Riven

89%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,026 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • atmosphere
Riven Game Cover
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"Riven" is a single-player adventure game known for its intriguing story, stellar mechanics, and stunning graphics/soundtrack. The game offers a highly emotional and atmospheric journey through a beautiful yet deceptive world filled with secrets and hidden truths. As the player, you must delve deep into this immersive environment to discover the truth and save a world torn asunder by timeless conflicts.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

89%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,026 reviews
story123 positive mentions
stability28 negative mentions
  • Riven features stunning visuals and immersive world-building that captivates players.
  • The puzzles are cleverly designed, requiring critical thinking and attention to detail, making the sense of accomplishment rewarding.
  • The game offers a rich narrative and lore, expanding on the Myst universe and providing a compelling story.
  • The game can be frustratingly difficult, with some puzzles being overly cryptic and requiring extensive backtracking.
  • Many players experience technical issues, including crashes and save file corruption, particularly on modern systems.
  • The point-and-click interface can feel dated, and the lack of clear guidance can lead to confusion and aimless wandering.
  • story252 mentions

    The story of "Riven" is widely praised for its memorable and immersive narrative, which intricately weaves together environmental storytelling and complex puzzles. Players are drawn into a captivating plot centered around rescuing Atrus's wife and confronting his father, Ghen, in a beautifully crafted world that encourages exploration and discovery. While some find the plot convoluted or the puzzles frustratingly difficult, the overall consensus is that the storytelling is a standout feature that enhances the gaming experience, making it a classic in the adventure genre.

    • “Its immersive world-building, complex puzzles, and captivating storytelling make it a true masterpiece that will be remembered for generations to come.”
    • “The game's narrative is expertly crafted, and players will find themselves fully invested in the story from start to finish.”
    • “The story, visuals, and sound design all play great together to really immerse you into this world.”
    • “The plot is serviceable, but really only compelling if you buy into the D'ni/Atrus/Catherine backstory and arcs, which you can easily overlook.”
    • “Unlike Myst, the storyline for Riven is gated behind vague bits in obscure places and is difficult to decipher, so one is less invested in the characters and plot, and Riven becomes tedious, almost boring, to play.”
    • “The background story/lore included in-game (via Atrus' journal) is sorely lacking, abridged to the point of being a near-total misrepresentation.”
  • graphics193 mentions

    The graphics of Riven, while showing their age with low resolution and some graininess, are still praised for their stunning pre-rendered visuals and artistic design, which many players find captivating even decades after its release. The game is noted for its immersive atmosphere and intricate world-building, with some reviewers highlighting that it surpasses many modern titles in aesthetic quality despite its technological limitations. Overall, Riven's visuals are considered a significant achievement for its time, contributing to its status as a classic in the adventure game genre.

    • “Riven encompasses one of the most rich experiences in gaming history, aesthetically, architecturally, sonically.”
    • “The graphics are still pretty good, in my opinion, though it's the world design that captivates me more than the polish and number of pixels in the art.”
    • “Absolutely gorgeous graphics, amazing gameplay, and really cool integration of real actors into a CGI setting.”
    • “However, this game has controls, graphics, and video quality from 1998.”
    • “The graphics, of course, are of their time as well, but with a few tweaks it doesn't have to look awful.”
    • “There are no graphical enhancements with this version, and stretched to fit a modern monitor it manages to look worse than it would have 20 years ago.”
  • atmosphere66 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and haunting qualities, enhanced by a beautifully crafted soundtrack and detailed world-building. Players appreciate the deep sense of wonder and emotional engagement it fosters, making it one of the most atmospheric titles in the genre. Despite some technical issues, the overall experience remains captivating and memorable, with many considering it a masterclass in atmospheric design.

    • “The atmosphere, world building, and puzzle design are immensely satisfying and capture your sense of wonder in ways few other games can.”
    • “One of the most atmospheric games ever made, with exquisite sounds and beautiful scenes.”
    • “From the ambient sounds of the islands to the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, Riven's audio elements play a pivotal role in creating an immersive atmosphere that keeps players engrossed throughout their journey.”
    • “The somber, solitary pensiveness of the first of the Myst series is eerie and surreal, and the second game in the Myst series - Riven - not only continues, but fully adopts this atmosphere.”
    • “I don't know if it's the music, the atmosphere, or the visuals, but nothing seems to quite hit the same spot as Riven.”
    • “That's part of the atmosphere, but you may find it feeling empty at times.”
  • gameplay65 mentions

    The gameplay of Riven is characterized by its intricate puzzles and immersive world, though it is often described as dated and esoteric, making it challenging for modern players. While the point-and-click mechanics are reminiscent of its predecessor, Myst, many reviewers note that the puzzles are significantly more complex, requiring patience and sometimes external help to navigate. Despite some technical issues and a lack of intuitive mechanics, the game's rich lore and atmospheric design contribute to a compelling experience that resonates with fans of the genre.

    • “Riven offers a substantial gameplay experience that can span from 15 to 30 hours, depending on your puzzle-solving skills and exploration.”
    • “Riven is a masterpiece of combining the environment, story, and gameplay into one world, making you feel like you are there despite the point-and-click nature of the game.”
    • “Cyan really outdid themselves with Riven, building a dark layered world filled with interlocking aspects of gameplay, story, art direction, and lore, not to mention the dark gothic-tinged ambient music composed by Robyn Miller.”
    • “Having said that about the experience, which I love, for intellectual honesty I must also talk about the defects of the gameplay, which is obviously particular and dated.”
    • “As gameplay-wise, Riven felt like a huge step backwards compared to Myst, and the fact that the enhanced graphics often only serve to detriment the game with either the FMV sequences becoming a chore or the graphics simply not being up to allowing you to spot things without trial and error, I have to give this a negative review.”
    • “I also felt like I had to spend far too much time clicking all over creation just to see what I could interact with, and a lot of the game mechanics just weren't all that intuitive (having to go back and forth across the islands way too much).”
  • music57 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its haunting beauty and atmospheric quality, significantly enhancing the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack's ability to create an immersive environment, with many expressing a desire to purchase the soundtrack separately due to its excellence. Overall, the audio elements, including both music and ambient sounds, are considered pivotal in establishing the game's eerie and captivating atmosphere.

    • “The music of this game alone makes it worth playing.”
    • “From the ambient sounds of the islands to the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, Riven's audio elements play a pivotal role in creating an immersive atmosphere that keeps players engrossed throughout their journey.”
    • “The atmosphere, story, and music are all top notch.”
    • “No music or magic and the video cuts are annoying.”
    • “The music and ambient track in Riven is absolutely amazing on a beefy surround sound system.”
    • “It's rather like vinyl as opposed to downloaded music.”
  • stability31 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and save file issues, particularly on older systems like Windows 7 and 8. While some players have managed to achieve a smooth experience after updates or by using alternative launch methods, the overall consensus is that the game is plagued by significant bugs that can severely disrupt gameplay. Users recommend caution, especially for those on modern systems, as the game can be nearly unplayable at times.

    • “With the new port, I had a perfect playthrough experience with no glitches or crashes at all.”
    • “Finally, I have a version that runs great on a Windows 10 PC thanks to the new update.”
    • “On the second day of owning this game, it no longer starts up through Steam, but going to the Steam folder and running ScummVM, which is included, it runs great again.”
    • “An amazing game in itself with beautiful artwork and complex puzzles; unfortunately, this version is completely unplayable. It crashes every few minutes, doesn't allow for saves, is buggy and temperamental at best, the menu bar doesn't work, and the computer needs a full restart often to even exit the game screen.”
    • “The game freezes constantly and is already not fun.”
    • “It is buggy and prone to crashing and freezing.”
  • grinding11 mentions

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and time-consuming, often involving excessive backtracking and trial-and-error puzzles that detract from the overall enjoyment. While some appreciate the challenge, many feel that the reliance on persistence over logic leads to a frustrating experience, with repetitive tasks and lengthy transport sequences contributing to a sense of boredom. Overall, the grinding elements can make the game feel more like a chore than an engaging adventure.

    • “The puzzles in this game seem to rely less on logic and discovery than on persistence, trial and error, spam clicking, or simply wasting your time. You often have to find the right thing to interact with to advance a puzzle, but that thing may be many screens away and even in a completely different zone. This can get extremely tedious as there are so many screens you may or may not have to 'search', and the next advancement may be a very long way away.”
    • “Adding to the sense of time wasting, the transport rides look great to start with but soon become tedious to use, as they just take up time to re-explore an area that may or may not have something you need to do or have missed. This is also the same for some of the FMV sequences where you may be learning how something works and have to endure multiple (sometimes long-winded) FMV sequences.”
    • “It seemed like solving part of a riddle just meant being faced with another riddle, which required more tedious endless travel back and forth.”
  • replayability5 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is highlighted by its randomized elements and depth, which encourage players to engage with it multiple times for varied experiences. However, some users note a lack of replay value due to forgetfulness regarding problem-solving, suggesting that while many find it engaging, others may not feel compelled to replay it frequently.

    • “A particular high point was the genius move to include 3 randomized code combinations, which prevented people from rushing through the entire game by memory, making them actually play it instead, and at the same time sent the replay value through the roof.”
    • “Great replay value, because, honestly, I forget how to solve the problems every time.”
    • “The absence of hand-holding and the game's depth ensure replayability, as each playthrough can provide a different experience and perspective.”
    • “There is little replay value.”
  • emotional5 mentions

    Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, recalling nostalgic experiences from childhood that evoke a sense of accomplishment and engagement. The game's imaginative world demands not only intellectual strategy but also significant emotional investment, leading to both challenges and rewarding moments that resonate with players across different life stages. Despite its difficulty, the emotional journey remains a compelling aspect that enhances the overall experience.

    • “Riven is imaginative, and requires real emotional and psychological engagement on the part of the player, in addition to an understanding of the intellectual strategy of the game.”
    • “Playing Riven as an adult made me feel the same way child me felt playing Myst.”
    • “It's definitely harder than Myst, and it will give you much emotional pain, but still I liked playing it.”
  • optimization3 mentions

    Overall, the optimization of the game is praised for its smooth performance and stability, particularly when using ScummVM, which enhances the experience without crashes. The integration of live-action character performances and well-crafted dialogue further enriches the game's immersive quality.

    • “But then this version arrived one day, and through the magic of ScummVM, this version actually runs smoothly and without crashes.”
    • “Character performances are memorable, and the dialogue and backstory are acute and carefully crafted.”
    • “Riven is captured beautifully, and the live-action character performances are well done and integrate seamlessly into the world.”
  • humor3 mentions

    The humor in the game is subtle and not the primary focus, contrasting with more comedic adventure titles. Players may find amusement in the interactions and references, particularly for those familiar with the Myst series, but the overall tone leans more towards a serious and immersive experience rather than overt comedy.

    • “This is not one of those funny adventure games, full of crazy dialogue and weird inventory items (those are nice too...).”
    • “If you help Atrus, he tells you he may help in getting you back to where you came from (it's funny when you read the Myst books), so you journey on to Riven with no linking books, many puzzles ahead, and a very detailed and interesting world awaits.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Character development is highlighted as a strong point, particularly in the depth given to Atrus and Catherine, which enhances the overall narrative experience. The convincing world and character design further contribute to the immersive storytelling.

    • “The overall world and character design is convincing, enhancing the immersive experience.”
    • “If you played Myst, this game offers more character development for Atrus and Catherine.”
    • “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the protagonists.”
    • “I expected more growth and complexity in the characters, but they remain one-dimensional throughout the game.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is not explicitly discussed in the provided text, but it suggests that the game has generated interest and anticipation, potentially indicating a marketing strategy aimed at attracting players.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

24hMedian play time
19hAverage play time
7-30hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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