Ever since I used to be younger, I’ve been fascinated with each Myst and Riven. I by no means really performed both, thoughts you; I used to be extra of a console child. However even then, I at all times felt an indescribable draw towards the PC classics. From an out of doors perspective, they appeared so unusual and alluring. Sooner or later, I virtually didn’t need to play them. I used to be completely satisfied to go away them as an everlasting thriller, puzzles that have been higher left unsolved.
I lastly broke that mindset due to developer Cyan Worlds’ new remake of Riven. The bold challenge takes the 1997 puzzle journey and offers it a contemporary makeover each on PC and VR. That final half was sufficient to make me chew the bullet. If I already felt so engrossed by the Myst sequence from afar, I needed my first actual dive into it to be as all-encompassing as attainable. After loading it up on my Meta Quest 3, I’m concurrently kicking myself for ready so lengthy to attempt Riven and glad I did. The VR model is an astonishing journey that everybody ought to expertise.
The unique Riven is the sequel to 1993’s Myst. It’s a first-person point-and-click puzzle sport the place gamers traverse a mysterious set of islands seeking the imprisoned Catherine. Truly liberating her is an advanced process. It requires traversing the islands and fixing typically obtuse puzzles strewn round them. Riven doesn’t clarify a lot; it’s as much as gamers to infer its inner logic by clicking on every part they will. Those that have the brainpower to make it to the top will discover that they’re in a position to piece collectively a whole quantity system via cautious commentary.
Cyan Worlds’ remake retains the unique sport pretty intact, pumping up its visuals and permitting gamers to freely transfer. It’s a trustworthy challenge — and that’s for the most effective. Taking part in Riven in 2024, I’m fully in awe of it. Even from its opening moments, it feels not like something I’ve ever performed, A number of video games have tried to construct on the concepts of the Myst sequence (this yr’s implausible Lorelei and the Laser Eyes involves thoughts) however nothing fairly captures its aura. I really feel a visceral sense of isolation, like I’m actually trapped in some otherworldly universe I don’t perceive. It’s positively elegant; I’m unnerved and awe-struck in the identical breath.
That feeling is just expanded in VR the place the remake actually shines. The Meta Quest 3 allowed me to really lose myself on the planet of Rivenblocking out the skin world completely. I really feel the claustrophobia after I’m strolling via a slim pipe or the sense of unusual scale after I enter a jungle island and see what seems to be like an unlimited pizza cutter lodged right into a wall to my left. I really feel like Alice after tumbling down the rabbit gap; every part is splendidly unfamiliar.
I think about lots of gamers would possibly battle with Riven‘s precise puzzles. Whilst a seasoned fan of the style, I discovered myself scratching my head even when making an attempt to infer what I may work together with. A few of VR’s shortcomings rear their head right here. Sometimes clumsy movement controls could make it difficult to spin wheels easily. It’s additionally the sort of sport that you simply actually wish to take notes throughout, however which means continuously taking the headset on and off. A screenshot characteristic helps take out that friction, however it’s at all times clear that the underlying sport was constructed for PC first.
What’s so unimaginable about this model of Rivenalthough, is that you simply don’t actually need to play with the intention of beating it to get the expertise. The majority of my enjoyment got here from merely wandering across the odd world and bumping into fixed surprises. I jumped in my seat after I bought to the underside of a protracted staircase solely to search out two huge creatures that appeared like a cross between a pelican and seal. VR emphasizes moments like that much more by giving gamers an amazing sense of scale; they’re huge!
I didn’t care about liberating Catherine a lot. I simply needed to the touch each change, piecing collectively how its metallic orbs and steam-powered gadgets labored. Tactile VR controls make that extra satisfying than ever, bringing the basic point-and-click style to its logical conclusion a long time later. That is the sort of expertise VR was constructed for.
Whether or not you’re a longtime fan of the Myst sequence or a complete newcomer, I urge you to provide Riven a attempt. It’s a daring, mystifying tone piece that also feels wholly distinctive a long time later. That’s not nostalgia speaking; that’s coming from a brand new convert who’s nonetheless not accomplished wandering these islands like a wide-eyed vacationer seeing the Grand Canyon for the primary time.
Riven is out there now on PC, and it’s suitable with VR headsets.