Riven is a love letter to classic narrative-driven puzzle games of the '90s. Players will slowly unravel the many mysteries of the D'ni and Rivenese mythologies. Carefully explore five islands to uncover clues, decipher foreign languages, and become immersed in the lore. The puzzles require profound reflection and examination of the environment.
This remake uses contemporary technology to recreate and expand upon the original Riven. Like the Myst remake, development is focused on both flatscreen and VR platforms. The goal is to make players feel as though they are part of the world while exploring the decaying age. The game features new puzzles, expanded storylines, and breathtaking visuals.
The gameplay isn't the only part of Riven that was revealed today: the voice cast was announced. The remake preserves original voice performances by John Keston (Gehn), Christine Steel (Nelah), Vicente Ramos (Gehn's guard), and Kate Vita (Keta). Lauren Gamiel provides voice-over and motion capture for Catherine, Russell Webster provides motion capture for Gehn, and Cyan Worlds' CEO Rand Miller reprises his role as Atrus.
Shannon Woodward (Dina in The Last of Us Part II) and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow will play two new characters that are featured in an expanded game section. "It's such a thrill to be able to perform this role," says Farrow in a press release. "And I love and respect that Cyan [Worlds] is taking this classic and not just remaking it, which is already exciting, but putting all this additional inspiration in it and specifically focusing on character. I think part of what made Riven something formative for me as a kid is that it is so character-driven."
Developed and published by Cyan Worlds, Riven will be released simultaneously for PC/Mac flatscreens and VR platforms later this year. (Mac players will need an Apple silicon model to play.)
