Myst IV: Revelation vs Riven: The Sequel to Myst
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Myst IV: Revelation invites players back to the iconic island of Riven, blending stunning visuals with intricate puzzles that challenge the mind. As you explore the beautifully rendered environments, the story unfolds through subtle clues and immersive storytelling, delivering a memorable adventure experience. The game builds upon the classic point-and-click mechanics while introducing modern graphics and refined controls, making it accessible for both longtime fans and newcomers seeking a deep, atmospheric puzzle adventure.
Riven is a point-and-click adventure game and the sequel to Myst. It was developed by Cyan Worlds and published by several companies, including Acclaim Entertainment and Red Orb Entertainment. The game follows the story of the Stranger, who is tasked with rescuing Atrus's sons from the evil Gehn. The game features a richly detailed world with intricate puzzles and a complex storyline. Players must explore the world of Riven, solving puzzles and uncovering the secrets of the island. With its engaging storyline and challenging puzzles, Riven is a classic adventure game that will keep players entertained for hours.
- Stunning visual fidelity for its era
- Deep, rewarding puzzles
- Engaging atmospheric storytelling
- Smooth controls on PC and Mac
- Engaging storyline
- Challenging puzzles
- Highly detailed graphics and sound design
- High level of replayability
- Limited replayability after puzzles are solved
- Occasional cryptic clues can be frustrating
- No multiplayer or co‑op options
- Steep learning curve
- Some puzzles can be frustratingly difficult
- Limited multiplayer options
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth games are paid, single-player adventure experiences priced at $49.99, but Riven offers a higher critic score and replayability, while Myst IV provides modern quality-of-life features like an integrated hint system and auto-saves.
Key differences
- •Hint systems: Myst IV includes an integrated hint system offering subtle guidance, whereas Riven relies purely on challenging, critical-thinking puzzles without this feature.
- •Save functionality: Myst IV features an auto-save that records exact locations and puzzle states, a feature not mentioned for Riven.
- •Target Audience: Riven targets adventure gamers specifically, while Myst IV targets both puzzle enthusiasts and adventure gamers.
- •Tags and themes: Myst IV includes drama and mystery tags alongside point-and-click, puzzle, adventure, and fantasy, whereas Riven includes science fiction instead of drama and mystery.
- •Critic scores and age ratings: Riven holds a 92 critic score (ESRB E10+, PEGI 3) and released in 1997, while Myst IV holds an 89 critic score (ESRB T, PEGI 7) and released in 2004.
Gameplay & fun factor
Riven has a higher critic score of 92/100 compared to Myst IV's 89/100, driven by its engaging exploration-focused storyline.
Platform availability
Myst IV explicitly notes cross-platform compatibility running smoothly on Windows PCs and macOS systems; Riven does not specify this.
Price & value
Both games share the exact same one-time paid pricing model with an MSRP of $49.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games are strictly single-player with no multiplayer or co-op options.
Content & replayability
Riven features a high level of replayability with multiple endings and puzzle solutions, unlike Myst IV which has limited replayability.
Difficulty & accessibility
Myst IV includes an integrated hint system and auto-save feature, making it more accessible than Riven's steep learning curve.
Graphics & performance
Myst IV highlights optimized performance settings for various hardware and auto-saves exact locations, whereas Riven only mentions detailed design.
Choose Myst IV: Revelation if…
Players wanting modern conveniences like auto-saves and an integrated hint system.
Choose Riven: The Sequel to Myst if…
Gamers wanting maximum replayability, multiple endings, and the highest-rated critical experience.
Common questions
How do the prices compare?
Both games have a one-time paid MSRP of $49.99.
Do either of these games support multiplayer?
No, both Riven and Myst IV are strictly single player with no multiplayer options.
Does Myst IV offer any help for difficult puzzles?
Yes, Myst IV features an integrated hint system that offers subtle guidance without spoiling solutions.