Riven

I've been a long time fan of the Myst games. The game does have a few issues with Windows 7, but I did expect that. But thankfully Microsoft finally had the foresight to install a compatibility program to run older software.
The game itself is awesome to those who have never played any of the "Myst" games. I consider these games the pinnicale of game solving mystery that uses the most basic fundementals of commonsense along with intense strategy. Not only are the answers you need hidden in clues through out the puzzle, but there can also be multiple answers derived from the clues. But there is only one solution of course. Solving these games are no small task with the various machines, switches, controls, patterns and of course that curly headed freak constantly messing with you sabotageing the machines along the way to make it just a little more difficult. All in all I love these games, Myst, Riven: Sequel to Myst, Myst III: Exile, Myst IV: Revelations and Myst V: End of Ages.
After you decide to venture into the Myst Worlds, beware that the sluth in you may get lost in adventure for hours on end, with soothing music and soft sounds of the ocean, wind and at times various wildlife, creating serene setting, while taxing and at times vexing as your mind as it challenges to solve Atrius' very inventive and puzzling machines. They stretch your mind yet are simply commonsense solved. (once you know the solution)

DILIGENCE-AND EXPLORATION

I LOVE HOW COMPLICATED IT IS-AND NO VIOLENCE-ITS VERY EMERSIVE-AND TAKES ALOT OF THOUGHT AND PATIENCE-NOT JUST ANOTHER KILLING OR JUMPING OVER CUTE BUNNIES TYPE GAME-ITS REALLY HARD-SO IT WILL BE A GAME WORTH TAKING SOME TIME-NOT JUST PAY ALOT OF MONEY FOR AND WIN QUICKLY TYPE. EVERYTHING IS A PUZZLE TO FIGURE OUT WITH HIDDEN CLUES LIKE MYST-FIRST FIND THE CLUES, PUT THEM TOGETHER AND WORK OUT A SOLUTION THAT WILL OPEN THE DOOR TO A BIGGER SET OF MYSTERIES WITH SUCH LIFE LIKE INTERESTING DETAILS-YOU WANT TO TRY MORE AND EXPLORE MORE AND SEE WHAT THIS BUTTON DOES AND WHERE THAT PATH LEADS OR WHATS AROUND THE NEXT CORNER-ITS INTERESTING AND AGGRIVATING AND EXHILLERATING AND EXHAUSTING-PLUS IT MAKES YOU THINK 'MAYBE IF I TRIED THIS' CONSTANTLY. SCARED OFF YET? LOTS OF GAMERS WANT GAMES THAT ARE FUN AND A BIT OF A CHALLENGE-THIS GAME TAKES IT ONE STEP FURTHER-OHH ITS FUN....BUT THESE CHALLENGES REQUIRE INTELLEGENCE OUT THE WAHZOO AND A WHOLE LOT OF PERSISTENCE TOO! I LOVE IT SO MUCH I BOUGHT IT TWICE(1 CD WENT AWAL) AND I HAVE NOT WON IT YET-BUT I ROSE TO THE CHALLENGE-CAN YOU?

Okay if you have noting else to play

I played the original Myst game when it first came out and loved it. Maybe if I had played Riven when it first came out perhaps I would have felt the same way, however I just purchased it in Jan 2009. I have Window's XP, it ran the game (with some modifications), however was very choppy (I know it's not my computer). The game comes on 5 disks however depending where you go in the game you are constantly having to reinsert those disks which can be very frustrating. I think within 15 min of playing I had to switch between disk 1,2, and 3 at least once.

Despite those setbacks the game itself draws you in. The background is beautiful. I don't know if it is just me, but when I first got to the island i was a little lost. There is so much to explore, it is almost too much. I found myself a little overwhelmed with how much of it there was, which maybe to a more experienced game playing is great. However for a mid-level game player like myself I found some of it confusing, I could see how a strategy guide for this type of game is a must. I would say if you’re not an experienced gamer, defiantly get the guide.

I still would recommend it. It defiantly takes time, but it is fun. I spent the first half hour I played just exploring the islands and admiring the graphics (despite it being a little choppy).

In the end I would say it's a good game. If you liked Myst is great to continue the story line, However if not, I would get a newer game, to put it short. When I needed a break from some of my other games, I would throw it in, but I would recommend it to more experience gamers.

Riven: The Sequel to Myst

I have never been a "Real" computer game player, but both MYST and Riven are games I really like and have enjoyed for years. For anyone that want to read about the game MYST and Riven there is a set of three books and a paperback called the "MYST Reader" with all three books in one. The story of MYST and Riven are as much fun to read as the games are to play. Riven is a 5-CD set where MYST was on one CD. The thing I really like about the games is there is no time to run out. No one trying to kill you. and you can't die in the game. It makes for a long playing game that plays more like a long story over a fast game. It is a great game for older players that don't want to be rushed through the game, but want to enjoy the time spent playing the game.

RIVEN THE SEQUEL TO MYST PC XP GAME NEAR MINT

Russelstol-
Your promotion on Riven says: RIVEN THE SEQUEL TO MYST PC XP!GAME NEAR MINT. (see my review title for same info shown on my bill!)
I have a PC with XP Professional operating system, and it will not run on my computer!The front of the disk says: Windows 95 or MAC OS. Please send me the correct Riven and I will return my 5 disks and instructions to you. Thanks!
John R. Thompson Jr
4001 Edgehill Road
Fort Worth, TX 76116

(817) 737-6525