Riven

The story of Riven is widely praised for its depth, rich lore, and immersive environmental storytelling, which enhances the overall gameplay experience. While the narrative can be complex and occasionally confusing for newcomers, especially those unfamiliar with the original Myst, many players appreciate the expanded details and cohesive plot that the remake offers. The integration of puzzles with the story is noted as particularly strong, making exploration and discovery feel meaningful within the context of the game's world.

The gameplay of the remake has been largely praised for its engaging puzzles and immersive world-building, with many mechanics updated or redesigned to enhance accessibility and enjoyment. While some players noted issues with pacing and certain mechanics feeling slow or repetitive, the overall experience is described as a rewarding blend of exploration and problem-solving that retains the essence of the original. New puzzle elements and narrative adjustments have been well-received, making the game feel fresh even for veterans of the series.

Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing significant stuttering, frame drops, and inconsistent performance, even on high-end hardware. While some users noted that the game runs smoothly under certain conditions, such as using DLSS or on lower settings, the general consensus is that the game requires further patches and optimizations to address these performance issues, particularly in VR. Many hope that future updates will improve the overall experience, as the game's visual quality is often praised despite its technical shortcomings.

The music in the game, primarily composed by Robyn Miller, is widely praised for its beauty, atmospheric quality, and nostalgic ties to the original soundtrack. While the remastered version retains most of the original tracks, some new compositions have been noted as feeling out of place or disconnected from the overall ambiance. Overall, the sound design and music significantly enhance the game's immersive experience, capturing the essence of the original while introducing new elements.

The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive environments, and effective sound design, which together create a captivating and moody experience reminiscent of the original. While some users noted occasional framerate issues and a lack of ambient music, the overall consensus is that the game successfully captures and enhances the unique atmosphere that made the original a classic. Many players found themselves lost in the beautifully crafted world, appreciating the environmental storytelling and the nostalgic yet fresh feel of the remaster.

The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with many players reporting various minor glitches and bugs, particularly in VR, such as visual artifacts and clipping issues. While some users experienced significant crashes and gameplay-affecting glitches, others found the game mostly stable and enjoyable, suggesting that while it may be a bit rough around the edges, it does not severely detract from the overall experience. Overall, players hope for future patches to address these stability concerns.

The reviews highlight that the grinding aspect of the game is often tedious and frustrating, with players expressing dissatisfaction over slow animations, excessive backtracking, and unskippable sequences that hinder exploration. While some puzzles have been revamped to reduce tedium, many still find the overall experience repetitive and time-consuming, leading to a sense of discouragement in gameplay. Despite these criticisms, some players appreciate the modernization of certain elements, though the grind remains a significant drawback.

Players express a profound emotional connection to the game, often reminiscing about childhood experiences and the sense of wonder it evokes. The detailed puzzle design and immersive world-building create feelings of nostalgia and accomplishment, with many noting moments of joy and even tears during key scenes. Overall, the game successfully rekindles a sense of awe and exploration, making it a heartfelt journey for those revisiting a beloved classic.

Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the randomization of puzzles and multiple endings that enhance replay value, others feel that the inherent nature of the mystery genre limits it. The recent remake has introduced features that allow for a more varied experience, but many still believe that the best way to enjoy the game is through a single, unhinted playthrough.

The humor in the game is noted for its cleverness and unexpected moments, with players finding amusement in both the absurdity of certain elements, like the overpriced walkthrough, and the quirky changes that resonate with their own interpretations. While some aspects elicited genuine laughter, others were seen as amusingly flawed, contributing to a lighthearted experience overall.

Reviews indicate a mixed perception of the game's monetization, with some players initially viewing it as a potential cash grab due to the legacy of the original title. However, others argue that the sequel transcends this notion, suggesting it is more of a genuine effort rather than a mere attempt to capitalize on the franchise's success.

The character development in the Myst remake has received mixed feedback, with some users noting flaws in character design that detract from the overall experience. While the game is generally well-received, these design issues highlight areas for improvement in character portrayal.