RHEM IV: The Golden Fragments SE
- February 3, 2016
- Knut Mueller
- 57h median play time
Get on Steam"Rhem IV SE: The Golden Fragments" is a puzzle-adventure game set in a mysterious, complex world. You must discover a secret transport system and activate it by finding nine key fragments, while exploring tunnels, deciphering puzzles, and interacting with unusual vehicles and characters. The game boasts non-linear gameplay and a detailed, enigmatic environment.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a wide variety of challenging and clever puzzles that require logical thinking and patience to solve.
- It offers a rewarding sense of accomplishment as players progress through the game, with many players praising its addictive nature.
- The atmosphere and art style, while dated, contribute to the overall experience, making it a great choice for fans of the Myst series and similar puzzle games.
- The game suffers from technical issues, including bugs and crashes, particularly on newer operating systems like Windows 11.
- Backtracking is often necessary, which can lead to frustration as players navigate the large, non-linear map.
- The difficulty level is very high, which may deter players who are not accustomed to complex puzzles or who easily get stuck.
- story7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story in Rhem is minimal and serves primarily as a loose framework to connect its puzzles, lacking the depth and engagement found in Myst. While some players appreciate the focus on gameplay over narrative, many note that the weak storyline and outdated graphics detract from the overall experience. Despite these shortcomings, the challenging puzzles and immersive environment can still provide an enjoyable experience for those who prioritize gameplay over story.
“After a short cut-scene of your cart arriving in Rhem and a note from one of the few story characters, you're dumped into a puzzle experience that has almost no hand-holding and some very difficult puzzles.”
“Whereas Myst has a bit more of a story, better art overall (though I actually love the very mechanical nature of the Rhem art), Rhem has only the bare minimum of a story arc to tie the games together and relate to the mysterious land of Rhem.”
“This type of game doesn't really need a story for me to enjoy it.”
“Rhem has only the bare minimum of a story arc to tie the games together, relating to the mysterious land of Rhem.”
“After a short cutscene of your cart arriving in Rhem and a note from one of the few story characters, you're dumped into a puzzle experience that has almost no hand-holding and some very difficult puzzles.”
“The storyline might be very lacking, but the most enjoyable part of the game for me was progressing through it, so that never really bothered me.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the nostalgic, low-resolution aesthetic reminiscent of the original Myst, while others criticize the dated visuals and muted colors. Despite the limited animation and occasional technical issues, many users find the artwork appealing and fitting for the game's atmosphere. Overall, the graphics may not be cutting-edge, but they contribute positively to the overall experience for fans of the genre.
“Controls are crisp, no bugs, artwork is great.”
“The graphics are pretty good in my opinion; I like the art style and overall the aesthetics are very nice.”
“It has beautiful graphics and clever puzzles.”
“Low resolution outdated graphics, no soundtrack, sometimes devices need to be used repetitively many times which looks unnecessary and illogical at times, weak story, probably something more (had few unexpected crashes for example), but in general I didn't mind them because overall game experience is so great that nothing else matters.”
“The graphics are dated, the colors are muted (it is an abandoned, dilapidated complex) and there is limited animation.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Gameplay in Rhem is characterized by its mechanical nature and atmospheric elements, with minimal story integration that some players find beneficial. While Myst offers a richer narrative and superior art, Rhem's eerie music enhances the immersive experience despite its weak storyline.
“The music was suitably eerie and made for atmospheric gameplay.”
“Whereas Myst has a bit more of a story, Rhem has only the bare minimum of a story arc to tie the games together, relating to the mysterious land of Rhem.”
“The storyline is weak and mostly missing during the gameplay, but that's probably for the good.”
“Whereas Myst has a bit more of a story and better art overall, Rhem has only the bare minimum of a story arc to tie the games together, relating to the mysterious land of Rhem.”
“The gameplay feels very mechanical and lacks the depth and engagement found in other titles.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as suitably eerie, enhancing the atmospheric gameplay, though it lacks a consistent soundtrack. While some players noted issues with outdated graphics and repetitive device use, these factors did not significantly detract from the overall positive experience. Comparisons to other games like Myst highlight a difference in dreamlike quality and romanticism in the music.
“The music was suitably eerie and made for atmospheric gameplay.”
“Low resolution outdated graphics, no soundtrack, sometimes devices need to be used repetitively many times which looks unnecessary and illogical at times, weak story, probably something more (had few unexpected crashes for example), but in general I didn't mind them because overall game experience is so great that nothing else matters.”
“Unlike Myst, not so dreamlike scenery, not so romantic music there.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is enhanced by suitably eerie music, contributing to an immersive and engaging gameplay experience.
“The music was suitably eerie and made for atmospheric gameplay.”
“The game's environment is rich with detail, creating an immersive atmosphere that draws you in.”
“Every sound and visual element contributes to a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after playing.”
