Riven: The Sequel to Myst (PC) Review

Aside from a brief break, this adventure will take place in just one world; the ‘Age’ of Riven. That probably sounds kind of lame, as part of the fun in Myst was about getting to explore more than one realm… and yet, people loved the island complex of Riven, which managed to engross them due to its wonderful atmosphere like only a bunch of video game universes have ever done so - and for a good reason. Riven is simply beautiful. Yes, it’s just a bunch of brownish rocks in the middle of an azure ocean, but it’s a magnificent bunch of brownish rocks in the middle of an azure ocean. Compared to Myst it is substantially more photorealistic, and, as a result, has aged much better, but it’s not only that which makes this look so good. Riven feels “real.” From the architecture, to the various pieces of art and symbols, this is a place that people have lived into; a place of history.

There’s a heavier emphasis in the plot this time around, and that’s a good thing as it’s even better than before. Note, however, that most of it is still insinuated, not exposed. Without spoiling much, the storyline revolves around saving a lady from the shackles of Gehn; the god-tyrant of the Myst franchise, and one of the most powerful Age creators. By the way if somehow unaware about what an ‘Age’ is, they are basically compact worlds crafted with the use of a mystical art, with simple-looking books acting as the links to them.

Of course, this being part of the Myst series, Riven is quite the lonely place. It doesn’t have the same scarcity of interactions with the original, but don’t expect to talk to many people. As again it’s all about exploring a vast world, with no guiding hand showing you the way, no journal to take notes on, and, generally, no handholding whatsoever. This “lack” of clear direction won’t please everyone, sure, but it’s one of the ingredients that make this quest so immersive.

Once again, Riven is a tough place to brave. No, there’s not much killing to do here, but there are lots of puzzles to solve before reaching the end, and they are pretty challenging. The good news? Just like with Myst, they are not of the WHAT-NEEDS-TO-BE-DONE-HERE? variety, instead, it’s all about being mindful of your surroundings and of the clues these can give, taking lots of notes, and, most of all, think, think, and think. What’s great about the puzzles at hand is how none of them feel illogical, with the best way to solve them being the simple act of pretending as if this is a real place and you are “there,” instead of handling this like any other video game. In conclusion: think why this or that is there, experiment with the machinery scattered around, carefully read any discovered notes, connect the dots… and prevail!

Another great thing is how much better the navigation feels compared to the origibal. Riven is still a slideshow where you click on “photos” to move around, but the player will rarely feel as disoriented from the instant transition from point A to B. Furthermore, certain spots make it possible to look around, making you feel less constricted. Was it mentioned that it is beautiful? Yes, it is beautiful.

Wrapping everything up, Riven is one of the best adventure game’s ever made, and probably the best of the franchise it belongs to… but! But it’s more of the same, therefore, if not a fan of the first game, don’t expect the sequel to make you change your mind. If you enjoyed your stay at Myst, however, do pay a visit to the scattered group of islands that is Riven, and you are likely to fall in love with its barren, yet mystifying landscapes.