Riven: The Sequel to Myst

 PC
Riven: The Sequel to Myst Image
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

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  • Summary: Enter a deceptively beautiful world torn apart by age-old conflicts...where secrets lie hidden at every turn...and nothing is as it seems. You must search. You must explore. You must summon every spark of intellect and intuition. Only then will you learn the truth and this troubled land andEnter a deceptively beautiful world torn apart by age-old conflicts...where secrets lie hidden at every turn...and nothing is as it seems. You must search. You must explore. You must summon every spark of intellect and intuition. Only then will you learn the truth and this troubled land and its inhabitants. You must let Riven become your world - before an entire world is lost. [Red Orb]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. Game Revolution
    100
    This game is a masterpiece and is worth every single penny. If you've been excitedly waiting for Riven, never fear, you'll love it. This game has proved itself in all aspects, the only way someone could not like it is because it's too intellectually challenging, or they simply don't like these types of games.
  2. Quandary
    100
    I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was well worth the wait. It's a perfect game for fans of this type of adventure and deserves to be every bit as popular as Myst.
  3. Just Adventure
    100
    It's not only phenomenal gaming, but it's a work of art.
  4. Adrenaline Vault
    90
    That dazzling indulgence for your eyes, coupled with the all-consuming sound effects, make this such an enjoyable world to just wander through, never mind the gameplay! And yet, one must mind the gameplay, because incredible design and story work were put into the action, and you're going to have your work cut out for you.
  5. RPG Fan
    86
    While it may not be hailed as a classic, genre-defining game, Riven was a very strong sequel, a difficult thing to do considering the widespread popularity of Myst.
  6. CPUGamer
    80
    It is extremely complex, and can get frustrating at times.
  7. PC Gamer
    40
    Even if you loved "Myst," you'll have a frustrating time with this sequel. If you do buy it, get your hands on the strategy guide ASAP. [Jan 1998, p.289]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. AnalogueB.
    May 2, 2007
    10
    A meticulously crafted masterpiece. Nearly 10 years after its original release, it still inspires a sense of awe. If only games were still A meticulously crafted masterpiece. Nearly 10 years after its original release, it still inspires a sense of awe. If only games were still made with such astonishing intricacy and lavish attention to detail.… Expand
  2. IanG.
    Oct 20, 2004
    10
    Riven's definitely a masterpiece and my favorite game: it's the perfect balance between storytelling, artwork and well-integrated Riven's definitely a masterpiece and my favorite game: it's the perfect balance between storytelling, artwork and well-integrated puzzles. Don't believe those who say that the puzzles in Riven are illogical: everything has a reason to be there!… Expand
  4. LukeM.
    Jun 9, 2004
    10
    The Graphics r Phenomenal, so's the story, gameplay and difficulty. I have managed to beat this game without a guide but was by far the The Graphics r Phenomenal, so's the story, gameplay and difficulty. I have managed to beat this game without a guide but was by far the hardest game I have ever played. This is also my favorite game of all time. Myst Fans should get this game right away!… Expand
  5. TedZ.
    Jul 12, 2004
    10
    The Myst series is one of my favorite around, and Riven is my favorite of the series. The slightly ominous undertone makes it one of my The Myst series is one of my favorite around, and Riven is my favorite of the series. The slightly ominous undertone makes it one of my favorite games. Ever.… Expand
  6. Jestzer
    May 13, 2021
    9
    Play it with a friend.

    My brother and I did this during quarantine last year without a guide. It was absolutely nuts. We had limited    Play it with a friend.

    My brother and I did this during quarantine last year without a guide. It was absolutely nuts. We had limited virtual work, were stuck in the same house together, and had the most difficult puzzle video game before us. We had sheets of paper, OneDrive folders of pictures and conspiracies, and spent all day decoding numbers and fire marble coordinates. It was the perfect time to play this game with the pandemic among us.

    That being said, I definitely wouldn't have enjoyed this as much had I not been playing with someone else. I don't think I would have been able to do it myself without a guide. I believe the creators of this and Myst said that people enjoyed Myst more during playtests because they could bounce ideas off each other. This also applies to Riven and frankly, I think is essential.

    It's also the same reason I can only give the game a 9 out of 10. Everything is so good about it, but I'm sure I wouldn't feel that way if I did it all by myself.    … Expand
  7. DannyV.
    Jan 4, 2007
    9
    Riven is a beautiful, challenging sequel that lives up to the original in every way. It may have been a bit too challenging, though.
  8. Mike
    Jan 29, 2005
    9
    If youre going to play the Myst Series, this is the one to play. Its the best out of all of them! The puzzles are not as difficult as in Myst If youre going to play the Myst Series, this is the one to play. Its the best out of all of them! The puzzles are not as difficult as in Myst 4. and the graphics are more real.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PC Game of 1997
12
#12 Most Discussed PC Game of 1997
10
#10 Most Shared PC Game of 1997

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