Hi. I have never played Myst or any game like it before but today I got the copies of Myst 1 and Riven and I feel like trying. If I played the game like you should I dont think I would break even the first puzzle, so I'm thinking about using a walkthrough. Do you think that takes out all the fun, or could you still have a enjoyable game using a cheat???

I wouldn't use a walkthrough all the time. Part of the fun of the Myst series of games is exploring. Look around, take good note of all details, and who knows you'll be able to solve some of the puzzles yourself. When you get really stuck, you can look at a hint guide or walkthrough to help you on your way.

First thing I would do is play Myst I and do it without a walkthrough. Obvious things like changing switch positions, pushing buttons, touching maps, and reading books, will get you started. When Myst I first came out there were few folks that had read alongs or forums to go to and they did have success with the games. But as the previous person suggested, if you feel you need a read along then just put it on the shelf until you are definitly stuck. The need for these games is to see if you can learn and do over time. Not for a fast way to finish.

Ok, I'm done with the game now and I did not use a walkthrough! Well I had to get a little help 2 times when I got stuck. The first time was the stoneship age, when I could not find the hidden door in the cave(hidden doors are ....). The second time was the underground train in selentic age.

The game was a lot easier then I had expected. I will start Riven next weak!

Having played Myst will help with playing Riven - you've become familiar with the type of puzzles. But in Riven, they are more integrated with the environment, and more interwoven, so you'll have new challenges! I hope you enjoy it - I certainly did.

I used Prima's Official Guidebook the first time I played Myst, and I'm really upset that I did.

The second time I played Myst, I only needed 1 nudge in the right direction in Channelwood (I hate that age), but otherwise played on my own.

It's much more fun without guides.

I'm determined to play Riven without a Guide, but I'm almost ready to pull my hair out.

I hope you have a lot of paper and pencils nearby. You really need to make some maps and keep lists of observations, noises, colors, locations, etc. as you work your way through the game. Eventually one or more of the puzzles will need this information.

I heartily agree with BobF: make LOTS of notes of the things you see and hear, sketch things, and make maps. The puzzles of Riven are very interwoven. I still have a notebook with pages and pages of notes and drawings from the first time I played Riven.
Riven is difficult, but very good, and it's very satisfying when you solve something yourself!