Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 85 | 64 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 92% | 87 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 92% | 86 | 63 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Jul 16, 2026) · 46 reviews sampled · 63 total reviews in window · weighted 34.4 up / 2.9 down · computed 1h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (42)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 90
“Even in the era of remasters and remakes from famous studios, the updated Riven doesn't look like a gray mouse. It's a beautiful quest with a high-quality "facelift".”
read full review ↗ - 90
“In conclusion, I can only add that Riven is proof of what can be achieved in the world of video games when you have a compelling story, exceptional design, engaging puzzles, and a thoroughly immersive world. This remastered version takes everything that made the original a classic and builds upon it, creating an experience that feels fresh yet, in a way, familiar. For both newcomers and longtime fans of the Myst series, this title is not just a journey through a beautiful world. It’s also an exploration of ideas, emotions, and the captivating narrative structure of a universe that resonates with players, no matter how much time passes. I highly recommend this game.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“I enjoyed replaying Riven in remade form, and while I do not think this game replaces the original, it certainly supplements it and makes it more attractive for someone curious about this game and franchise. The puzzles are still good, the alterations are sensible, and the Age of Riven itself remains an enchanting place to piece together.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“When I first went into the Riven remake, I really wasn't sure if I would enjoy it or not. I had only played Myst once back when I was ten or so, and I couldn't make heads or tales of it back then. Seeing fans of the game talk about its difficulty had me nervous as well. But once I found myself immersed in the world, everything just kind of...clicked. Riven isn't an obstuse puzzle box like I expected. It's a surprisingly fleshed-out world. One of seeming loneliness, one of mystery, one that wound up being absolutely enthralling. One that absolutely won't be for everyone, but if it manages to hook you in, good luck getting it to let go. Riven is a game that demands your full attention, occasionally to its detriment. If you aren't locked in and focused, it is easy to lose the trail the game is gently leading you on. But if you can give it your time and attention, it will take you on an unforgettable ride.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Overall the remake of Riven is an excellent effort on all fronts. The original Riven was already an exceptionally high quality title that is still playable even today. This new ground-up remake takes that epic title and introduces it to a new generation. This is definitely its final form and stands on its own as an excellent release. I highly recommend it, not just to fans of the original but to any gamer who enjoys puzzle games.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Riven 2024 is a true labor of love, a direct result of fan efforts to render the game in a modern style. Character models, puzzles, and other touches have been dramatically streamlined, and barring a few hard knowledge checks, my time in Riven sped by. Graphics hiccups and captioning omissions are tiny blemishes on Riven’s triumphant return. I’ll be thinking of it, pun intended, for ages.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Riven is the pinnacle of puzzle-oriented games, and in this regard, you probably won't find any better or even on the same level, its puzzles are just something else. If you combine it with a mysterious story and charming aesthetics, you'll get a game that will occupy your attention for quite a while.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Updated for modern systems, Riven reminds us why it's a classic adventure game. Perhaps a bit short now, occasionally obtuse in its puzzles, but still visually stunning and engaging.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The new Riven is a polished relic from a bygone era when games were made very differently. And played very differently. It offers a very different experience to what's on the market today. I don't think it will be a bestseller, but it will certainly appeal to those who like to explore unconventional worlds and solve challenging puzzles. Plus, you can play it in VR.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Riven is a stunning reimagining of the original title. The visuals are beautiful and the puzzles are as challenging as ever, requiring a lot of thought, focus, and attempts. Definitely not for everyone, but an experience I don't regret!”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Overall, I loved this Riven. It’s stunning; the new and updated puzzles are brilliant and fun, the music is amazing, the sound design is flawless, and everything in it is so beautiful. I did have a little bit of an issue with the game running poorly and having to turn the graphics way down, and I also didn’t like the character models. But overall, the translation from an old-school point-and-click to an updated version of itself went rather splendidly. I never played the remake of Myst from 2020, but I’m thinking I might have to go back and do just that now that I have seen how beautiful the new Riven is.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Riven is as impressive, immersive, and unmissable as it's ever been.”
read full review ↗
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Patch history
- Patch 1.9.0 and future support updates for RivenJul 16, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.8.5Feb 27, 2026significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.7.6Dec 3, 2025
- Patch 1.7.5Nov 18, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.7.4Jun 18, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Riven major patch release - now with Ray Tracing!Apr 23, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.3.0 is out NOW!Aug 1, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 2 released!Jul 15, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1 released!Jun 28, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- The Riven Demo has been updated (again)!Jun 20, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- The Riven Demo has been updated!Jun 14, 2024significant · resets scoring window