Gaming @beehaw.org Chloyster [she/her] @beehaw.org 4 days ago

Riven (2024) Review Thread

Game Information

Game Title: Riven

Platforms:

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

Trailer: https://youtu.be/LN1TQm942_U?si=gRYR7n0sEInhR_wf

Developer: Cyan Worlds Inc

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 86 average - 94% recommended - 17 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.

GameLuster - Axel Cushing - 8 / 10

Updated for modern systems, Riven reminds us why it's a classic adventure game. Perhaps a bit short now, occasionally obtuse in its puzzles, but still visually stunning and engaging.

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.

Try Hard Guides - Erik Hodges - 9 / 10

With its lonely, other-worldly setting, interesting sci-fi and fantastical elements, and puzzling puzzles, the remake Riven is a game that feels incredibly faithful to the era in which it was created and should be a fantastic title for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

9 comments

I love the absurdity of game reviewers 😂

"This game is the pinnicle of its genre"

"This is the 1 game I would bring to a desert island"

"one of the most captivating puzzle games ever"

85%, 88%, 70%, a C to a B. That is just above average.

Meanwhile you get an absolute broken AAA piece of crap that barely functions, incoherant story, generic and boring and those same reviewers say "70-80%". So there is a <10% difference between absolutely mastering a genre and releasing straight garbage?
- IGN and its consequences have been a disaster for video game journalism.
  
  "This game barely works. I had multiple game-breaking bugs during the tutorial. The art style is ugly, the music is annoying, the gameplay is generic and not fun at all, the graphics stutter constantly, and it tried to make me drink a can of mountain dew on camera to verify my purchase. We give it a 7... point 1."
I am interested in the game series, but it looks like there are many points to start from. Myst 2021, realMyst Masterpiece Edition, Myst Masterpiece Edition, Riven, Riven 2024.

Seems like the starting point is a relatively controversial topic amongst fans. I thought of starting with Myst 2021, then playing the original Riven.
- I don't think it's a big deal where you start. The latest iteration of Riven will likely be the most accessible and that's probably what matters most if you're just starting out.
  
  Much of the appeal (for me at least) is that the storyline is a Tolkien-like epic story spanning thousands of years. Myst takes place before Riven, and if you wanted to consume it in chronological order you would start by reading the books (which are surprisingly good). But it's fine to go back and "fill in the blanks" if you play in a different order. It's like reading The Hobbit after you read The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
  
  Also note that Riven and Riven 2024 are the same story so there's no need to play both of them. Same with Myst, just pick the most modern iteration of it. The versions that allow you to move and look around freely take away a lot of frustration with trying to make out what the world looks like and finding clues.
Something they didn't fix for the Myst remake that the Myst-like Quern is much better at is not making puzzles so obscure as to essentially require a guide to complete the game. Was anything done about that problem for the Riven remake?
- Well I suppose the issue is that not everyone sees the obscureness as a problem. I love the Myst games and quern, but I think it would be a bad idea to change the puzzles to be different. The Myst series is quite difficult to be sure, but that's part of why I love them. I don't think everyone needs a guide to finish, but if one does every now and then, is that really such a bad thing? For single player, whatever method of playing that gives you the most enjoyment is the correct way to play
  
  Admittedly I did need a guide at times for Quern too; I think the best compromise is what Cyan did for Firmament and just include an optional hint system in the game itself. By avoiding the need to consult walkthroughs, not only would excessive spoilers be avoided, but the experience would remain self-contained, something especially important for a VR game.
Did you forget to add the trailer?
- Weird, open critic didn't have it in the export. I added it in

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