Welcome to the island. You’re stuck here. Forever. Congratulations. Make yourself at home…it’ll be a long stay. That’s more or less how Zadbox Entertainment’s Myst clone Quern starts. And it’s heavily inspired by that classic first-person adventure game. Right down to the exploration of a deserted island and solving puzzles to get off of it. But despite the similarities it still maintains its own personality.
As mentioned above, you’re trapped on an island with water as far as the eye can see. How you got there is anyone’s guess, but one thing you do know is that you want off. As you wander the place you’ll find clues left by other unfortunate people who have managed to find their way there and escape. It’s up to you to solve the puzzles they left behind in order to return to your own world.
Each world in the universe of Quern is connected. And somehow you ended up here. During your explorations you’ll come to be aided by two people with vastly different agendas. One, a scientist, takes on a more practical and realistic view of the world while the other, a spirit guide of sorts, tries to steer you in a more spiritual manner. Which one you choose to listen to is up to you but you will have to pick sides eventually. No middle ground here.
Quern uses the Unity engine, which means seamless movement throughout the island. It also fully utilizes the first-person aspect of it to let you literally be the “stranger”. That’s pretty much one of the main reasons for going this route. They want the player to feel like they really are a part of the experience.
Fans of Myst should really give Quern a look. There should be no shortage of puzzles to be had here and the visuals are already stunning.
Track the progress of the Quern Kickstarter in our Campaign Calendar.
