Riven vs. Myst computer games?

Question

hi there, ive been considering buying either Riven or Myst. i have a few questions:

1. i know that Riven is the sequel to Myst, so could i even begin to understand what goes on in Riven without having played Myst?

2. What are the Pros and Cons of each game?

3. Which do you like better?

Answer 1

1) You would need to play Myst in order to understand what happens in Riven.



2) Myst - Pros - This was a great game and ahead of its time period. Wonderful story line. Acting is done reallly well

Cons - Puzzles don't really have anything to do with, well, anything, but they are still fun to solve.



Riven - Better graphics, good story line, long hours of gameplay to complete without guide. Plenty of different places to explore. Once again, acting is done even better.

Cons - Puzzles can get frustrating, but what's a good game without a little challenge.



3) I like Riven better, but I highly suggest you get Myst: Masterpiece Edition. It is the same game as Myst, but it has a built in guide and these games are really cheap since they're older games.



I know I contradict myself above, but hopefully this helps you.

Answer 2

1. You don't need to play Myst to understand Riven. The plot revolves around characters who are introduced in Riven, and the plot of Riven is only mentioned once in Myst. You won't understand some of the back story, and there are certain references to Myst It won't ruin the game for you if you don't play Myst, but I would suggest that you play it first anyway.



2. Myst-

Pros- Intriguing story of betrayal. Puzzles are difficult, but the solutions are straightforward and easily accessed. One does not "die" or lose until the very end of the game. And chances are if you have made it that far, you will know what you need to do in order to finish. The music is great. Two characters have their own themes, which are repeated in different forms over your travels. That gives a sense of connection to the locales you visit, rather than them being completely separate journeys.

Cons- Though the graphics are good for the time, they look a little unconvincing at times. The same goes for any videos. The end of Myst seems unfinished. After completion of the story, you are allowed to continue playing; visiting all the places you were able to before. It isn't an error or programing goof, because they recognize the fact that you will be allowed to "explore at your leisure".



Riven-

Pros- Takes everything Myst did, and does it better. The story becomes far more engaging, the characters are more vibrant and believable, and the graphics are simply stunning, even after all these years. The puzzles are more difficult this time around, and they take a little bit more searching to solve, but are still logic oriented. Some require a touch of abstract thinking. The music creates a specific mood, much like Myst, only more so. Little details abound. You can see ants crawling on the walkways, beetles will fly away if you get too close. Each opening door has an animation of the door opening to add realism, rather than "now it is closed, now it is open, let's walk through."

Cons- The puzzles could be perhaps a little too hard. Depending on what edition of the game you get, changing out discs could be tedious.



3. I prefer Riven. The game lasts longer, and it doesn't retrace steps like Myst did. It is a far more engaging. The characters have purpose, and create a connection with the player. But don't just buy Riven, buy the whole series and enjoy the adventure from the first step!

Answer 3

1. It's not vital to play Myst before Riven, but my preference is always to play in order just because of the fear of missing information (even when I know I'm not). I think Riven is really mentioned once in Myst. Although, if you play Riven there kind of is no point in going back to Myst unless you're interested in seeing how it's put together. Riven really tells you all you need to know about Myst and the betrayal. 2. Myst Pro- a great little puzzle game. The puzzles in my opinion were easier in Myst and helped prepped for the puzzles in the other games in the series. Graphics were great (for its time). Myst Con- Because it's so many years after you have to make sure you find a version of the game that's compatible with newer graphics cards. I was sooo upset when I started revisiting the game a few years ago and nothing I found worked. I think you need the Masterpiece edition (but don't quote me on that). You just need to make sure its compatible. Riven Pro- Again, visually great. I like the movement involved in Riven and up more so than any other Myst game. The story line is pretty cool too. Riven Con- There are a few puzzles that are just so difficult! To this day I still can't figure out one of them and need to use a cheat no matter how hard I try. 3. Nostalgia makes me say Myst (although I think Riven is superior technically). I still remember me and one of my friends discussing Myst puzzles we couldn't figure out.