The original was so epic it took up five CDs... – Riven (iPhone version) Review

When this game came out my family had already played Myst. We used to huddle around our Macintosh Performa 550 trying to learn and explore together. We spent hours that turned into nights looking for clues and colored pages. When Riven came out, we experienced a new level of complexity and design. Absolutely, I have always considered Riven more a work of art than a game. If you think you understand what Riven is, you don't. Even after so many years of appreciating the visuals, puzzles, and audio, I still find more details to appreciate every time I explore it. Riven is gorgeous, but mostly barren. It is simple to enjoy and play, but overwhelmingly complex in its design and art. For a game almost as old as me, the graphics are unbelievable. The music and audio effects are top notch. But it's more than just technical wizardry. There is a rich story, and most people never even crack the surface. I only have a few wishes... I wish the iOS version were larger. Yes, I just said I wish a 2gb game took up more space on my phone. Some of the high resolutions and amazingly fluid animations are lost. That doesn't make this port bad, it just stands as a testament to how incredible the original still is. My only other complaint is that by default a few settings make the game less stylish in an attempt to make it "more accessible." For the best experience go to the menu and turn off hotspot hints and transitions. Then hide interface buttons and crank the volume. You won't regret it. The world you will find will immerse you. If you're not careful it can even consume you, and you'll end up checking the time only to be startled by how much time went by. Do not be afraid, let it take you. There are flashier games out there. There are faster games too. But there is nothing else like Riven. It is a masterpiece for anyone who appreciates good design and exploration. If you're curious and have read this much of my review, just buy it already.
Review by Dies Irae on Riven (iPhone version).