Riven (1997) similar games & best alternatives
Should you play it?
Released in 1997 as the original sequel to Myst, one of the best-selling puzzle adventure games of all time. Prepare to enter a world "torn asunder" by timeless, unresolved conflicts -- a world of incomparable beauty, intrigue, and betrayal.
What works
- Immersive and detailed worldbuilding
- Challenging and rewarding puzzles
- Strong narrative and atmosphere
- Classic and influential adventure game
- Runs on modern systems with patches
Things to keep in mind
- Low resolution and dated graphics
- Some puzzles can be obscure or frustrating
- Slow pacing and backtracking
- Technical issues on some systems
- Lack of modern conveniences like autosave
What to play next
Top picks
Games that feels the closest overall
Less thrilling
Games that feels like Riven (1997) but with less suspense and thrill · 7 games
More survival-focused
Games that feels like Riven (1997) but with a stronger survival pressure · 6 games
Less continuation-driven
Games that feels like Riven (1997) but with less of a pull toward endless continuation · 4 games
Less story-driven
Games that feels like Riven (1997) but with less narrative immersion · 3 games
Others
Other games that might remind you of Riven (1997) · 21 games
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Syberia II
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Lost Horizon
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Outcast - Second Contact
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The Dream Machine: Chapter 1 & 2
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Endless Fables 2: Frozen Path
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Amerzone - The Explorer's Legacy
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Necrophosis
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The Last Dream: Developer's Edition
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Ether One
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CAT Interstellar
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The Gallery - Episode 2: Heart of the Emberstone
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The Secret Order 3: Ancient Times
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Tormentum - Dark Sorrow
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Meridian 157: Chapter 3
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The Dark Eye: Memoria
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Darkarta: A Broken Heart's Quest Collector's Edition
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Venineth
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The Gallery - Episode 1: Call of the Starseed
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Meridian 157: Chapter 2
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The Frostrune
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The Whispered World Special Edition
Last update: 18/09/2026