Riven: The Sequel to Myst

Here's A Review of Riven in four words: It's Myst, but better.

Set in Mysts fantasy universe Riven sees you tasked with imprisoning a wizard in a book that contains a broken LCD, to free a woman who can evacuate the residents of Riven before it destroys itself. Got that? So you start off being teleported into a cell. While you're stuck there an oriental lad steals your magic prison book and is promptly assassinated by a ninja wearing sunglasses. He keeps the book and releases you from your cell. And all this in glorious 640 x 480 FMV.

From then on you're in Myst territory, flick-screening around an archipelago solving puzzles. But Riven stands out from the original in two ways: it's stunningly beautiful, with FMV making everything believable, and puzzles are designed as part of the environment, rather than being dumped in your path.

Having the same gameplay as Myst means Riven shares the same faults: solving puzzles can involve staring at your monitor while randomly clicking stuff. And if logic puzzles aren't your thing, this game will make you feel stupid. But people who want to something off-beat to play, Riven makes a fine choice.

Riven: The Sequel to Myst is the second part of the legendary quest about the lost islands of Myst. This time the pages of the magic book no longer beckon the player. The five islands will gladly provide you with new riddles and puzzles.

Not parasitizing on the original

Riven: The Sequel to Myst - although it continues the plot of the original Myst, it turned out to be a unique game. The mysterious atmosphere of the first part was combined with new generation graphics and even more puzzles. The author of the magic book and the descendant of the ancient civilization - Artrus - needs your help again.

Natural clues

Mysteries surround the player everywhere and you can find answers in the most unexpected places. In the rhythm of the music, on the rocks, in your wayfinding notes, or in the direction of the light. The game doesn't guide you, only gives you clues and waits for you to come to the doors they open.

Adventures Outside the Books

While the original Myst had several books to explore, the action in Riven: The Sequel to Myst takes place on five islands:

• Temple Island
• Jungle Island
• Crater Island
• Plateau Island
• Prison Island