Riven: The Sequel to Myst

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).

OK, so Riven is not a movie. It's really a computer game. Nevertheless, it is still worth commenting about it since the movie scenes are also wonderful. First, the game. Yes, it is very difficult. The first time I played it I needed some help, and even the second time I found it difficult. However, you can go online to find some hints to help you complete the game. Trust me, it's worth the effort. Now, the movies. John Keston, the actor who portrays Gehn, does an excellent job. You learn so much about him before you actually meet him, and when you finally meet him, he fits the bill precisely. Also, when someone talks to you, be it Gehn, Catherine or Atrus, you feel like they're talking directly to you! You get a special feeling that not even most movies can deliver. Overall, I recommend this game in the best possible way!

This game was great. A nice sequel to Myst. The detail was absolutely amazing. I can't imagine the frustration the crew went through to get it just right. But, like its predecessor, the ending was left wide open for another sequel.

It took me 5 years to finish Riven and even then I did use a walkthrough to get to the very end. In retrospect, the game is not really that big (compared to the sequels that would follow) but the puzzles are very hard and you'll be scratching your head for hours.

Unlike the original Myst, all of Riven takes place on one island so there is no hopping around in different ages. And what a beautiful place Riven is! It's the perfect place to be. Unspoiled, atmospheric, brooding, foreboding and a calming quiet broken only by the distant surf. The photo-realistic graphics have greatly improved since Myst and almost any one screenshot would make the most pretty postcard.

Robyn Miller once again does the music and it's that minimalistic and thinly melodic score the series used to have before Jack Wall came along in Myst III and changed all that. If you like that kind of thing then you should get the CD.

It may be 8 years old now and technologically primitive in comparison to a lot of newer games but Riven is still as hauntingly captivating now as it was then.

Graphics A Sound A- Gameplay B Lasting Appeal B

when I got this game I thought that I would eventually get through it but i couldnt so i cheated...As i made my way through this game i realised that there is no way on earth i could have gotten close to beating this game. You have to be a complete genius to get anywhere. I know there are people out there that have finished this game without cheating. YOU PEOPLE ARE GIFTED!! Anyway besides that the graphics are great the scenery is outstanding. You get the feeling of entering another world a fascinating world. All up its worth getting but unless your extremely smart get the walkthrough it doesn't ruin the experience.