This is actually my first post here, so I'm pretty jazzed
Well, I've given it a great deal of thought and I think I've determined the main things that make Myst ages so great and mysterious, and, in my opinion, what sort of takes away from the newer ages (especially realtime ones, such as URU and Myst5). I think it mainly has to do with sound, which is something that's sort of diminished, especially in third-person URU. The general creepiness of Myst is caused by seeing things work and sort of subconsciously know if someone else knows if they work also.
For example, (this actually sounds sort of not-making-sense
, but) I remember when I was playing Riven and opened the door to Gehn's chair with the cage on Gold Dome Island, and distinctly remember hearing the sound it made and wondering if anyone else could hear it from far away.... okay that made no sense, nevermind But it's just sort of creepy, the sounds especially. Anything that makes ages look or sound decayed like rusty and squeaky doors, or broken things which should work correctly, particularly when surrounded by things which are working corrected are usually pretty awesome too. Also, in Riven especially, there are a lot of objects that make loud or annoying noises, but which fade as you get closer or farther away, giving you a better sense of distance than you would have otherwise. Walking down a deserted hall and passing by a fan making a rather quiet squeaking or rattling noise is much like something you'd see in Riven.
Anyways, those are my observances at least.
