Riven Analysis: The Melancholy of the Island - UploadVR
Riven Review: Island Blues
Riven, like the groundbreaking Myst before it, offers a grand and nostalgic gaming experience. Initially, players may be met with lengthy loading times and unskippable boot sequences on the Quest 2. Once the game starts, much like the original, you're left to navigate and uncover the vast mysteries without much guidance—typical for its era but less so by modern standards.
The story begins in a dark room where Atrus reintroduces the linking books, which serve as portals to different Ages. Your mission in the Age of Riven is to rescue Catherine, who has been trapped by Atrus’ father Ghen, and to trap Ghen himself in the void between Ages. The game features deep lore for dedicated fans, but essentially, you solve puzzles on an island to progress and uncover its secrets.
Key Facts:
- What is it?: A VR remake of Riven, the sequel to Myst.
- Platforms: Quest, Steam (Reviewed on Quest 2).
- Release Date: June 25, 2024.
- Developer: Cyan.
- Price: $34.99.
The remake aims to provide a fully-3D, VR-compatible experience while preserving the essence of the original game. The physical interactivity in VR—grabbing levers and pushing buttons—enhances the tactile nature of the island, making it feel more real and immersive. However, the game's lack of modern tutorials might pose a challenge for some new players.
For a detailed review, visit the source at UploadVR.