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Game Information

Game Title: Riven

Platforms:

• PC (Jun 25, 2024)
• Meta Quest (Jun 25, 2024)

Trailer:

• Riven - Official Launch Trailer

Developer: Cyan Worlds Inc

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 86 average - 93% recommended

Metacritic - 87 average based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic Reviews


AltChar - Asmir Kovacevic - 85 / 100

Riven is the pinnacle of puzzle-oriented games, and in this regard, you probably won't find any better or even on the same level—its puzzles are just something else. If you combine it with a mysterious story and charming aesthetics, you'll get a game that will occupy your attention for quite a while.

CGMagazine - Jordan Biordi - 9 / 10

Much like its updated predecessor RIVEN is an incredible remake of one of gaming's most iconic puzzle games.

COGconnected - Jaina Hill - 88 / 100

If I could only pick one puzzle game to bring to a desert island, I probably would not choose Riven. Fortunately, that is not the case. It’s fascinating to see this missing link of game design. It’s nice to dig into some genuinely excellent writing and art. The puzzles are as opaque as they ever were, which is what a lot of people like about them. I think we need more remakes like Riven, that capture as much as they can about how games felt back then. That’s how we move forward, that’s how games get even better.

Checkpoint Gaming - Kolby James - 8.5 / 10

Overall the remake of Riven is an excellent effort on all fronts. The original Riven was already an exceptionally high quality title that is still playable even today. This new ground-up remake takes that epic title and introduces it to a new generation. This is definitely its final form and stands on its own as an excellent release. I highly recommend it, not just to fans of the original but to any gamer who enjoys puzzle games.

EIP Gaming - Dylan Graves - 8.1 / 10

Riven is still one of the best puzzle games of all time, with challenging puzzles, an intricate plot, and a gorgeous world that all fold into each other in great ways. It's a wonderful experience, except for how slow it can be at points. As a remake, the full 3d movement and stunning new graphics add a lot, though replacing the FMV cutscenes with in-game cutscenes does pull away some of the game's original charm.

Entertainium - Gareth Brading - Masterpiece

The Myst games will always hold a special place in my heart, and although their spiritual successors like Obduction and The Talos Principle fill much of the same gap, there’s nothing which is quite like them. The complexity and challenge of the puzzles has long been a source of frustration for some players, as the game never holds your hand or offers hints. Riven and its sequel Myst III: Exile are the clear highlights of this formula in both style and content, with Exile still being my personal favourite. For this reason I do hope that Cyan feels comfortable giving Exile the same remake treatment next, even though they weren’t the original developers (that being the long defunct Presto Studios). The Riven remake is an expert modernization and expansion to the original, bringing its gorgeous worlds fully to life, and still packed full of fairly challenging puzzles.

Gamer Escape - Josh McGrath - 9 / 10

When I first went into the Riven remake, I really wasn't sure if I would enjoy it or not. I had only played Myst once back when I was ten or so, and I couldn't make heads or tales of it back then. Seeing fans of the game talk about its difficulty had me nervous as well.

But once I found myself immersed in the world, everything just kind of...clicked. Riven isn't an obstuse puzzle box like I expected. It's a surprisingly fleshed-out world. One of seeming loneliness, one of mystery, one that wound up being absolutely enthralling. One that absolutely won't be for everyone, but if it manages to hook you in, good luck getting it to let go.

Riven is a game that demands your full attention, occasionally to its detriment. If you aren't locked in and focused, it is easy to lose the trail the game is gently leading you on. But if you can give it your time and attention, it will take you on an unforgettable ride.

GamingTrend - Ron Burke - 100 / 100

When Riven was first released in 1997 it was heralded as a majestic piece of art. Now almost 30 years later, Cyan Worlds returns to that world, bringing it to modern standards using the tools of today. Once again, they've created a majestic piece of art, and a world worth exploring all over again. It'll test your mind, it's a feast for your eyes and ears, and if you enjoy deep puzzles, it's a game you absolutely cannot miss.

God is a Geek - Chris White - 8 / 10

While Riven is difficult, Cyan Worlds has done a remarkable job remaking one of the most influential puzzle games of all time.

PC Gamer - Kerry Brunskill - 90 / 100

Riven is as impressive, immersive, and unmissable as it's ever been.

SECTOR.sk - Matúš Štrba - Slovak - 8 / 10

The new Riven is a polished relic from a bygone era when games were made very differently. And played very differently. It offers a very different experience to what's on the market today. I don't think it will be a bestseller, but it will certainly appeal to those who like to explore unconventional worlds and solve challenging puzzles. Plus, you can play it in VR.

Saving Content - Scott Ellison II - 5 / 5

Riven is for old and new players, offering new twists for players of the original while offering a deep and rewarding experience for newcomers. Riven has never looked better, and has finally received the remake treatment it has so rightly deserved after 27 agonizing years. Cyan has completed their arc of remaking their first two Myst games with incredible accuracy, care, and reverence, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. Riven is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern realism to provide a puzzle adventure for the ages.

TechRaptor - Erren Van Duine - 8.5 / 10

The new version of Riven is a beautiful addition to the Myst series with addition to detail in its fully rendered environments, and plenty of exploration to be had despite some obscure puzzles.

The Games Machine - Nicholas Mercurio - Italian - 9 / 10

The Riven remake makes its return to the scene with absolute pomp, proving once again how much the journey is more important than the destination. The graphic modernization is illustrious and of absolute caliber, as well as everything else, elevated to the asymptote of wonder. It could involve both long-time enthusiasts and newbies.

TheGamer - Meg Pelliccio - 3.5 / 5

Riven remains one of the most captivating and challenging puzzle games I have ever played. You can’t help but leave the game wanting to learn more about the strange and mysterious world it welcomes you into. I encourage anyone to play this remake, however, while it’s a fine VR game, it’s best enjoyed on PC so you can fully commit to note-taking for puzzles and avoid the added frustration of whipping your headset on and off.

 

[Magic Carpet]

PC paired with Quest 3 tonight! Been looking forward to this remake.

 

[KeepThemEyesOpen]

This is a franchise I wanted to get into but part of my brain would have a very hard time with it. I have Realmyst and for the life of me can't figure out those puzzles. Call me stupid. The game looks gorgeous though.

 

[samoilaaa]

the talos principle 2 , riven , amerzone , syberia world before , so many good adventure puzzle games

 

[Magic Carpet]

Now available $31.49. Steam launches today and already applies a 10% off.

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

 

[Starhowl]

Waiting for this to be on Xbox... Hopefully original Myst will be discounted then, as well..

 

[existensmaximum]

Wasn't this game insanely cryptic with borderline impossible puzzles?

 

[Magic Carpet]

Wasn't this game insanely cryptic with borderline impossible puzzles?

I think Riven is the most difficult of the Myst series, including Obduction.
But it's fair. It teaches you in game what you need to know.

I have a feeling the remake will be easier or at least not as complex.

 

[Badlucktroll]

I for one think that Pyst should be remade

 

[Magic Carpet]

I for one think that Pyst should be remade

Ive known about this game but never played it. its not on Steam.

 

[Puscifer]

This is a franchise I wanted to get into but part of my brain would have a very hard time with it. I have Realmyst and for the life of me can't figure out those puzzles. Call me stupid. The game looks gorgeous though.

You arent stupid. I like adventure games but their puzzle logic tends to really follow whoever's fucked up thought process to do anything

 

[Magic Carpet]

Played about an hour. The game is quite a bit different than the original. I went inside the first fire marble dome and it's 'something'. New puzzles to sort through.
Game plays really well on Epic settings with my RTX 4070. It has DLSS. But I'm seeing the dreaded shader studder everywhere.

 

[ShadowNate]

Original Riven had perhaps the best integration of puzzles in its world among its peers (at the time and for a long time after), to the point that some of them did not even feel like puzzles.

Also great soundtrack, a strong story (that I wish we could experience more of, outside of reading journals and some monologues, but eh), and also had this masterful design that constantly would make the player feel uneasy, watched by someone, or even in mortal danger, without action scenes or jump scares and such.

I am looking forward to playing this remake (hopefully this weekend!). The demo was quite alright and the environments look awesome.

 

[AeonGaidenRaiden]

Id love to give this a go but I thought the same with MYST and after 2hrs the puzzles got so convoluted I had to resort to guides. I literally couldnt understand the logic behind some of them.

 

[Kenpachii]

I didn't knew this was even in the make. Holy shit going to get it right away. Myst and Riven are my favorite puzzle games.
Finally a real riven game arrived dream coming true.

 

[Krathoon]

Actually, I need to get Pyst. It was a good parody game.

The Riven remake is $31 and has VR. There is no excuse not to get it.

 

[Fess]

I’m too dumb for this game. I finished The Witness but that’s about as far as my brain can go when it comes to puzzle games.

 

[Krathoon]

Oh yeah. These games are kind of mind bending. This series has always been like that.

It is ok to look at a walkthrough if your stuck.

 

[Magic Carpet]

I’m too dumb for this game. I finished The Witness but that’s about as far as my brain can go when it comes to puzzle games.

The Witness was HARD, Like really hard. Come on give the ole Riven a try. You might surprise yourself.

 

[ResurrectedContrarian]

I may just get it native on quest for convenience, but I'm prepared to regret that once I start desiring the better graphics and don't have the steam copy to connect

 

[Kenpachii]

Game is made in unreal engine, has support for FSR 2.2 and DLSS. Runs great. Visually absolutely stunning. No RT from what i could see, but ultrawide support out of the gate ( not for when u zoom into something it goes back to 16:9.

It looks really clean, no poppin, shadow flickering etc etc. wonder if its UE5.

 

[StueyDuck]

Gaming is back on the menu boys!

I'm keen to jump back Into this over the weekend. I remember not loving riven as much as myst back In the day but I know it's still fantastic

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

 

[Krathoon]

This and The 7th Guest are going to be the big VR games.

 

[Magic Carpet]

About 5 hours of running around. I managed to open up all the islands and marble domes. But now I'm at the point to start working on the actual big puzzles. I kind of know what to do but I'm missing some things. The puzzles are different enough that I'm now stuck. I have some ideas but there are some things that I don't yet know what they do. ??

Spoiler: Jumped out of my skin when I met

I found my way to Cathrine's prison. Scared the bejeebus out of me when she came around the corner to talk with me.

 

[StueyDuck]

yo they mixed up a lot of the puzzles didn't they?

It's been a really long time since i played the game, but the intro is feeling quite different than what i remember. Maybe I'm just remembering late game solutions being earlier but it just feels different

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

Very cool stuff from Video Game History Foundation here:

 

[tommib]

I’m too dumb for this game. I finished The Witness

does not compute

 

[Skifi28]

Amazing visuals without any form of RT or nanite, we need more of this. I feel like developers use newer tech more and more like a crutch and are starting to forget how to make things look good. They are very good at sucking hardware resources though, just with little to no visual return.

 

[NotMyProblemAnymoreCunt]

I read the Myst Trilogy of books and loved them

Always wanted to play the games

 

[Fess]

does not compute

Different puzzles I guess, The Witness was fantastic. I’m quite good at seeing patterns and directly solve things that are right in front of me. But when I have to walk around and do several steps at different locations and look at what might’ve changed I lose focus and get lost in my chaotic mind.