Review: Riven VR: A Nostalgic Journey Reimagined

As a long-time fan of the Myst series, having spent countless hours exploring its enigmatic worlds on my PC back in the 1990s, I approached the VR remake of Riven with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Would this beloved classic translate well to the immersive realm of virtual reality? After donning my Meta Quest 2 headset and diving into the Age of Riven, I’m pleased to report that the experience, whilst not without its challenges, offers a compelling journey for both newcomers and veterans alike.

A Visual Feast for the Eyes

The first thing that strikes you upon entering Riven is the sheer beauty of its meticulously crafted world. Cyan has done a fantastic job of recreating the game’s iconic environments in full 3D, allowing players to truly inhabit this mysterious realm. The textures of stone, wood, and metal are rendered with impressive fidelity, and there are moments when you’ll find yourself pausing simply to drink in the awe-inspiring vistas.

Puzzles Reimagined

Riven’s puzzles have always been its beating heart, and the VR remake does an admirable job of translating these brain-teasers into a more tactile form. Manipulating levers, pressing buttons, and interacting with the various contraptions scattered throughout the islands feels satisfyingly physical. The developers have also wisely chosen to randomise some solutions, ensuring that even returning players will need to engage fully with the puzzles rather than relying on rote memory.

Navigating Complexity

It’s worth noting that Riven is a complex game, perhaps even more so than its predecessor. The interconnected nature of its islands and the depth of its puzzles can be overwhelming at times, especially for those new to the series. While this complexity is part of what makes Riven special, it can occasionally lead to moments of frustration as you try to piece together the game’s intricate logic.

The VR Factor

The transition to virtual reality brings both benefits and challenges. On the positive side, the ability to physically explore and interact with Riven’s world adds a new layer of immersion that wasn’t possible in the original. However, some aspects of the game, such as reading in-game documents or making notes, can be more cumbersome in VR. Additionally, the loading times between areas, while understandable given the game’s scope, do interrupt the flow of exploration.

A Labour of Love

Despite these minor quibbles, it’s clear that this remake is a labour of love. The attention to detail in recreating Riven’s world, from the iconic soundscape to the intricate mechanisms, is commendable. For those willing to invest the time and mental energy, Riven VR offers a rich and rewarding experience that captures the spirit of the original whilst bringing it into a new technological era.

Riven VR is not a game for everyone. Its challenging puzzles and sometimes obtuse logic may frustrate those accustomed to more guided experiences. However, for patient players who relish the opportunity to unravel a complex mystery in a beautifully realised world, this remake offers a unique and memorable journey. While it may not be a perfect translation to VR, it succeeds in capturing the essence of what made Riven special and presents it in a fresh, immersive format.