Realms of Arkania III: Shadows over Riva

About

"Shadows over Riva" is the third game in the Realms of Arkania series, released as part of the acclaimed trilogy based on Germany's popular pen & paper RPG. This 1997 release offers an immersive and sinister story set in the seaside town of Riva, complete with adjusted difficulty levels and exploration of 3D dungeons, underwater regions, and a huge city. Critically acclaimed for its fantastic story and excellent gameplay.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Realms of Arkania III: Shadows over Riva screenshot

63%

Audience ScoreBased on 19 reviews

story4 positive mentions

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 unique story that engages players, especially those familiar with the previous titles in the series.
Despite its challenges, the game provides a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time and effort into learning its mechanics.

The game feels outdated, with clunky controls and a steep learning curve that may deter new players unfamiliar with its mechanics.
Many players find the graphics and interface to be primitive and unrefined by modern standards, making it hard to enjoy the experience fully.
Technical issues, particularly on certain platforms, significantly hinder gameplay, leading to frustration and a poor overall experience.

story
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
14%
29%
The story in this game shifts from a traditional tabletop experience to a more linear and engaging narrative, which many players find to be an improvement. While it may not be a groundbreaking tale, the character development, atmospheric music, and intense battles contribute to a satisfying RPG experience that resonates with hardcore and nostalgic gamers. Overall, it offers a compelling journey that captivates players despite some pacing challenges.
- “What previous games have done faithfully 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.”
- “Gone is the overworld travel of the previous games for a more linear story, which is actually better.”
- “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.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The music in the game is highly praised for its atmospheric quality, evoking nostalgia and enhancing the overall experience. Players appreciate the diverse range of melodies, from beautiful tunes in serene woods 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 captures the essence of classic role-playing games from the nineties.
- “Also difficult to not 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.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere of the game is heavily praised for its nostalgic soundtrack that evokes childhood memories, alongside a rich blend of character development, engaging plot, and a strong sense of the 1990s RPG vibe. This combination creates an immersive experience that resonates deeply with players.
- “The atmospheric soundtrack literally takes you back to childhood.”
- “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.”
graphics
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
100%
The graphics in this game show significant improvement over its predecessors, appealing primarily to long-time fans or nostalgic players familiar with older computer games. However, the outdated visuals may not resonate with younger audiences, who might find the overall aesthetic unappealing.
- “The visuals in this game have definitely improved by leaps and bounds compared to its predecessors.”
- “The graphics are stunning, with incredible attention to detail that brings the game world to life.”
- “The art style is breathtaking, creating a vibrant and immersive environment that captivates players.”
- “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.”
- “The visuals in this game have definitely improved by strides compared to the predecessors.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game features well-developed characters that contribute to an engaging and immersive world, enhancing the overall narrative experience.
- “The character development is incredibly well-crafted, allowing players to form deep connections with the characters.”
- “I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, making each decision feel impactful.”
- “The rich backstories and personal growth of the characters add so much depth to the overall experience.”
gameplay
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The gameplay offers an engaging story that may appeal to hardcore and old-school gamers, though they might encounter mechanics that are unfamiliar to them.
- “Hardcore and old-school gamers will likely find it to be an engaging story with mechanics they may not be used to.”