catherwood - Tumblr blog

[catherwood]

now i want to see this become the new look for a spin-off comic book, maybe a cartoon series. How are you set for free time?

my new poster for the 30th Anniversary of Myst, available over at the Cyan store (link in the source and the comments)! This imagery has been indelibly inscribed on the inside of my eyelids since I was a kid, so it was an absolute joy bringing it to life in a more official capacity. 📚

[catherwood]

Cyan Worlds has released its latest #puzzle adventure game, on multiple platforms. Remember Riven? MYST? Obduction?  Doesn’t matter, because this is an entirely new story, new worlds, new graphics. I may need to upgrade my computer to get the most out of this one, but it will be worth it.

[catherwood]

The Last Clockwinder

Cyan Worlds is releasing another VR game tomorrow, and wants us to spread the news.  They will be giving away 5 game keys plus 5 soundtrack keys in a drawing which ends tomorrow morning!   

 More details and links at their Twitter post https://twitter.com/cyanworlds/status/1532036820535455744

[catherwood]

“The Story of Leveret, An Enchanting Hare”

A new treasure hunt book, with at least 15 different real-world locations to find a buried token to win a small prize.

There are still books available for sale, currently restricted to USA addresses.

Order via PayPal, there is no storefront or hunt website, instructions and discussions take place on the Mysterious Writings forum (some threads require a free login to access).

There are puzzles in the detailed paintings as well as clues in the storybook text. Only one token has been found as of this moment, and there is a master riddle which will rely on info which comes with a solved token.  Plenty of time to jump in -- join me, because I’ve barely solved anything so far.

[thank you to TreasureHuntCache for use of the image]

[catherwood]

what’s in the box?

I just experienced some vivid, stunning use of language on p.99 of "MUSE" by James Renner.

(I am a slow reader with a huge backlog)

Check it out! ‘

https://jamesrenner.com/muse/

[catherwood]

hey there, fellow fans of Cyan Worlds. Here’s a project which might speak to you while speaking for us all. Their fundraising has slowed, so we can help by spreading the word to investors outside our bubble.

[catherwood]

The Emerald Flame

Puzzles and Alchemy and Narrative and Artwork, all in a box.

I’ll let you go read about it.

https://www.argn.com/2020/06/postcurious_emerald_flame_burns_bright_in_alchemical_puzzle_experience/

Then you can go order it.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/postcurious/the-emerald-flame/

[catherwood]

game devs still making stuff

Take a look at Illusive-Gate by KOStudios...

Limited number of slots left at the Early Backers level, but what’s a few more coins to support some mighty fine work? There can never be enough of these kinds of games in the world.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/illusivegate/illusivegate

[catherwood]

Kodewords Kards is a free treasure hunt to be released in late November 2019 as a custom deck of kards. Cash prizes are being offered!

For links to the teaser puzzle, the rules, and their Facebook, visit

http://mysteriouswritings.proboards.com/board/193/kodewords-kards

[catherwood]

Make this a reality!

No new backers since I last checked, and only a few days remaing to reach its small goal.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mtoddgallowglas/halloween-jack-and-the-red-emperors

[catherwood]

Halloween Jack

Here’s one that is not a puzzle, just a smashing good writer in search of new cover art for his next book, along with reprints of the first two in the trilogy. His followers have gotten him 2/3rds of the way to his goal. Now it just needs a push to a wider audience.  (Oh, and the new artist is amazing, too) Have a look!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mtoddgallowglas/halloween-jack-and-the-red-emperors

[catherwood]

A Puzzle in 52 Parts

How about a deck of playing cards with gorgeous artwork *and* a set of puzzles? I’m “all in” as they say.

The Carte Rouge kickstarter is already well-funded, but these are the final days to pledge & pre-order the product. The image above came from the latest update on their kickstarter page. The FAQ points out that you can buy multiple decks after the campaign ends.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/enigmaemporium/carterouge

[catherwood]

walk an ancient path

We have been gifted with access to a very early prototype for what would eventually become URU: Ages Beyond MYST.  Two small executables (for Windows PC only, sorry) were announced today by Eric Anderson on Twitter.

Here's a fun treat for all the Myst/D'ni/Uru fans out there... The original pre-Uru, pre-Mudpie "DIRT/Descent" demo, in all its fully-playable glory! Don't ask us for support, just cross your fingers and hope it works. PS: This thing is 19 YEARS OLD! https://tinyurl.com/DIRT-Descent

and

And for all you HARD CORE fans: Here is the 20-year-old Pre-DIRT "Nexus" Demo built before Cyan even acquired Headspin! It's so old you need to install a (included) Glide GPU wrapper! Also, I have no idea how to solve the "puzzle". Enjoy! https://tinyurl.com/NexusDemo99

The technology may be old, but the atmosphere is rich and immersive.  (Read the README for keyboard controls -- I jumped in too quickly and got stuck without them.)

[catherwood]

Firmament on PS4/Mac

Very Big News! Updated

We really want the Mac, PS4, and EFIGS [languages] versions to happen. We’re now on our way to the stretch goal, but we’ve decided to commit to find a way to make up any shortfall, so we can guarantee Firmament for Mac, PS4, and EFIGS. If you’ve been holding back on pledging, we’re hoping that this decision will help get you to jump in now  - knowing that you will definitely get a version for your language or platform - and you can still get it with the exclusive campaign content! But you’ve only got a day to do it - you’d better hurry!

So, funded! With 24 hours left to join the excitement and get the game (and other goodies) accessible to even more fans!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1252280491/firmament/posts/2490335

[catherwood]

Firmament stretch goals

The countdown has switched from days to HOURS. The campaign *MIGHT* be funded in time, and you *might* be waiting to buy this as a retail game. DON’T WAIT! By being a backer (at merely $49 and up) you get an exclusive version of the game with text customizations and adjunct skins (see Update#8 for details). PLUS, if you get all of your contacts on board in time, they might break through to reach the next target, which means the game could be running on Mac and PS4. And, if they top 16,000 backers, the community goals (see Update#6) unlock more goodies -- rewards for *everyone*!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1252280491/firmament 

[catherwood]

They're calling this device the Adjunct, your clockwork companion which interprets your hand gesures (in VR) or cursor movements (in 2D) to manipulate the environment as you explore a new world and solve its puzzles. Firmament is the latest game from Cyan Worlds, creaters of MYST (and Riven, and Uru, and Obduction).

As it enters its final week on kickstarter, join the campaign and watch the anticipation build. Please pledge your support and help this project reach full funding. More links: http://firmamentgame.com/ https://www.instagram.com/firmamentgame/ https://www.reddit.com/r/FirmamentGame/

[catherwood]

This looks to be a beautiful art book as well as an intriguing armchair treasure hunt. The kickstarter has only a few remaining days to reach its funding goal.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/firesnake/the-hidden-sun-an-interactive-treasure-hunt-book