It Has ArRIVEN!
The Sequel to MYST
by Joel CommListen my children and I shall tell a story. A story of intrigue. A story of deceit. A story of good. A story of evil. A story of a world inhabited by few, but explored by millions.
And the hallways echo the word... MYST. And PCs all over the world echo... MYST.
But today, my PC echos a new word... RIVEN.
So what is all the hoopla? After four years in the making, RIVEN has finally arrived.
For those who may have spent the last four years in a shoebox, RIVEN is one of the most eagerly anticipated computer games in history. As the sequel to it's record-breaking predecessor, MYST, RIVEN is practically guaranteed to sell millions of copies. But is it worth it? We think so. Come and take a look at the mystery, intrigue and hours of wonderful gameplay that await you as you journey into this strange, new world.
The story picks up where MYST left off. If you played through MYST to it's winning conclusion, you found Atrus, the father of Sirrus and Achenar (those power-hungry bad boys...) in a world called D'ni. Atrus told you to wait for a few minutes while he took care of some business. Upon leaving D'ni, you found the two books containing Sirrus and Achenar to be destroyed. Ouch. Some kinda daddy, ain't he?
RIVEN begins with you and Atrus still in D'ni. In what is almost an inaudible tone of voice, Atrus proceeds to tell you, the player, that there is still much work to be done. And maybe, just maybe, with your help, everything can be made right. After all, throughout MYST, you wondered when you would find the elusive Katherine. Well, here is your big chance. Atrus hands you a journal, a linking book, and away you to go to a land called RIVEN.
Now here comes to the review portion of this editorial. You ready? Brace yourself.
Wow!
The visuals are stunning. Over the past 4 years, the advances in technology have allowed the team at Cyan (developers of MYST and RIVEN) to create unbelievable environments that are as much to be appreciated for their ambience as their contribution to gameplay.
The sounds are realistic. If you have a stereo sound card with surround capabilities, prepare to get lost in this aural sensation. A combination of mysterious music and brilliant sound effects contribute to the whole.
And the puzzles. Oh, yes, the puzzles. There are plenty of them. As of this writing, the author has barely scraped the surface of RIVEN. I have explored three of the islands in RIVEN, transported by a variety of trams (wait till you go for a ride on one of these suckers!).
The experience is riveting. Just like MYST, RIVEN succeeds in suspending your disbelief. You truly do find yourself in another world.
However, something has gone very wrong in this world. And it is YOUR job to make it right. I would contend that whether or not you are able to solve the puzzles in RIVEN and make it right, or not, the joy of this journey is in the journey itself.
Stay tuned for a more in-depth review...
Take the Challenge! * Cyan * Broderbund
Screen Saver Review * Downloads
