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Riven

SteamVR, PC (Microsoft Windows), Meta Quest 2, Mac • 2024

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Quick resume

Uncover a story of intrigue, betrayal, and a civilization teetering on the brink of collapse as you solve intricate puzzles to unlock the secrets of Riven. Built from the ground-up and expanded from the award-winning original game released in 1997.

Global score

93/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie, Puzzle

Pros

  • Beautiful, immersive 3d and vr environments
  • Challenging and rewarding puzzles
  • Fresh new content and puzzle changes
  • Strong narrative and environmental storytelling
  • High sensory and atmospheric quality

Cons

  • Character animations and 3d models less charming than original fmv
  • Some puzzles simplified or changed, may disappoint purists
  • Occasional loading times and minor bugs
  • No in-game note-taking system robust enough for puzzle complexity
  • Shorter game length compared to original

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to explore the world in full 3D and VR, making their own decisions on where to go and how to solve puzzles."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game offers challenging puzzles that require skill, note-taking, and problem solving, with feedback through puzzle completion."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on individual exploration and puzzle solving without competitive elements or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report long sessions and immersion that makes it hard to stop playing, though the game length is moderate."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "The game is a solo experience focused on individual puzzle solving and exploration."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players create their own notes and maps; the remake adds new puzzles and changes encouraging fresh approaches."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are individual and respectful."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Strongly immersive experience that allows players to escape into a mysterious, atmospheric world."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and nostalgia, not obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "The remake encourages exploration of new puzzles and mechanics, rewarding curiosity and experimentation."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Core motivation is discovering new areas, secrets, and environmental details in a richly crafted world."

  • Expression
    2

    "Players personalize their experience through note-taking and screenshots, though character customization is limited."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "The game presents an imaginative, surreal world with fictional cultures and lore."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "The experience is solitary with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop puzzle-solving skills, learn new languages and number systems, and improve observation."

  • Health
    -4

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and active problem solving; not designed for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No close social relationships or emotional sharing; solitary gameplay."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; purely individual experience."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players progress by solving puzzles and unlocking new areas, though no item collection or upgrades."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "The immersive atmosphere and exploration provide a relaxing flow state, though puzzles can be challenging."

  • Sensation
    4

    "High sensory stimulation through stunning visuals, sound design, and atmospheric music."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; focus is on personal experience."

  • Story
    4

    "Strong narrative immersion with environmental storytelling, journals, and lore."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Requires logical reasoning, puzzle solving, and planning to progress."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspense and tension in puzzle solving, but overall a controlled and contemplative experience."

  • Value
    4

    "Players perceive high value through nostalgia, quality, and fresh content in the remake."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destruction; gameplay is constructive and exploratory."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat mechanics; stable and safe environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026