Help deciding on whether to buy this game

[Adrian]

I never played riven back in the day. Though I did play zork nemesis and return to zork and loved those. I played a little bit of myst but never owned it as a kid.

I always wanted to play riven.

My question is, for people who have played this remake -

Does it rely on nostalgia to be fun? Or would I enjoy it anyway?

Grateful for any input.

[Adelyne~]

I think you can enjoy it even if you haven’t play the original.
It’s a good exploration/puzzle game like Quern or Haven Moon (that were inspired by Myst and Riven)
I would advise to play Myst (the 2021 remake) before so you can understand the story better but it’s not mandatory.

[Cynbel Terreus]

Originally posted by Adrian:

I never played riven back in the day. Though I did play zork nemesis and return to zork and loved those. I played a little bit of myst but never owned it as a kid.

I always wanted to play riven.

My question is, for people who have played this remake -

Does it rely on nostalgia to be fun? Or would I enjoy it anyway?

Grateful for any input.

It does not require nostalgia, if you like these types of games you should enjoy it. Even veterans should find things to love with it.

As mentioned playing Myst first can help with understanding some of the story.

[Amateria]

Nostalgia has little to do with anything in this game. It's a legitimately good game that was remade in 3D with some interesting changes from the original.

[FuzzyJuzzy]

Even the original Riven doesn't rely on nostalgia. I played it this year for the first time and it completely holds up even now. It's become one of my favourite gaming experiences.

[nicksname_1]

A lot is different from the original Riven. Stunningly beautifull changes and additions. There are references to other games of the myst series in form and style so in that sence, yes, nostalgia. It's just so incredibly beatifull that to me the game is worth every penny.

[Atrus]

Riven is one of the best puzzle games of all time, nostalgia isn't required to think it's fun. I'd also recommend playing Myst first. Not just for the story but because the puzzles are a little easier so it'll be a good place to start before you play Riven.

[halfmonkey]

Originally posted by FuzzyJuzzy:

Even the original Riven doesn't rely on nostalgia. I played it this year for the first time and it completely holds up even now. It's become one of my favourite gaming experiences.

That was pretty great. You still get a brief, "Oh, you've returned!" followed by, "Forget about all that other stuff from last time, here's the REAL problem."

Successfully builds on the previous game without relying on familiarity at all.

I have a feeling that if the OP liked the Zork games, they would like this. Not nearly as much humor, but a similar "explore and puzzle at your own pace so you can leave the crazy world you are trapped in" kind of game.

[Adrian]

Many thanks for the replies

[MaSeKind]

Short answer, yes.
Longer answer, play Myst and also yes