Riven, a 1997 CD-ROM point-and-click puzzle adventure game, is getting a complete 3D remake for modern audiences.
Developer Cyan recently made the announcement about the complete overhaul via social media as well as releasing an FAQ and open letter regarding the remake. This announcement comes on the 25th anniversary of the original game’s release.
Riven is the sequel to the 1993 point-and-click puzzle adventure game Myst. Cyan released a 3D remake of Myst in 2021 using Unreal Engine 4.
Cyan didn’t provide much information outside of confirmation that the remake is in development or that it will be “fully traversable in a 3D space.” There is no release date or confirmation of platforms at this time.
The developer did confirm it is working with Starry Expanse, which was a fan-developed project aimed at remaking the original game into a 3D environment. This included hiring some of its members.
“We spoke confidentially with the Starry Expanse team a couple of years ago about the exciting news that Cyan finally had the resources to tackle remaking Riven. Together, we reached an agreement which allowed us to reference core pieces of their efforts to jump-start our development. They subsequently ceased development on The Starry Expanse Project, as our official efforts to remake Riven began.”
Cyan
There have been no official remasters of Riven since its initial release. Fans can access it via Steam or GOG, but it was the original release.
Cyan said it didn’t want to take the approach to remaking it “lightly or frivolously,” given its small indie studio status. The developer knew it would be a difficult and costly project so it wanted to ensure it could do it well, according to the FAQ.
Riven follows up the events of Myst. The protagonist ventures to the Age of Riven where players look to free Catherine, the wife of non-playable protagonist Atrus, from the grasp of Gehn, the power-hungry father of Atrus.
Players venture through the collapsing world as they seek to stop Gehn’s oppression over the age. The Lore Together podcast, which is part of the Boss Rush Network, broke down the story of Riven in a past episode.
This announcement is exciting news for fans of the series, but will also provide a great way to experience the game for the first time.
The original game brought a lot of interesting story elements, but the puzzles could be maddeningly confusing with few, if any, hints. An updated version always provides for a great way for a retro game to appeal to modern audiences.
Those wanting more information can subscribe to Cyan’s newsletter to get updates as they come out.
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Source: Polygon
Featured Image: Cyan