Myst
Myst
Game
Game2024
Riven
Developer Cyan Worlds, Inc.
Riven: The Sequel to Myst is a 1997 adventure game developed by Cyan Productions and published by Red Orb Entertainment for Mac OS and Microsoft Windows. It is the sequel to 1993's Myst, and the second installment of the Myst series. The game's story is set after the events of its predecessor; having rescued Atrus, who had been trapped by his sons, the player character is enlisted by him to free his wife from his… From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
361 reactions from 4 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Mastodon, Lemmy) · newest Nov 5, 2026 · last updated Nov 5, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
87
LovedLoved
194 positive · 28 negative
95% range 82–91%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 194 | 28 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 50 | 4 | 68 |
| Mastodon * | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| Lemmy * | 0 | 0 | 2 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
2,216 of 2,383 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
87% recommend · 185 yes, 27 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 212 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Very Positive (2,675 of 2,897 positive).
Players widely praise the Riven remake as a beautiful and faithful update of the classic. [1][2][3] Some reviewers note that the puzzles remain challenging and rewarding, though a few find them artificial. [4][5][6] A few players mention technical issues or prefer the original version. [7][8][9]
Liked
Representative posts
- [6]
The biggest problem for me is the artificiality of the puzzles. Most of them are deliberately over-engineered mechanisms whose sole purpose is to confuse the player. They don’t feel believable, because they make no practical sense if they were to exist in real life. Puzzles should feel environmental — like natural extensions of the setting — not abstract machines designed solely to be puzzles. On top of that, the …
- [2]
Oh my God. Oh Great Yahvo. Oh Praise the Maker, and take it from this Myst Saga fan - this version of Riven. Is. Perfect. In every single possible way, Cyan has done it again - they created the definitive Myst, and now, they have created the definitive version of Riven. I'm going to assume if you're reading this, you have some familiarity with the Myst games or you like puzzle games. If that's you, and you have not …
- [5]
A game for the curious. Riven is rather rudimentary in its gameplay. You walk around, you look at objects, you take pictures of said objects and perhaps even write notes for yourself along the way (you will need it). There is very little talking, most of the game is just exploring the various enchanting islands of the world of Riven, discovering its past and solving intricate puzzles along the way. The game is …
- [8]
Gotta say... very mixed on this one. I'm a huge fan of the original game, I've been playing it since it came out, and the OG Myst and Riven are two games I'd consider favorites. I'm leaning towards recommending as 'no' as a recommend if you have never played Riven before because the original is by leaps and bounds superior, but leaning towards 'yes' if you have,,because it feels more like an accompionment, rather …
- [11]
Absolutely amazing. Most beautiful game I've ever played. It's a bit short and easier than the original, but still a 10/10.
Summarised from 34 of the 326 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 12, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
Players who liked Riven talk about beautiful graphics and immersive atmosphere; those who didn't talk about some puzzles feel artificial or overly complex. Which matters more to you?
Critics, per Wikipedia
Riven was generally positively received by critics, with the PC version garnering an average critic score of 83/100 at Metacritic. Jeff Segstack of GameSpot gave the game high marks, explaining that it is "a leisurely paced, all-encompassing, mentally challenging experience. If you enjoyed Myst, you'll thoroughly enjoy Riven." Computer Gaming World stated that the graphics were the best they had seen in any adventure game. GamePro said that it "retains the ambiance of Myst, but new features, such as increased use of animation and live action footage, create even more believable environments." The reviewer gave it a 4.5 out of 5 in graphics and a perfect 5.0 in every other category (sound,…
From the “Reception” section of Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Critic context only — not part of the audience score.
Reactions
60 of 361 · most liked firsthill i will die on: not all 3D ages poorly. perceptions of an aesthetic change the older a game gets. i think the way Myst and Riven have aged is proof that 3D art can get better with age, especially as aesthetics lose context of the era a game is in.
positive · AI labelView post →Today I found out that pretty much all the original footage from the live action filming sessions for both Myst and Riven are viewable online over on the Video Game History Foundation Library in their original quality and I think thats pretty damn neat.
neutral · AI labelView post →Went for a walk in some woods in Oughtibridge, Sheffield yesterday and came across this structure. I've played enough Myst and Riven to know I can click on something here to start playing a video of a slightly lower encoding quality than the static view. #myst #riven
neutral · AI labelView post →havin' a real Old Man Yells at Cloud moment here, but I do chuckle watching someone brute force their way through Riven in a couple hours by crowd-sourcing hints when I played that game over the course of, like, an entire month back in 1997
positive · AI labelView post →After hitting credits, confirming: this game HAS THE JUICE This is not "Obra Dinn" or "Outer Wilds" this is a stupidly clever discombobulation of the Myst/Riven-like. If you are not a Myst sicko, this is not for you! Few more thoughts:
positive · AI labelView post →✨ We’re thrilled to announce that Myst: Masterpiece Edition, Riven (1997), and Myst III: Exile have been updated to ver 2.0—and now Steam Deck verified! The update includes more robust controller support, better save game support, and platform support for both Windows & Mac.
neutral · AI labelView post →Playing the Riven remake, I've been re-evaluating The Witness. It's a genuinely brilliant puzzle game, served with great dollops of tedious, pseudo-intellectual wank. Riven has its shortcomings, but it's such a sincere game about wonder, family and (to a surprising degree!) the evils of colonialism.
neutral · AI labelView post →Unravel the mysteries of Myst and Riven ⛰️ The legendary adventures join the PlayStation Plus Classics Game Catalog today as part of Days of Play
neutral · AI labelView post →Hi, I'm Derek and I make game trailers like this one for the Riven remake! I also made trailers for Among Us, Psychonauts 2, Monument Valley 3, Firewatch, Subnautica, Dead Cells, Spelunky 2, Stray Gods, and I helped make the trailer for Half-Life: Alyx 😮
neutral · AI labelView post →5, 4, 3, 2, 1... The Starless Expanse bundle is now available! Explore the worlds of Riven and Outer Wilds in this monumental bundle. We're humbled to be bundled with one of the games that inspired a generation of game developers. store.steampowered.com/bundle/72377...
neutral · AI labelView post →37 years ago, my brother, Rand, and I released The Manhole: our debut game. Its simple point and click interface served as the template for all our games through Riven. Why "Prolog"? We used existing consulting company for our first printing. After finding a publisher, we founded @cyan.com
neutral · AI labelView post →Get your Linking Books ready, as the Myst and Riven Big Box Editions are now available to for pre-order from @limitedrungames.com! Each set will contain: 🎮 Standard Edition Game (PC Edition includes Digital Steam Code) 💿 CD Soundtrack 🖼️ 2-Sided Poster limitedrungames.com/collections/...
neutral · AI labelView post →I know I said "shortcomings" but Riven really is a great game. Of all the Myst-like games out there, it's the most beautifully constructed, and the least guilty of crimes against game design. I loved the remake too.
positive · AI labelView post →I am super excited about Blue Prince, and I also really really hope that everyone who loves Blue Prince gives the Myst series another shot! Riven (the second Myst game) is a stone-cold masterpiece
positive · AI labelView post →I wonder what a Myst/Riven inspired Babyfur/ABDL game would be like?
neutral · AI labelView post →This game rules and if you enjoy Riven-esque worlds it’s a must-play solo game.
positive · AI labelView post →✅ The rumors are true: Myst: Masterpiece Edition, Riven (1997), and Myst III: Exile are all Steam Deck verified! Included in this huge version 2.0 update is robust controller support, better save game support, and more platform support for Windows & Mac. Grab them today! cyan.com/2025/05/22/l...
neutral · AI labelView post →I made the Moiety Dagger from the game Riven! I had so much fun making my final version out of metal and wood. #Myst #Riven
neutral · AI labelView post →We're honored our remade Riven is nominated for Outstanding Classic Revival Game of 2024 by the National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers! 🤩✨ See all the nominees here: navgtr.org
neutral · AI labelView post →The Indy game sure has some environment art in it! 🖼️ Telling my kids this is Riven* *Whilst also showing them the gorgeous Riven remake :)
neutral · AI labelView post →If you've never played Riven, its a game about an aging white guy who writes books using formulae and no understanding of what he's doing, just to gain influence and power. There's also colonialism in there, but none of THAT can be a metaphor for what this article is about, surely.
negative · AI labelView post →Riven is, in either form, one of the single strongest and most seamless unifications of world design, game design, and narrative I have ever played. It was a masterpiece in 1997 and the remake is a masterpiece today We're so lucky to get games like this. Please go play it
positive · AI labelView post →the more time I spend playing Riven the more I am totally astonished at what an achievement this game is. The way the little narrative details coalesce into flashes of understanding about previously incomprehensible things in the world is just. Wow. The CONFIDENCE
positive · AI labelView post →Annecdotally, the number one game reference I've gotten in Hollywood exec meetings is, "Hey remember Myst? That was a great game!" I always immedately follow up with, "Sure, but also RIVEN, right?" and the conversation moves on quickly
positive · AI labelView post →What if Dark Souls had fighting game combos? Enter Riven Crown a Souls-like where precision meets power. Break guards Slam enemies Save Prisoners Save the world Watch the trailer youtu.be/vuBDe3LzIL8 Wishlist now store.steampowered.com/app/2976250/... #Soulslike #IndieGame #UnrealEngine #Rivencrown
neutral · AI labelView post →Good morning! Play Riven!
positive · AI labelView post →We're honored Riven has been nominated as a #DICEAwards finalist for "Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction"! 🎉 Many thanks to @official-aias.bsky.social and to our amazing community—we can't build new worlds without you! 🩵 Congrats to all nominees: www.interactive.org/awards/84Kd_...
neutral · AI labelView post →I agree. Everyone should play the Riven remake. It's the closest thing so far of re-capturing the look of mid to late 90s CG, but in real time. Just a stunning looking and feeling game all around. Amazing sound work, too.
positive · AI labelView post →As a Holiday gift reminder, the remastered RIVEN soundtrack available on BANDCAMP. 4 BONUS pieces from the original game. 7 new compositions from 2024 Riven Remake. Including our first design map. RIVEN also available on all streaming platforms. robynmiller.bandcamp.com/album/riven-...
neutral · AI labelView post →"Riven is as impressive, immersive, and unmissable as it's ever been." — @pcgamer.com Play Riven, rebuilt from the ground up, here: Steam ⤵️ store.steampowered.com/app/1712350/... GOG ➡️ gog.com/en/game/riven Meta Quest ➡️ vr.meta.me/s/1THYGRhu7z... Mac App Store ⤵️ apps.apple.com/us/app/riven...
neutral · AI labelView post →30. Favorite game of all time Riven It's Riven. The remake too. My first and favorite. Nothing ever scratched that itch of puzzles that arise from a culture and environment and world. I have @cyan.com to thank for my lifelong love of these virtual worlds to explore and savor.
positive · AI labelView post →Bought the Riven remaster because I fcking love that game and have been following the remaster since it was The Starry Expanse fan project.
positive · AI labelView post →Myst: Masterpiece Edition, Riven (1997) and Myst III: Exile get upgraded and now Steam Deck Verified https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/05/myst-masterpiece-edition-riven-1997-and-myst-iii-exile-get-upgraded-and-now-steam-deck-verified/ #Riven #Myst #Gaming #RetroGaming #SteamDeck
neutral · AI labelView post →Was playing @cyan.com Riven on ps5 with some friends last night, what a gorgeous game! Played it a bit on steamdeck but seeing it on the big screen I’m giving it another go
positive · AI labelView post →This week on Quest Quest: Ben and I are joined by the incredible Harrison Pink @gilespink.bsky.social (Diablo IV, Riven, The Walking Dead, Tales from the Borderlands) to discuss his philosophy of game design! Listen here (or wherever): zencastr.com/z/pkypB_6L
neutral · AI labelView post →I did it I beat Riven :3 good game good game now I gotta get all the cheevos
positive · AI labelView post →Looks like the Riven remake is coming to PS5. Trophies have popped up: www.exophase.com/game/riven-p... pocketpsn.com/game/39331-r... Gematsu page: www.gematsu.com/games/riven
neutral · AI labelView post →Find our Riven remake on these platforms: Steam ⤵️ store.steampowered.com/app/1712350/... GOG ➡️ gog.com/en/game/riven Meta Quest ➡️ vr.meta.me/s/1THYGRhu7z... Mac App Store ➡️ apps.apple.com/us/app/riven...
neutral · AI labelView post →Seeing my little game mentioned in the same breath as Riven is probably the best an algorithm has ever made me feel #gamedev #indiegamedev
neutral · AI labelView post →I've always enjoyed conlangs ever since playing the Myst games as a kid (especially Riven) & reading LOTR in hs. But what inspired me to make Na'aqal was this video by the guy who did the conlangs for Game of Thrones. I watched this and went "oooh I want to play too!" 😂 youtu.be/vDD7bQTbVsk?...
neutral · AI labelView post →ah yes, the game most famously known as the prequel to Riven
neutral · AI labelView post →Today’s sketch kinda surprised me. Spent past few days in my spare time working on it. So maybe there’s something to just draw and it’ll help with your art block. Because I really enjoyed drawing Gehn here. He’s from a favourite game of mine, Riven. #riven
positive · AI labelView post →Seriously considering flipping my career from game design & dev to Riven streamer. It’s where I try every day to play through Riven before I die, and 3-7 people are watching at any given time.
neutral · AI labelView post →Grab the Myst & Riven puzzle adventures in the complete collection Humble Bundle https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/10/grab-the-myst-riven-puzzle-adventures-in-the-complete-collection-humble-bundle/ #Riven #Myst #GameBundle #Gaming #PCGaming
neutral · AI labelView post →Game 4: Riven (2024) After enjoying Myst via the 2021 remake, I knew it'd only be a matter of time before I delved into Riven as well. Absolutely gorgeous game, and an enthralling story. Solved most of the puzzles without hints as well! Very satisfying to get through. I loved it.
positive · AI labelView post →fun fact: Riven, a video game I played at its release 28 years ago, is now as old as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, a movie I also saw around the time Riven came out, was when Riven came out
neutral · AI labelView post →Heard a guy at the game store talking about a “Myst: The Prequel to Riven” shirt I can’t stop thinking about it
neutral · AI labelView post →Riven is more than just your usual remake of an old game. In the same way as other great examples of “actually interesting” remakes finally made when no one else thought that would be possible (Another World comes to mind) the developers of Riven (the original 1997 release) got together again and made things happen… once more. It did help that Cyan worlds, as a company, was still around and was holding the original content (2d, fixed pictures, 1990s fmv) and avoided making any unnecessary…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The biggest problem for me is the artificiality of the puzzles. Most of them are deliberately over-engineered mechanisms whose sole purpose is to confuse the player. They don’t feel believable, because they make no practical sense if they were to exist in real life. Puzzles should feel environmental — like natural extensions of the setting — not abstract machines designed solely to be puzzles. On top of that, the game is filled with long, unskippable animations that you’re forced to sit…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Oh my God. Oh Great Yahvo. Oh Praise the Maker, and take it from this Myst Saga fan - this version of Riven. Is. Perfect. In every single possible way, Cyan has done it again - they created the definitive Myst, and now, they have created the definitive version of Riven. I'm going to assume if you're reading this, you have some familiarity with the Myst games or you like puzzle games. If that's you, and you have not played the original Riven, want to revisit the Islands you fell in love with in…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →My coasters from the game Riven have arrived! Riven is one of my favorite games. The coasters are made to look like stained glass like in the game. The sigils are are a whark (a carnivorous fish), a frog, a scarab, a fish, and a bird. #5amwritersclub #myst #riven #games #cyan
positive · AI labelView post →One of the first games I ever played, and one of my favourites ever. I first played it though with my dad and I must have been around seven at the time. Every night he'd help me solve the puzzles and I remember being so immersed in the story, the worlds and the attention to detail. The excitement of putting a new disc with each island transition. The mesmerising sound track. Some discs you don't use till later in the story, and I remember wondering about them, what was on the disc? Where would…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Myst/Riven style game but it's from this aesthetic universe and the puzzles are completely unplayable
neutral · AI labelView post →Just remembering a guy who was arguing on an adventure game forum in the early 00s that Riven was the best looking game because nothing can look better than FMV and I’m hoping he’s feeling very smug about people dunking on DLSS5 right now and still thinking Riven (1997) is the best looking game
neutral · AI labelView post →Riven was a game so good that it made art feel like it was real again
positive · AI labelView post →This game is beautiful! MY FIRST TIME PLAYING RIVEN! | Riven: The Sequel to Myst (BLIND) Ep1 #Riven #AdventureGame youtu.be/28OhPDM_Rjw
neutral · AI labelView post →I've never played any of the Myst game before but I'm gonna be trying the 2024 Riven shortly... 👀
neutral · AI labelView post →2️⃣❌❌ ~ 4-1 ahh. a fairly swift and conclusive loss to @NicoleTipple on Riven 🫡 first game this event where my deck just fully bricked itself ~ which is great tbh! getting those out of the way now instead of Stuttgart sounds like a very good plan 😎😎 onwards to round 6! :D
neutral · AI labelView post →New video on a game that I think is the sequel to some other game #riven youtu.be/9ApIZai86Fw
neutral · AI labelView post →“The Witness is wankier than Riven, a game whose most recognisable structure is a giant penis.”
neutral · AI labelView post →
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