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Cyan Worlds revealed that Riven, the modern remake of the acclaimed narrative puzzle-adventure game, will launch on June 25.
Twenty seven years after the original title launched, the new Riven will be available on the PC, Mac and Meta Quest 2 and 3 virtual reality headsets. It will debut on Steam, GOG, the Mac App Store and the Meta Quest Store.
Players can pre-order Riven on Meta Quest and receive 11% off the $35 price until launch. Windows and Mac players will get 10% off at launch, but only for a limited time. This story is fun for me, as I visited Cyan Worlds in Spokane in 1997 as the creators were getting ready to launch the original Riven. (Here’s the story behind a paywall at the Wall Street Journal).
A step back in time
A new generation of players will get a chance to embark on an adventure that delves deeper into the enigmatic universe that Cyan’s first game Myst only hinted at. Riven seamlessly weaves its puzzles into a sprawling and decaying world, immersing players in a conflict between the world’s villainous ruler and those rebelling against him.
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In this from-the-ground-up and expanded remake of the 1997 best-seller, players will be able to explore a lush, mysterious age (accessible through the linking books of Myst) with complete freedom of movement and a world brought to life through updated visuals, gameplay, and freedom of movement. While Riven has been a video game touchstone for decades, this modern update allowed Cyan Worlds to add depth and scope to both the story and world.
The key team of creatives that made 1997’s Riven such a landmark game contributed to bring the game to a modern audience. Puzzles have been refreshed, new characters will be introduced, and new challenges are waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to Riven, the expanded storylines and breathtaking visuals will take players on an exhilarating journey like no other.
Riven is a modern remake of 1997’s monster hit Riven: The Sequel to Myst and is a love letter to classic narrative-driven puzzle games of the ’90s. When exploring Riven’s decaying age, the player will feel like an archeologist, slowly unraveling the mysteries revealed by carefully exploring Riven’s five enigmatic islands. Players will lose themselves in the world as they uncover clues, decipher foreign languages, and immerse themselves in the game’s intricate lore.
Key features
Intricate storytelling and mind-bending puzzles: Challenge your intellect with Riven’s cunning puzzles woven throughout its narrative.
Immersive environments and stunning graphics: Explore surreal islands, each meticulously crafted with unparalleled attention to detail, from dense, lush jungles to awe-inspiring caverns.
An expanded world to explore: Encounter an immersive and visually stunning world that will captivate newcomers and reveal new mysteries for long-time fans.
Fully re-imagined gaming experience: Experience Riven like never before, with free movement through a real-time 3D environment. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer returning to Riven or a newcomer eager to explore Riven’s mysteries for the first time, this immersive and visually stunning world will captivate you. The original title was a series of still 2D scenes that the player navigated in steps.
A truly immersive experience developed in parallel for flatscreen and VR: Cyan Worlds is simultaneously developing the flatscreen and VR versions of the game to ensure a high-quality experience regardless of players’ platform of choice.
Origins
Cyan was founded by brothers Rand and Robyn Miller in 1987. In 1991 they began work on Myst. The goal: create a new kind of experience that felt more like a place than a game. There would be no dying, no shooting, no starting over, and no inventory – dramatic breaks from “traditional” gaming. It also made use of the emerging CD-ROM that enabled multimedia.
Myst was about finding yourself lost in a world, exploring it to gain understanding, and ultimately becoming part of the story. The public response was nothing short of phenomenal. To date, sales for Myst and its sequel Riven have sold over 15 million copies worldwide. Myst also holds the honor of being the best-selling video game of the 20th century; a record that was not surpassed until 2003. Rand Miller was the first recipient of GamesBeat’s Visionary Award in 2018.
Richard Vander Wende was the original game director on Riven, and he has rejoined both Rand Miller and Robyn Miller on the remake. Robyn has created new music for the remake.
After five games in the Myst series, Cyan turned its attention to making an exciting new kind of Myst world. Uru (Myst Online) allows players to join the adventure of a lifetime in the caverns of D’ni, a never-ending world that lets players connect and explore together. It spawned a thriving community and is still available to explore for free. More recently, Cyan Worlds has created titles supporting 2D and VR gameplay, including Obduction, Firmament, and a remake of Myst for 2D and VR.
Riven came out on iOS in 2011, and it hit Android in 2017. But that was a simpler remake of the game on the desktop.
