametap.com/play/gameDetails/000184150

   Look out: it's a whopping 271.66MB

   "Inviting you to explore a vast deserted island, Myst slowly reveals a haunting storyline involving a series of books that unlock alternate planes of reality. With only your wits as your guide, you must decode the hidden clues placed throughout the game's gorgeous 3D environments. Through text, video clips and tricky puzzles, you’ll discover a world so real, you will be certain that it truly exists."

   Posted 15 years ago #
2. 

   RunesageMagik
   Member

   Thanks, Midori

   Anyone who enjoyed playing Amanita Design's all-too-short Samorost 1 & 2 casual game series should be thrilled to get a chance to wander through and explore the complex multi-dimensional world of MYST. IMHO, it's the gold standard for the genre. I own the original MYST and RIVEN, neither of which handled the transition to WinXP very well.

   If someone has already posted a detailed review of exactly how GameTap works, it'd be helpful if they put the link here. Looks as if a "player" has to be installed, so it'd be nice to know exactly what catch comes with their "free" download. I for one am loathe to install any sort of distracting advertising feed or system-tinkering invasive like RealPlayer, and am not even keen on games that require I be online to play. A game as intricate and enchanting as MYST could quickly lose its appeal if one had to log on and wade thru commercials every time a brainstorm idea regarding a new clue woke them up in the middle of the night.

   Perhaps someone can allay my innate disdain for the above objectionable intrusions, because devoting an uninterrupted hour or three of bandwidth time to download the 277MB would sure be a fair trade for the months of entertainment this Matryoshka-esque game within a game within a game provides.

   FWIW, SecondLife's virtual world has inspired at least a couple of Myst-mimics, though GameTap exercised it's litigious muscle to stifle creativity and quash exposure of the game to a global audience. Fortunately, at least one mimic's legacy remains intact for those lucky enough to stumble across the hidden clues. Hopefully, someday, MYST will be integrated into Second Life so fans can immerse themselves in a golden 3D roleplaying adventure.

   Posted 15 years ago #
3. 

   sukibabe
   Games Junkie

   Hi midori & RM

   I had it on my computer and played for awhile...I got dizzy it was so realistic!

   I took it off because I didn't like their manager that was taking up space, but it was a very good game...

   I just took off a whopping 1000 MB game off my C: drive, "At Worlds End", but I have it on cd...so when my RAM comes in, I will put it on my F: drive...

   Suki

   Posted 15 years ago #
4. 

   RunesageMagik
   Member

   Hi, Suki
   By "manager" do you mean the aforementioned player interface?
   >>> Does it feed distracting ads that consume part of the monitor (do you think adserver blockers would cripple the player)
   >>> Does it have one of those interminable introduction splash screens touting GameTap,
   >>> Does it require an Internet connection to play this version of Myst?

   Inquiring minds wanna know! Thanks.

   Also, how far did you get exploring the Myst island? (i.e., which Level) Between the haunting music and the intricate puzzles that had to be solved to move from level to level, I am still in awe over a decade after first playing it.

   Posted 15 years ago #
5. 

   sukibabe
   Games Junkie

   I think the manager was about 100 Mb's, it was just kind of annoying on my laptop...

   I never was disconnected when I had it on, so I really don't know if it is internet based...but I would think so because you don't own the game!
   If I remember correctly, I think you had to register with them!? It wasn't bad, just different, their manager I mean...strange would be more like it!

   To tell you the truth, I was lost...lol, so I don't remember where I was!

   Suki

   Posted 15 years ago #
6. 

   midori
   Member

   Not sure about the workings of Gametap (I have all the Myst series from way back), but that was one of the complaints re: realMYST, Suki... that the original MYST didn't have that 360-degree freedom and it was much too easy to get "lost." Heck, it's easy enough to get lost in the original, but at least you're turning in one-quarter increments (as I recall) so it's not that hard to keep track of yourself.

   Posted 15 years ago #
7. 

   sukibabe
   Games Junkie

   I played the one from Gametap, so it must have been realMYST because it had that 360 effect on me...I still got lost!
   I remember climbing stairs up to a tower or something and getting stuck in a room, it was so realistic that my fear of heights kicked in...
   Might give it another go on my desktop, it has a bigger screen and another hard drive now!
   If it does require a login, I will have to check my in-box folders to see which email address I used, lol!

   Suki

   Posted 15 years ago #
8. 

   BuBBy
   Teh adnim

   It has been a while since I have looked at Gametap - but doesn't it require it's own game client to play the games (aka DRM) and the free games are regularly cycled back into the non-Free games so unless you play the game immediately - you might find you need to become a "Gold Member" to pay $$$ to play your "Free download".

   If anyone knows how the free games work - and their "permanency" or otherwise - could you please clear this up for me.

   I'd hate for people to download a 271MB Free game - only for it to go back to a "Premium" game in a weeks time.

   Posted 15 years ago #
9. 

   sukibabe
   Games Junkie

   yes, it does require it's own client and If I remember correctly I think you had a month to play the game before it went back, another thing I didn't like...It has been a while since I played any of their games.

   Suki

   Posted 15 years ago #
10. 

    BuBBy
    Teh adnim

    If that is the case - that games do cease to be playable free of charge after a period of time - the remaining/permitted free play time and the cost to continue/finish the game should be disclosed to the user prior to downloading the game or the gametap client.

    "Free (for now)" isn't the same as "Free".

    gametap = thumbs down from me.

    Posted 15 years ago #
11. 

    midori
    Member

    Hmm. I'll try to check on that, BuBBy... that wouldn't be so swift. I do know that the realMYST was in the "free" section, but the other MYST games they had available required you to become a Gold Member, in which case you might as well buy the games. I just figured realMYST was perhaps the least popular because of the die-hard fans or the original.

    Posted 15 years ago #
12. 

    Alianthia
    Member

    I searched everywhere on Gametap for their explanation about the games being offered, but so far can't see it.
    I would like to try realMyst but don't want to have it turn into a paid for game...darn..lol.

    Posted 15 years ago #
13. 

    Whiterabbit-uk
    Games Guru

    Hi Merri,

    The game is free, but you have to download their game manager and give up some private iformation. apparntly theres about 50 games you can play for free, though none are free standing.

    Regards

    Whiterabbit

    Posted 15 years ago #
14. 

    Alianthia
    Member

    thanks Stephen..Yes that darn old games manager situation!
    I also wondered if it STAYS "free" or if it reverts after some time?
    I do prefer free standing games too.
    glad to see you back !
    take care...

    Posted 15 years ago #
15. 

    BuBBy
    Teh adnim

    As per the following 2 forum threads (and I'm sure there are many more, if I bothered to search) - free games on gametap get rotated in and out regularly (apparently 1 per week?)

    http://www.gametap.com/forums/thread.jspa?threadID=29711&tstart=30
    http://www.gametap.com/forums/thread.jspa?threadID=28981&tstart=0

    So I guess that is the catch - keep only a small set of games for free - and replace/revoke them on a regular basis to keep them fresh (or to entice those who are hooked - to pay to keep playing the 'gold' games).

    Posted 15 years ago #
16. 

    Whiterabbit-uk
    Games Guru

    So basically, if you decide to go gold to unlock the 900+ games they have, but then at a later date decide to revoke your gold membership, you will not actually own any games. Gametap is just a lending library. I think I'll stick to buying hard copies and the occasional DRM free downloadable. I really don't like the feeling of not actually owning a game. I know some community members buy a game; play it to the end (unless it's a sandbox game), then sell it on and use the proceeds to buy the next game they fancy. I love to return to a game after a good break, so could never join such a scheme.

    I'm sure that most of the games will be available for knock down prices eventually anyway. For example I bought a few classic games last month - Freespace, Flatout and all the Fallout games pre Fallout 3 all for less than $6 each (all 3 Fallout games came as a package for less than $5). Most DVD based games reduce in price significantly after the first few months (though there are exceptions such as the last two Call of Duty games and both Crysis games, all of which have held their original release prices. I picked up Dungeon Lords an Elder Scrolls RPG copy for $4.55, and ..... well I could list over a hundred such games, but I wont bore you, lol. Oh yeah, some I bought such as Hidden & Dangerous Deluxe, Full Spectrum Warrior and GTA I & II are all free now.

    P.S.

    you can buy the complete set of Myst titles in one package called Myst Ultimate Compilation for the equivalent of $20 (£14.99):

    Myst Masterpiece: Alone on Myst Island, explore its domains and mysteries… Join Atrus and the D’ni civilisation in a plot in which books are bridges between worlds.

    Riven: Enter a sublime world torn by timeless conflicts. Help Atrus to set his wife Catherine free and save the world of Riven.

    Myst III Exile: Atrus and Catherine are determined to restore the once prestigious D’ni civilisation; but their projects are put to the test by a newcomer crying for revenge…

    Myst IV Revelation: Atrus’ daughter, Yeesha, has disappeared, and this leads you to the mysterious worlds of Sirrus and Achenar, her brothers. A very cinematic atmosphere, with a 90-minute film shot with actual actors!

    Myst V End Of Ages: The burden once carried by Atrus’ family is now yours… Embark on an epic journey with the D’ni civilisation in your hands…

    And the same games shop is selling Myst V: End of Ages for the equivalent of less than $3, though both are out of stock at the moment.

    I've put an alert on for the ultimate collection and will then have Myst III: Exile to give away as I already have that one. Adding Uru to the package would have made it complete.

    Another alternative to the Myst collection is a game called Dreamfall. The shop I buy from (Game.UK) are selling the Dreamfall: The Longest journey Limited Edition which includes both games (Dreamfall and the Longest Journey, plus a soundtrack disc and a superb hard cover art book, for only $20 (same price as the Myst Collection.

    Posted 15 years ago #
17. 

    Alianthia
    Member

    BuBBY.. thanks for the links; I am going to forgo the REALMyst from Gametap then.
    RATHER sneaky of them!

    Whiterabbit..Wow that Myst series is huge!
    I THINK that I have seen it offered in box sets here for ridiculously low prices at our local computer place.
    I will look!

    I love to replay good games and prefer to own them too.
    It is like owning and re reading a good book...
    I am currently replaying The Longest journey and had forgotten what a great game it is..
    Did you get through Syberia?

    Posted 15 years ago #
18. 

    midori
    Member

    Sorry if my post was misleading then... thanks for the insight, BuBBy and Wrabbit. I read through some of their forums, but nothing is "clear as day" to me... probably because most are familiar. I saw a list of games turning Gold next round, and realMYST wasn't among them. Also put a direct query in... still waiting for an answer. But Stephen's advice is right on, Merri... there's box sets out there for pretty low prices. I collected them one-by-one as released (I was SO into that game... the demise of housework for me) but ended up buying a box set with one I had missing to have it on DVD. Just thought realMYST would be at least an intro to some who weren't familiar, as these games don't appeal to everyone. Anyone who would dare ask: "So what do I do NOW!?" needn't even bother. Stephen, I'll have to check out Dreamfall!
    Hi, Merri! I've bought Syberia from BigFish on discount and have had a short look and am entranced. Haven't had time to "get into" it yet, though. But I can see Syberia II looming on my horizon. $:-D

    Posted 15 years ago #
19. 

    Alianthia
    Member

    I am definitely wanting to get into Myst then...
    LOl about the demise of housework..
    I ALREADY say,"housework ,what's that??"...lol
    Oh that is exciting about getting Syberia!!!
    It IS entrancing!
    I actually used to DREAM about it as it was SO immersive....
    Syberia 2 too..
    let me know how you go!
    :)

    Posted 15 years ago #
20. 

    Alianthia
    Member

    wow Gametap must have seen this thread!
    I JUST looked and now it has a note on the realMyst page saying.."play free until Feb26th"..so now we know!

    :)

    Posted 15 years ago #
21. 

    Whiterabbit-uk
    Games Guru

    No problems midori; thanks for bringing it to our attentions though. I do agree it is rather sneaky of them. I seem to remember Swan has an account with them. I'm sure if you don't mind not owning the games and once palyed don't intend returning to them, Gametap is probably a good place to go for your games, but as Merri says, some games are like returning to a good book. Especially sandbox games like Morrowind, Oblivion, Fallout 3, most real time stratey games such as Cossacks, World at war and Company of Heroes and all the Battlefield series, and i've not even included any arcade games which in my opinion are largely timeless.

    I've just returned to playing Battlefield 2 after seeing the recently released trailer for the long awaited sequel to Battlefield 2142. It's a retrograde step back to WWII and is called Battlefield 1943 (the original title was called Battlefield 1942). The graphics have been upgraded and the environments remind me of Crysis: that is they are destructible. I can't wait for a release date. I reckon it won't be until next year though. :(

    As for Siberia, Merri; I've not even started it, lol. I'm notorious for buying several games at once and taking sometimes several months or more before I even bother to play the game. ( have some DVD based games such as Silent Hunter 4 that I bought on preorder in March 2007 and still haven't got around to playing yet - but I will eventually) On top of all the games I've been buying, I'm also testing out freeware games almost on a daily basis. It's crazy the number of free games that are now available for free. If I wasn't such a graphics whore I'd probably settle for mainly free games as there are some brilliant ones available now. Then I'd be able to spend my money on other things. Unfortunately I love my eye candy nearly as much as game play. :)

    I'll get around to playing Siberia eventually (I want to write a review sometime)and if I like it I'll then get the second one, or is it the other way around. I can't remember whether I bought the first or the second now. I have to reinstall all my Big fish games as I've still not finished recovering from that system crash just before Christmas. I keep coming across files that have gone missing. I think it was actually a Hard Disc failure as the Hard Drive that the OS was on will not allow me to read it. :(

    Posted 15 years ago #
22. 

    Alianthia
    Member

    I can quite understand that...with SO many games around and having the free ones popping up every day!
    LOL at "graphics whore"..I am guilty of that..and am quite sure most game lovers are!!!
    ;)
    EEK about the system crash.
    I cannot IMAGINE trying to load stuff back on after such an event.
    Hope that it goes easier...

    My computer is over 8 years old; so although I don't want to even consider any failure, it is inevitable..

    It IS crazy the number of free games around now!
    (Of course we aren't complaining..lol)

    Posted 15 years ago #
23. 

    Hallford
    Member

    Hey Whiterabbit,
    I played BF2 and I'm also waiting for the next game to come out. Have you ever
    played Black Hawk Down? Its an old game but its still a lot of fun on the right
    server and with a good bunch of people playing.
    If you ever see a player called SFR-Moneypenny in BF2 or Black Hawk Down, that will be me, I belong to and American "clan" and have been playing
    online games with them for quite a few years.
    There is also another game I'm waiting to get, its called Angel Falls and is
    the follow on game to Black Hawk Down.
    There are some screen shots and info on http://www.novaworld2.com if you want to have
    a look. :)

    Posted 15 years ago #
24. 

    Whiterabbit-uk
    Games Guru

    Hi Hallford,

    I have Black Hawk Down and the addon as well. Though it's been some time since I played it.

    I'm really enjoying my return to BF2 despite the slightly aged graphics, it's still abrilliant game. I have n excellent unreleased mod that adds destructability to the game . soe buildings a few objects and most trees are now destructable. It was never released though because the guy who developed it wasn't able to get it to work properly online. I only use it for the singleplayer campaign. Did you ever try any of The Darks maps? They are probably the best custom made maps available. I even have one that's probably his best, but was never released because he suddenly lost interest when we were testing it. They were a set of maps he was making for the Mercenaries mod of which I've been an admin on the site for a couple of years; but I've been rather lax since last summer having hardly visited the site, so I'm surprised I'm still down as a admin. If you're interested in any BF2 maps let me know because i have just about every one. :)

    Posted 15 years ago #
25. 

    Hallford
    Member

    If you happen to have a go at BHD go to the Real Snipers server, they are a good bunch of people on there, lots of fun even tho I get shot a lot... :)
    I'll have to play BF2 next week, I'm on holiday so I'll have a bit of time to play :)
    I didnt like the darker maps, the green light from the night vision makes me go cross
    eyed after a while lol

    Posted 15 years ago #
26. 

    Whiterabbit-uk
    Games Guru

    Hi Hallford,

    Sorry, I didn't mean 'dark' maps. There s a guy called 'The Dark" who created 12 amazing BF2 maps. His attention to detail was one of his hallmarks. Unfortunately I can't find his website so I suspect he's finally closed it down but all his maps apart from the one I mentioned above are available from the Battlefield singleplayers site

    Click here to go to BF2 singleplayer site

    The Darks maps are just above the archive of all BF2 maps. All his maps are multiplayer as well and I beleive there are a few sites who still run his maps. The AI-X mod have converted most (if not all) of his maps to their mod.

    My favorites amongst the ones found on the website (some are missing unfortunately, but if you found you really liked the ones available I'd be happy to upload the rest of them {including the unreleased one} to my filefront account for you) are called Terminus, Heaven & Hell (which was made as a sequel to a map called The Cliff by Hayabusa), back to the Suribachi and Adh Oasis Revisted.
    regards Whiterabbit

    Posted 15 years ago #

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