A release window for Riven is set down with things still being very vague with when we will see Riven in 2D or VR
It has been quite a while since we had word that Riven was in development and what exactly is going on with the game. It has been close to two years now and not much has been offered up or shown off to the world by Cyan Worlds. Some of us forgot it was even in the works or just assumed it might have been quietly canceled out there. Well, we are here to tell you that Riven is now slated to release in 2024 on the PC and VR systems out there. Both in the virtual space as well as on flatscreens for those who do not have the hardware to play it all in VR. It is a rather broad release window to cast at this point, but at least it is better than just hearing it is not going to happen at all.
Sadly, that is about all that we have for Riven with this announcement. Even if you looked a little lower already, the following teaser only shows a bit of the title card and gives us the same information with a little bit of a voiceover on top. None of the mind-bending puzzles that have been promised, none of the immersive environments to explore, and none of the ways that Riven has been reimagined from the version many remember for the 90s. But we do know it is all coming and the VR side of it is a nice little extra for those who want to experience something of Myst in that way this year. Now we just need to wait and see how it all flows out there this year.
Riven — Release Window
Cyan Worlds, the visionary developers behind the legendary Myst series, have announced that Riven, a meticulous, from-the-ground-up remake of the historic puzzle adventure game Riven: The Sequel To Myst (1997), is slated for release later this year on both flatscreen and VR platforms.
Adventure game enthusiasts around the world will be thrilled to know that Riven promises to blend the intricate puzzle-solving experience of the original with cutting-edge technology to create incredible visuals, a fully explorable 3D world, and the optional ability to jump in through VR platforms, offering an immersive experience like never before. Take a look at the updated reveal trailer below.
Along with its predecessor, Riven: The Sequel To Myst is considered one of the most influential games of the ‘90s. Released in 1997, it set a new standard for storytelling and visual fidelity in video games, captivating millions with its intricate characters, lush environments, and clever use of point-and-click navigation to explore highly detailed 3D worlds. Its success laid the groundwork for an entire genre of narrative-driven puzzle games, influences of which are still evident to this day. With Riven, Cyan Worlds aims to introduce this richly woven tale to a new generation of gamers. This modern remake seeks to both preserve and innovate upon the legacy of one of the most beloved adventure games of all time.
This version of Riven is designed to be both a homage to its roots and a leap into the future of interactive storytelling. Leveraging modern-day technology and the power of Unreal Engine 5, Cyan Worlds aims to recreate and expand on its vision for Riven with development focused on delivering native experiences on both flatscreen and VR platforms. The game will offer an unparalleled level of immersion, allowing players to truly feel part of the enigmatic D’ni Empire while exploring the decaying age of Riven. With new puzzles, expanded storylines, and breathtaking visuals, even those who know the original by heart will find themselves lost again in its depths. Cyan Worlds is dedicated to ensuring that every player’s experience is unique and memorable, whether longtime fans or newcomers to the series.
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.
- 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.
I both understand and do not understand announcements like the one we have here for Riven. I get that they want to make sure we all know that the game is coming, even if it has eight months of wiggle room now, but why not show off what will be coming? That is the part I do not understand when there has to be some basics of the gameplay to share with the world to get us further excited. Just knowing a game is coming is not always the biggest selling point. Mixing in the fact that a good number of current gamers do not even know a thing about Riven in the first place, this would have been the ideal point to give a little something. I do not see the method in the madness, but I will stay excited that we are getting something at the very least.
Did you forget that Riven was in the works with the announcement happening back in 2022? Why do you think they left the release window so broad when they could have held out until they had something to truly show and maybe get things down to a quarter of the year? Will many new gamers even want to try this blast from the past or will it be nostalgia bait for those who want a new VR experience? Take to the comment section to discuss all of this and everything else that we have to offer up out there. We will share all that we can for Riven going forward, but there is no certainty on things as of yet. Just be sure to keep checking back for all of those updates and many others as we get ready for the rest of this year.