n 1993, Broderbund released an instant classic, a non-linear CD storyline game that combined intricate, surreal puzzles and a vivid, naturalistic graphical environment. The rendering of the 2-D tableaux was done with every nuance in the 3-D palette: texture (sun-weathered woods, patinaed metals); shapes (domed temples, fluted rocket ships); light (the soft, amber lamplight, the sage-green dappling of morning sun). The puzzles and surprises were equally detailed and challenging: not only shapes and sequences, but sounds were locks that yielded their secrets only to the very persistent and very clever (or the well-read; solutions came with the game).
Fans who may have feared that the enthralling Myst was a wonderful fluke may give thanks that, unlike many sequels, Riven is a worthy successor. It is difficult to say Riven surpasses its forebear, but it expands the Myst concept and is richer in many ways.
First off, enough graphics, animation and audio have been frescoed together to span five CDs versus Myst's one. Riven also continues Myst's storyline (although Riven's storyline and gameplay are stand-alone). Players assume the role of an unwitting traveler who has stumbled into a mysterious world that is the portal to others. She/he agrees to help Atrus, the kindly, wise magician-inventor who is the creator of much of the wonders in these worlds. Players are sent by Atrus to Riven in the hopes that they might find his wife, Catherine, imprisoned by the unscrupulous despot, Gehn. Along the way there are a myriad of switches to flip, cranks to turn and hieroglyphs to decipher.
A worthy successor, with some additions
Although there are some additions that make the immersion experience a stronger one, Riven is essentially the same as Myst. Some have commented that the Myst experience, albeit sumptuous, was a rather lonely one because interaction with other characters was limited. Riven does offer the chance to observe other lifeforms more frequently (humanoids and animals--some familiar, some fantastic), but Riven still has Myst's slightly lonely feel.
There is more at stake in this storyline, however. Entire populations of technologically-simple people are oppressed by Atrus' nemesis, Gehn. Evidence of Gehn's cruelty is in his machines and inventions, and these clues help to foment a rescuer mentality in players. Riven also has critical junctions, where certain actions take place that drastically affect the resolution of the game.
Probably the most urgent question gamers will have is, "So is it harder, or easier?" Those overly-frustrated with Myst will find Riven a little easier, but not by much. Fans happy with the arcane challenges of Myst might have moments of sadness that Riven's puzzles are not quite up to Myst's caliber, but the game has, decidedly, not been dumbed down.
If Riven shares Myst's strengths, it also shares its weaknesses. Riven can be excruciatingly slow (zip-mode will help), and frequently players must spend an inordinate amount of time traveling from place to place to solve a puzzle--a challenge to the mouse rather than the mind. However, Riven, like Myst, is a staggering success, soldering gadgetry and mysticism together in an indefatigable argument for distraction.
