User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 3 out of 9
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  1. Jun 18, 2012
    10
    Now the ports of Myst are all fine and dandy (except for the DS port which by NO way, shape or form fine and dandy), but it has always bothered me that Cyan Worlds never ported Riven, Uru, or Myst V. Well, ONE of those desires has been sated and it is VERY well sated. This port is true and faithful to the original Riven, which I personally think was Cyan World's TRUE masterpiece (not thatNow the ports of Myst are all fine and dandy (except for the DS port which by NO way, shape or form fine and dandy), but it has always bothered me that Cyan Worlds never ported Riven, Uru, or Myst V. Well, ONE of those desires has been sated and it is VERY well sated. This port is true and faithful to the original Riven, which I personally think was Cyan World's TRUE masterpiece (not that Myst wasn't a masterpiece in its own right), Riven is further proof that Video Games are not just a great story telling medium, but also can be a form of art and a great form at that. Expand
  2. Mar 2, 2017
    8
    After the success of the original "Myst" game changed the landscape of computer gaming, its widely-awaited sequel created an even more engaging atmosphere. The only trouble? It is difficult to the point of giving up on far too many occasions.

    Basically, "Riven" follows the same point-and-click philosophy as its predecessor. You go around solving logic puzzles with the goal of saving
    After the success of the original "Myst" game changed the landscape of computer gaming, its widely-awaited sequel created an even more engaging atmosphere. The only trouble? It is difficult to the point of giving up on far too many occasions.

    Basically, "Riven" follows the same point-and-click philosophy as its predecessor. You go around solving logic puzzles with the goal of saving Catherine (wife of age-writer Atrus) from the murderous Gehn.

    In terms of overall imagination and scope, "Riven" is, dare I say, easily the "best" of the Myst bunch. The puzzles are more engaging than "Myst", and the game just has an epic feel to it. Every single different island, creature, or pathway one encounters in the game leads to an amazing discovery. At least at the outset, it is almost impossible to not get swept away by the atmosphere and become completely immersed in the gameplay.

    The problem? Here it is: After playing all the Myst games through as a teenager when they first came out, I decided to tackle them all again and review them on Amazon this time. "Myst" was a grand experience, and so was "Riven"...until you actually have to begin solving the the mystery of the Golden Domes (which leads in turn to the infuriating dot-matrix puzzle). The difficulty level gets to the point where one most devote countless hours (and probably even some sleepless nights!) to wrapping one's brain around the mysteries. Unless you are fully, 100% committed to the game, you will waver at this point.

    An easy "fix" for the difficulty problem would have been having the islands be a bit more accessible. Whereas in "Myst" the action took place in relatively enclosed spaces, "Riven" sprawls out over and incredibly large environment. Thus, a "discovery" on one island is prompted not only by the thought of "I know what this does now", but also "how the heck do I get back there?!". Not having to spend valuable time traipsing across the entire game would have ratcheted up the experience quite a bit (instead of dragging it down considerably).
    Expand
  3. Apr 25, 2020
    9
    Couldn't set the score in the original Riven. Leaving comment here.

    Pros.:
    - Masterfully created world and the script.
    - The characters and the attention to details.
    - Music and sound design.
    - Endings.

    Cons.:
    - Some puzzles seem too hard.

    In general, it's just the perfect game of its time!
  4. Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Riven is the best Quest game, which has ever been created. You don't find any typical or plane mini game, like in 99% other games. The best and the most wonderful thing here, is that you won't be able to complete this game until you fully realize, what is going on here.
  5. Feb 22, 2021
    0
    J’ai chopé ça je ne sais plus où, ça devait être sur le couvercle d’une poubelle ou dans un bac à merde, je ne me rappelle plus… En tout cas, c’est une « ré-édition » de 2004 si je puis dire dans la « Hits Collection » parce qu’il paraît que c’était un « hit », ouais, ouais, ouais… et mon cul, c’est du poulet ?

    Bon, au moins ça tient sur un dvd en lieu et place des 4 cd d’origine (!),
    J’ai chopé ça je ne sais plus où, ça devait être sur le couvercle d’une poubelle ou dans un bac à merde, je ne me rappelle plus… En tout cas, c’est une « ré-édition » de 2004 si je puis dire dans la « Hits Collection » parce qu’il paraît que c’était un « hit », ouais, ouais, ouais… et mon cul, c’est du poulet ?

    Bon, au moins ça tient sur un dvd en lieu et place des 4 cd d’origine (!), car cette vieille daube sent le renfermé: elle remonte en effet à 1997 ! ce qui explique qu’elle ne marche qu’en mode compatibilité 95 ou 98 sur XP, un détail omis lors de l’installation par le distributeur de l’étron. Ce qui peut expliquer également que les vidéos « live » n’aient pas de son, contrairement au reste du jeu.

    Mais on ne va pas s’étendre outre-mesure sur les soucis et les bugs foireux d’une vieille daube de cet acabit, cette espèce de simulateur poussif de diapos, abscons et très con, chiant comme la pluie et sans aucun intérêt. Une grosse vieille merde donc, à ranger sous le paillasson, après s’être essuyé les pieds dessus !
    Expand
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Apr 12, 2011
    80
    Overall, this is a solid and satisfying port of an older game that, while a little (okay, a lot) slow and slightly creaky, can still deliver a rich and meaty puzzle experience to be savored by adventure game lovers.
  2. Feb 6, 2011
    70
    If you liked Riven the first time around, or loved Myst and never played Riven, you'll really enjoy this blast from the past.
  3. Feb 6, 2011
    80
    Myst was, by comparison, only a small taste of what was to come in the sequel 'Riven' and now gamers can explore complex world filled with wonder and betrayal no matter where they are.