36 Down

NYT Daily • August 23, 2025

Island in a classic video game

Answer:

MYST

Hint:

This enigmatic puzzle world begins with the same letter as "maze" but feels more surreal.

Explanation:

This clue refers to Myst, the iconic puzzle-adventure game released in 1993 where players explore a mysterious island filled with intricate mechanisms and hidden lore. The word "island" directly points to the game’s central setting, a visually striking world players navigate to unravel its secrets. Since Myst is widely recognized as a classic in gaming history, the clue relies on cultural knowledge rather than wordplay or puns. If you’ve played or heard of the game, the answer should click immediately.

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