Rating: 
Summary: Worth the trouble (but don't get any ideas, developers...)
Review: I gave this game just one star about two weeks ago, because the game would not run on my system even though it exceeded the requirements listed on the box and on Ubisoft's website. Two patches later, voila!, the game now runs on my computer. It's gorgeous, it's engrossing, and, dare I say it, worth the trouble. I can't give Exile 5 stars, though, because I can't reward software developers who release buggy games and rely on post-sale patches (not everyone has the ability to do all the tweaking I had to do to get this game to run, and you shouldn't have to for a $50 game). Moreover, various gaming boards still teem with people having rather serious problems running (or trying to deinstall) the game, even after two rounds of patches. Do some homework before buying.As for the gameplay, it was great. The graphics on my computer were eye-popping. If you have to play in software-rendering mode (due to video card incompatibilties), you are missing a lot. The colors and textures were sumptuous -- like moss on stone floors, a beautifully colored sky at dusk, and luminescent rock walls. The sound also adds to the experience -- from ambient mood music (which I found rather creepy at times as I wandered alone through the various Ages), to rumbling bass as you power up machines you encounter (accompanied by subtly shaking video to really make you feel like you're right there). I was feeling mildly seasick from the free-look feature, but overall, it was very smooth, and life-like (in any event, you can switch out of free-look mode if it's too much for your stomach). I didn't mind the "slide show"-like progression of scenery (which was used in both Myst and Riven) because it gave me more control over my movement. RealMyst had an option that did away with the slide-show, and I found it very tricky to maneuver. The puzzles are challenging -- you stumble on them, and, like a real explorer of the Ages would, try to find some context for them -- and if all else fails, resort to trial-and-error. I was really drawn in. I had to force myself to save and quit after roughly seven hours of play -- I have work to do, after all! If you can play it, it's wonderful! My specs: Dell Dimension 400 PII, 192 MB RAM, 10 GB HD, ATI Rage Pro 8 MB (Xpert 98 AGP 2X) video card, 32 bit color (but playing at 16 bit setting), 10X DVD-ROM. Playing in hardware mode, with full 3D acceleration, using DirectX 8.0a (downloaded from Microsoft's website, not from Exile CD-ROM). Did not do full install.
Rating:
Summary: In a nutshell: Good
Review: The first computer game I purchased was Myst. The first game I solved in 3 days was the same. I was hooked. Riven was even better, although it took me longer to solve. Exile is the topping on the cake. I am still amazed that a computer game can be so engrossing that one can completely tune out their surroundings, especially when said one has an active three year-old running around. My apologies to Joey, mom and I will pay for therapy when you hit your teens. Exile is an incredible game. It still contains all the things that made Myst & Riven great, but with added look-around functionality, it has topped the other two. The scenes are breathless, the sounds are incredible, the story-line . . . well, not the greatest to a newbie, but for us Myst veterans, does not disappoint. Unfortunately, everything has it's negatives and Exile has a major one: short gameplay hours. I was able to successfully solve Exile in approx. 14 hours (and yes, that was without the benefit of a walkthrough/FAC). Perhaps I have become too accustom to the ways of Myst and Riven, therefore making this game a breeze, or perhaps it was all a matter of dumbluck. Either way, the cost vs. playtime ratio is a bit disappointing. Other than the lack of time I spent in front of my computer, I still find Exile an excellent game. I highly recommend this game for anyone who has played the first two in the series. (For those who haven't, I recommend starting with Myst and work your way foward, otherwise it's kinda like watching Return of the Jedi without seeing Star Wars or Empire Strikes Back. Still good, but not as fulfilling.). . Oh yeah, make sure to have good headphones or a great stereo system hooked up to your 'puter.
Rating:
Summary: Everything as it should be...
Review: Just looking at Exile's standard edition packaging I noticed something was different--surely Rand and Robyn Miller hadn't played an adequate role in the design element. So I sighed at the notion of a trilogy, rather than and endless slew of new games until I reach old age. But then, how can we expect so much of a couple guys who made the mistake of making an excellent game back in 1993? After I picked myself off the floor, wiped the tears from my eyes and carefully removed the phrase "Everything is going to hell-repent NOW!" from my cries, I took the game to the checkout. From there I ripped open the box and found little other than a CD case. Not yet disillusioned I PLAYED the game (in software mode, mind you, for those of you complaining about chipsets or other technical insufficiencies). I was enthralled by it's opening music, captivated by the breathtaking scenery and only slightly disappointed by the poor acting and the occasional texture, mapped in bad aesthetic taste. The game seems to keep with the feel of MYST and Riven, and any fans of the first two will enjoy this as well. Exile has moved along quite well, considering it's roots. Come now, lets think back... MYST was a standard 512x384 HyperCard stack with all it's images stored in PICT resources. Now we've got 360 degree freedom and movies that fit in with that freedom? Methinks the player doth protest too much! If you understand the logic of MYST-style puzzles, you'll find this easy. If you cheated on the first two, you'll be cheating on this too, so what's the point? Who knows, but my point is this-I had some expectations that the game didn't quite live up to, but I stopped crying and enjoyed Exile anyhow. You kind of expect things to fluctuate in life, but hey, don't listen to me.
Rating: 
Summary: Best of the series
Review: I am still in the process of playing the game, but it is an incredible game so far. Far superior to Riven graphically and has an engrossing storyline, very difficult challenging puzzles. It's really a spectacular game. I haven't had one single problem running it at all. Maybe you people that have had the problems should quit whining and buy a real video card like the Riva tnt 2 like mine and not the cheap low end cards like SB and Voodoo cards, which rarely work right on newer games. Anyway get this game ASAP! It's worth every penny! Oh and I agree with a few of the posters in that the ones who say this game was too easy and that they finished it in a day or so? They are definitely using a walkthrough. This game is hard, but not so hard that you get frustrated and give up. Excellent game!!
Rating:
Summary: Fun, but has some bugs
Review: This game, overall, is very fun. It's not as good as the first Myst in my opinion, but it is better than Riven, and although it has a few problems, it is extremely good. The main problem is that many less expensive, off the shelf computers are completely unable to run the game, especially those with Intel Direct AGP video cards. These are extremely common chipsets, and I had to replace my video card to run the game. A patch is in progress, but won't be ready for a while, and may be delayed. This bug means that one of Myst's largest audiences, families who don't like violent entertainment, and who therefore play puzzle games like Myst, are unable to play the game, as they are likely to have less expensive computers with the Intel Direct AGP chipset. I hope that the bug is fixzed soon, as this game is quite fun, and unlike Riven, it is usually very clear when you have solved a puzzle. I would reccomend, however, waiting a few weeks to buy this game if you have an Intel, Neomagic, or S3 chipset, or if you have certain other cards. I recommend that you check the UBI Soft website at http://www.ubisoft.com/ and go to support. E-mail them to ask about your video card, and try to buy from a store that will let you return the game if it doesn't work. However, if you have a more advanced video card, the game will probably work.
Rating: 
Summary: Won't Function on Most Computers
Review: I would love to play this game however the designers forgot to make sure it worked with some of the biggest names in computing. All my desktops utilize a INTEL digital display card. This game will NOT work with Intel. Their web site suggests that you buy it and wait for a fix. I suggest you save your money.
Rating:
Summary: Over too soon, but great while it lasted
Review: PREVIOUS MYST AND RIVEN EXPERIENCE HELP IN TECHNIQUE TO PLAY: I think playing both Myst and Riven give you a real advantage in the logic in this game. Others might find this game intimidating. A LOGICAL APPROACH AND TEAM PLAY HELP: It helps being logically oriented and having a good sense of direction. It is a real blast playing it with another person, in the sense that you bring in different strengths. AMAZING GRAPHICS, GREAT SOUND: Once again you play a wonderful game with amazing graphics. The music entices you to explore and understand. PUZZLES INVOLVED AND NEED ATTENTION TO DETAIL: The puzzles are enough to delight most. Hard, is relative. It is more of a thought process. But you really need to pay attention to detail. Some may find this tedius. The plant world has some very hidden paths. THE BASIC SCENARIO: You start out in one location where you have 3 sets of puzzles to solve. Ironically, these puzzle solutions indicate the nature of the world they open to you. Within each of these remarkably different worlds, you have to find a unique solution as well. Finally once you solve those worlds, you finish in a final location with a puzzle to solve and a dilemma to resolve, where you must make the right choice. There is more than one possibility for a solution. In our case the most humane, brought us the solution, but you had to do this intelligently. I don't dare say more. TOO SHORT: The only negative, is that this game could have been longer. We got about 20-24 hours of play time and we took our time over 2 weeks. COMPARING TO RIVEN AND MYST: There was more story line than Riven but, equivalent on story to Myst. Exile was a bit more graphically detailed than Riven and much more than Myst with the 360 degree views. However, if you move around along, some might find this disorienting. I felt it made it seem more real. INSTALLATION WENT VERY SMOOTH FOR ME: Installation went very smoothly, but slow as I took the option for the full installation. Full installation loads all the CD content onto your harddrive. We had one crash early in the game, that may not have been caused by the game and one at the very end after the credits. This was the only problems we had. I have a 733MHz clone PC, so I'm not sure of my sound or video card. However, I know I have a pretty new video card. A great game... When is the next one?????
Rating:
Summary: Myst 3...easier...or are we just getting smarter?
Review: I love this game. It is beautiful. I couldn't shut it off...everyone is saying that the puzzles are easier than before (remember that there was a lack of hint sites for Myst and Riven...there were some but not like the billion out there for Myst 3...also, most of us have played Myst and Riven and know what to do...when I first got the original Myst, I was 100% lost...I accomplished nothing for 2 days and was ready to give up...it was not so for Riven...while Riven was harder, I at least knew what needed to be done). This game offers about a week of serious puzzle solving but is still worth the 40 bucks even if you just use it to get some gorgeous screen shots for your wallpaper/background image.
Rating:
Summary: Visually Stunning ! ! !
Review: The new 360° viewing ability really gives you the sense of being "IN" the game. The graphics (as in all the "Myst" games) were breathtakingly beautiful. The puzzles were not overly complex, yet were still interesting. I enjoyed this game a great deal!
Rating:
Summary: Myst III ROCKS! ...
Review: First off, I have to say how much this game ROCKS! I was definitely anticipating it from the day I heard there was going to be a Myst III, and still am until I finish the game. I've only been playing it for a couple days, and the music, the graphics, and the character interactment was definitely well-thought out. My only disappointment is the lack of Rand and Robyn Miller's contributions to this installment -- I don't even see Robyn mentioned anywhere in the credits, and it looks like Rand's only contribution was to play Atrus. I don't know how much of a difference this makes, but I digress. I am an avid Myst fan (I've been playing the series since I was 8), and I would only buy the collector's edition, which includes the game, the soundtrack, a "Making Of", a strategy guide (Prima is "Myst"'s Bible), and a little metallic Squee ornament, which is sitting on my desk at this moment. This game is HUGE -- a full installment takes about 15 minutes and eats up 2.1 GB, but I suggest it. I've heard all the problems that people with Intel are having...well, it ... to be Intel, since I've been basically boycotting them for AMD Athlon...it's SO much better than Intel, I suggest skipping over Intel and getting a Compaq with AMD Athlon instead. Patches may be coming out, but problems are still imminent, so for the lucky ones that can play this game, go for it! BTW, track 30 of the soundtrack ("Exile") has become my favorite song, and will be for at least a week. Download it off ... if you're unable to get the soundtrack. I love it! Good night for now...
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