You can skip through them by using the space bar, but you have to be careful you don't miss a clue. The sound effects are terrific. I suggest you use headphones if you don't live alone. The effects are good. You feel like you're riding a roller coaster.
Sequels have a tough job of living up to the success of their originals.
The puzzles are harder. But it's still early. Before I finished MYST there were days when I didn't think very much of that game. On some days it was so frustrating that I thought it was awful. But it was all worth it in the end.