Item: The Manhole: Masterpiece
Rating: 90
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

90/100

The Manhole: Masterpiece Edition is a piece of gaming history beautifully preserved. Originally created by the Miller brothers (who went on to create Myst), this is a whimsical 'world-book' rather than a traditional game. There are no puzzles to solve or ways to die; instead, you simply explore a surreal, interconnected world through a series of point-and-click interactions.

It’s like stepping into a high-quality children’s picture book. The Masterpiece Edition updates the visuals while keeping the original spirit intact. Clicking on a manhole might lead you to a sunken ship, a castle in the clouds, or a talking walrus. It’s an exercise in pure wonder and exploration, making it perfect for young children or adults looking for a peaceful, nostalgic journey into the roots of interactive storytelling.

Reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026

Dinsun Review

The Manhole is a strange beast. As a 40-year-old, I appreciate the pedigree—Cyan Worlds basically invented a genre here. It’s not so much a game as it is an interactive art piece. There are no puzzles to solve, no enemies to fight, just a collection of bizarre screens to click on. It’s pure, unadulterated 90s surrealism.

The Masterpiece Edition graphics have aged better than I expected, though the navigation can be disorienting for those used to modern logic. You click a hydrant and suddenly you're at the bottom of the ocean. It’s nonsensical, but it’s intentional. It’s a piece of software history. I can’t give it a 90 because it lacks the 'gameplay' modern audiences expect, but as an experience in exploration and a look at where Myst came from, it's well worth the time for anyone with a sense of wonder and a bit of patience.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Unique, imaginative world-building
Incredible pedigree (from the Myst creators)
Truly non-linear exploration

May feel aimless to many players
Dated navigation system
No clear objectives

Technical Report

Performance: Transitions can be slightly slow on older hardware; overall very polished.

Accessibility:

Audience Fit

Buy if: You enjoy surrealist art and want to see the roots of the adventure genre.

Skip if: You need clear goals, combat, or logical puzzle-solving.

Similar Games:

Myst
Samorost

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old veteran gamer
Hardware: iPhone 14 Pro
Playtime: 3 hours
Status: Explored every major path

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPod

378038679

$1.99 4+★4.8 23 reviews

Author : Cyan Worlds

Pubish Date : Wed Aug 04 2010

Last Update Date : Mon May 13 2024

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 2.0Mon May 13 2024

Added iOS 17 compatibility
Added support for Pro Max iPhones
Welcome to The Manhole! From the creators of Myst, The Manhole is a silly, delightful, interactive, busy-box-of-a-world that kids can explore and explore - finding something new around every corner.
This award-winning romp transports children to the fanciful world around, above, and beneath what appears to be just an average, everyday manhole. But there is much more than meets the eye - have tea with a rabbit, wake up a walrus, nibble biscuits with a dragon, hang with a penguin, boat with an elephant, speak French with a turtle, and much more!
First released in the 80's, the original version won rave reviews and numerous awards including "Best New Use of a Computer" from the Software Publishers Association. This Masterpiece Edition was produced in the 90's as a ground-up re-make of the original with meticulous computer-rendered scenes layered with delightful hand-rendered characters. There are over 30 original music compositions and scores of original sounds and voices.
Check out Myst, Riven, and Stoneship - more great iOS entertainment from Cyan Worlds!
Requires iOS 14.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Welcome to The Manhole! From the creators of Myst, The Manhole is a silly, delightful, interactive, busy-box-of-a-world that kids can explore and explore - finding something new around every corner.
This award-winning romp transports children to the fanciful world around, above, and beneath what appears to be just an average, everyday manhole. But there is much more than meets the eye - have tea with a rabbit, wake up a walrus, nibble biscuits with a dragon, hang with a penguin, boat with an elephant, speak French with a turtle, and much more!
First released in the 80's, the original version won rave reviews and numerous awards including "Best New Use of a Computer" from the Software Publishers Association. This Masterpiece Edition was produced in the 90's as a ground-up re-make of the original with meticulous computer-rendered scenes layered with delightful hand-rendered characters. There are over 30 original music compositions and scores of original sounds and voices.
Check out Myst, Riven, and Stoneship - more great iOS entertainment from Cyan Worlds!

Ratings & Reviews

4.8 out of 5 with 23 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

From Cyan, the creators of Myst, comes The Manhole: Masterpiece Edition. This groundbreaking interactive experience invites players to explore a world limited only by their imagination. There are no rules and no scores—just a vast, whimsical landscape filled with hidden secrets and charming characters. Simply click to move through a storybook world that comes to life with every interaction.

Features

Completely non-linear exploration

Beautifully updated Masterpiece Edition graphics

Original soundtrack and voice acting

Safe, educational, and fun for all ages

Tips

Getting Started

There is no right way to play! Click on the manhole to begin your journey, and from there, follow whatever interests you—be it the beanstalk, the rabbit, or the sea.