Riven and Myst Compared: Difficulty, Length, Legacy, and Cultural Impact

Riven vs Myst: Unraveling the Difficulty, Length, and Legacy of Puzzle Gaming Titans

So, you’re diving into the world of puzzle adventure games? Great choice! You’ve likely found two giants: Myst and its sequel, Riven. Before you dive in, you may ask: Are these games hard? How long do they take? And what’s the story behind these games?

Decoding the Difficulty: Are Myst and Riven Just Brutal?

Let’s be clear: Riven is tough. Players often say it is “notoriously difficult.” Is it harder than Myst? Yes, it is tougher. Riven raises the challenge. But the difficulty serves a purpose. It’s part of Riven’s world and culture. The puzzles help you understand the universe.

Myst also presents challenges but feels more forgiving. Some puzzles will leave you scratching your head. Stuck? That’s classic Myst! The advice is simple: try a puzzle, and if it doesn’t click, move on. The solution may await at another location on the map.

Riven may seem overwhelming initially. It throws puzzles at you constantly. Acceptance is essential. You won’t solve everything right away. Embrace the confusion; it’s part of the journey. One player summed it up: Riven is “much more difficult than its predecessor, MYST.” Consider yourself warned.

The Long and Winding Roads of Myst and Riven: How Much Time Will They Steal?

Are you curious if Riven takes longer than Myst? Yes, it generally does. Let’s clarify the numbers.

Riven: The Sequel to Myst – Time to Completion

• Main Story: About 9 hours 30 minutes.
• Main + Extras: Closer to 14 hours with more exploration.
• Completionist: Around 11 hours 25 minutes for full completion.
• Average Playtime (All Styles): Roughly 10 hours 30 minutes.

One player estimated around 15-20 hours for Riven. Why the difference? Riven isn’t just about frantic puzzles. It’s about “virtual archeology.” You’re meant to explore and let solutions come naturally. There are only a few main puzzles. The rest of the time is spent on world-building.

Myst and its Sequels: A Time Comparison

For comparison, here’s the playtime for Myst and some sequels:

• Myst (Original):
  • Main story average: around 51⁄2 to 61⁄2 hours.
  • Completion with achievements: 6-8 hours.
• Myst III: Exile: Main story about 71⁄2 hours.
• Myst V: End of Ages: Main story about 81⁄2 hours.

You see a trend. Each game offers its own adventure. Riven sits on the longer side compared to the original Myst. If you want a deep dive, choose Riven.

Myst and Riven: A Family Affair? Exploring the Connection

Are Myst and Riven related? Yes! Riven is a sequel to Myst. Released in 1997, Riven continues Myst’s story from 1993. Myst was created by brothers Rand and Robyn Miller and their team at Cyan, Inc. Riven was the first direct sequel, followed by Myst III: Exile, Myst IV: Revelation, and Myst V: End of Ages.

Must you play Myst before Riven? Not really. Riven stands alone as a game. As one source says, “It’s not required for folks to have played Myst before grabbing Riven.” However, playing Myst first can enhance your experience. Riven’s story continues after the “good ending” of Myst. Knowing Myst adds depth to Riven.

Think of it this way: Myst – “The Prequel To Riven.” This tagline even appeared on a limited edition hat from Cyan! Riven stands alone but builds on Myst’s foundation. For the best experience, play Myst before entering Riven.

Remastered Realms: Myst and Riven in the Modern Age

Good news! Both Myst and Riven are getting modern remakes. Myst has been remade several times. You can find a “modern, definitive Myst experience” featuring updates in visuals, sounds, interactions, and optional puzzle randomization.

And Riven? A new remake is coming! This isn’t just a graphical update. It’s a “re-imagined version of Riven.” Expect a deeper story, stunning visuals, and an expanded world, while remaining loyal to the original. The remake offers exploration in full 3D and VR! For players who found original Riven technically challenging, this remake elevates its cinematic scope.

Is the Myst remake worth it? Many players think so! It’s a great way to enjoy a classic game with modern features. With Riven’s remake coming, a new generation will engage with its intricate puzzles and immersive world.

The Myst Effect: Why Was Myst Such a Big Deal?

Why did Myst become so popular in the 90s? It was both a critical and commercial success. Critics praised its immersive worlds. It wasn’t just a game; it was an experience. Myst is called “one of the most influential and best video games ever made.” It was the best-selling PC game for almost ten years, selling over six million copies.

Its impact goes beyond gaming. Interestingly, Myst even inspired the hit TV show Lost. Writers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse admitted to channeling Myst’s feeling into Lost, especially the exploration aspect and nonlinear gameplay. Lindelof called Myst a “big game-changer.” The open-world game The Witness also cites Myst as an inspiration.

What made Myst special? Its immersive worlds, rewarding puzzles, and sense of mystery captivated players. It focused on thoughtful exploration rather than quick action. That legacy remains strong today.

Wait, There’s a Riven in League of Legends?

Now, things get a bit…riven. “Riven” is not just the name of an adventure game sequel. It’s also a champion in the online game League of Legends. Confusing, right? Let’s clarify.

Riven in League of Legends is a fierce top lane fighter. She excels at close combat, dealing damage, and high mobility. Her skills focus on chaining attacks for maximum impact. She is known as an “early game bully,” meaning she dominates her lane early on.

Why is League of Legends‘ Riven exiled? Lore-wise, she destroyed her enchanted sword—her symbol of allegiance to Noxus—after rejecting their brutal ways. Now with her broken sword, she wanders Ionia seeking her own path. Her broken sword is central to her identity and gameplay.

If you want to play her, Riven usually plays in the top lane. She is viable for ranking up, especially below Diamond level. However, mastering Riven takes practice. She is complex and requires learning her ability combos. Some players think she shares inspiration with Marth from Fire Emblem, known for swordplay.

Just to clarify, League of Legends‘ Riven deals physical damage, not magic damage. Knowing this is crucial!

Destiny 2 Also Has a Riven? This is Getting Complicated!

Hold on: “Riven” also appears in Destiny 2! This Riven is a massive Ahamkara, a wish-granting dragon and major raid boss. In Destiny 2, Riven is one of the largest raid bosses in history, only surpassed by The Witness itself. She’s larger than Oryx, the Taken King!

In the gaming world…

2, Riven is the final boss of the Last Wish raid. Guardians confront her at Queen Mara Sov’s command. This is a trick! Killing her aims to end her Taken curse. Lore details how Oryx, the Taken King, wished for her fate. This keeps her selfhood intact. Ahamkara wishes are very complex.

How to beat Destiny 2 Riven “legit”? It requires team coordination. Players must shoot her six eyes in sequence. They then damage weak points in a free-fall phase. Teamwork and communication matter!

How old is Destiny 2 Riven? Ahamkara lifespans are unclear. Lore suggests she is at least 250 years old. She was shown to Mara Sov as an infant around that time.

Riven Odds and Ends: Cloud Software, Age Ratings, and Personality Quirks

Outside gaming, “Riven” appears in other fields. Riven cloud software inspects printed parts using CAD files. This has nothing to do with puzzle games or battles. Still, it interests many!

Returning to gaming Riven, the adventure game has an E10+ rating for light violence. Picture a scene where a man gets hit by a blow dart and taken away. It is not graphic, but it’s worth noting.

Some quirky facts about “Riven” personalities: this type often shows a “cold front” and struggles with emotions. Such Rivens tend to be independent, living by their own rules due to past experiences, like abandonment. In the Winx universe, there is a “Riven” who is seen as “toxic,” possibly due to being abandoned.

Wrapping Up (Without a Conclusion Section!)

So, that’s it! Riven and Myst are giants of puzzle adventure gaming. They share a lineage and face distinct challenges. The overlap of “Riven” in gaming surprises many. From a sword-wielding League of Legends champion to a colossal Destiny 2 dragon. This might help you choose your next “Riven” or Myst adventure!

Avoid common pitfalls in Myst. Check out 10 Mistakes Everyone Makes While Playing Myst – Game Rant. Enjoy puzzling!