Realms of Arkania 3 - Shadows over Riva Classic
- January 10, 2014
- Attic Entertainment Software
Get on SteamShadows over Riva (1997) is the third part of the glorious Realms of Arkania Trilogy... Something sinister lurks in the seaside town of Riva. An evil force has subverted the city's leaders, and evil things lurk in the town's sewers. Explore the huge city, dungeons and even underwater regions in stunningly detailed 3D. Adjustable difficulty levels make the game as simple or as detailed as you like…
Mac OS
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Reviews
- The atmospheric soundtrack and immersive world capture the essence of old-school RPGs, evoking nostalgia for players who experienced it in their youth.
- The game offers deep character development and a complex story, providing a unique experience that challenges players to think critically and adapt.
- Despite its age, the game has improved visuals compared to its predecessors, and the engaging interactions with NPCs add depth to the gameplay.
- The game feels outdated and lacks modern conveniences, making it difficult for new players to navigate and enjoy.
- Many players find the learning curve steep and the gameplay mechanics frustrating, with some describing it as crude and primitive.
- Technical issues, particularly on certain platforms, severely hinder the playability, leading to a frustrating experience for some users.
- story14 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's story shifts away from traditional tabletop elements to offer a more linear and engaging narrative, which many players find to be an improvement. While not considered a masterpiece, the story is complemented by atmospheric music, character development, and enjoyable battles, creating a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic RPGs. Players appreciate the depth and challenge of the story, making it a satisfying journey for those willing to invest time and patience.
“What previous games have done faithful to the tabletop experience is abandoned for a deeper, more engaging story.”
“For many, atmospheric music, great battles, really comprehensive development of the characters, great plot, and the climate of the nineties, when really great role-playing games were made.”
“After 17 years and tons of RPGs that surely have better presentation and even better story/quests/features, I'm still waiting for a game that can absorb you as much as this one does.”
“After 17 years and tons of RPGs that surely have better presentation and even better story, quests, and features, I'm still waiting for a game that can absorb you as much as this one does.”
“Gone is the overworld travel of the previous games for a more linear story, which is actually better.”
“Overall, if you have the time and the patience, because you will need some for progressing in the quest sometimes, you will find this not just a challenging RPG, but a very satisfying one.”
- music10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its atmospheric quality, evoking nostalgia and enhancing the overall experience. Players appreciate the diverse range of melodies, from beautiful tunes in serene settings to eerie tracks in dungeons, which effectively complement the game's immersive storytelling and character development. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature that significantly contributes to the game's charm and emotional impact.
“Prepare to hear beautiful melodies in the woods, scary ones in dungeons, nostalgic songs at inns, and some creepy tracks for those eerie levels where you just don't dare to keep walking and only think about going home.”
“It's hard not to notice the amazing soundtrack.”
“Prepare to hear beautiful melodies in the woods, scary ones in dungeons, nostalgic songs at inns, and some creepy tracks for those unsettling levels where you just don't dare to keep walking and only think about going home.”
“The atmospheric soundtrack literally takes you back to childhood.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is heavily praised for its nostalgic soundtrack that evokes childhood memories, complemented by immersive music, intense battles, and well-developed characters. Reviewers appreciate the game's ability to capture the essence of classic 1990s role-playing games, enhancing the overall experience.
“The atmospheric soundtrack literally takes you back to childhood.”
“For many, the atmospheric music, great battles, and comprehensive character development create a captivating plot that evokes the climate of the nineties, when truly great role-playing games were made.”
“The atmospheric soundtrack literally takes you back to childhood.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game show significant improvement over its predecessors, appealing primarily to long-time fans or nostalgic players. However, the outdated visuals may not resonate with younger audiences, who might find the overall presentation less engaging.
“The visuals in this game have definitely improved by strides compared to the predecessors.”
“I can recommend this game only to those who liked the previous parts, or to those old-timers who once played it on old computers in the last century; today's youth will hardly like it due to the outdated graphics. The game is not too easy to learn, and it takes time to get used to its specific interface.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is praised for being well-crafted, contributing to an engaging and immersive world. Players appreciate the depth and complexity of the characters, enhancing their overall experience.
“Well-developed character development and an interesting world.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay offers an engaging story that may appeal to hardcore and old-school gamers, though they might encounter mechanics that differ from their usual experiences.
“Hardcore and old-school gamers will likely find it to be an engaging story with mechanics they may not be used to.”
