Riven Already Enjoying Success

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Nov 11, 1997

But will it be as popular as Myst?

Can anything pass up the popularity and cult-following of Myst, the adventure game published by Broderbund? It seems unlikely; Myst is the best selling CD-ROM game at 3.5 million copies and growing. But Broderbund is doing everything it can do to increase the hype of Riven: The Sequel to Myst, the follow-up to Myst.

Riven has all the same characteristics that made Myst either so likable for some, or so hated by others. It's pretty much a work of art, with beautiful screen after screen of backgrounds. But "it has the same simplistic interface, lack of inventory and no meaningful interaction with the natives [as Myst did] — things that frustrate long-time adventure gamers" (Strategy Plus). However, the screens are connected through a larger and more intriguing story, better, fiendishly harder puzzles, and a euphoria of sounds that have to be experienced to believe. Just like Myst, you'll either adore it or detest it; there is no middle ground.

The sequel to Myst plops you down into the world of Riven and expects you to find out the plot of the game yourself by exploring the gorgeous islands (five in all, each on their own CD. That's huge!) and solving puzzles galore. The attractive graphics are joined by superior storytelling that unfolds before your eyes as you explore and discover the secrets to these islands. Even if the adventure portion of the game is lacking, there is much more to experience in Riven.

And Broderbund is taking no chances on losing gamers. They've created ads not only for printed material, but also for television. Their expensive 30-second advertisement is being broadcast on several national cable networks around the country. Riven, competing against many more games now than Myst did three years ago, is already receiving success. Even though the official release date game was Oct. 31, it had been spotted in stores days before this, maybe predicting the success to come.

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