Let's Play Riven (2024) - part 1 - Atrus is still vague

[@Dilandau3000]

Fifteen years ago today I uploaded Let's Play Riven part 1. What better way to celebrate that than by uploading part 1 of the remake? I'm aiming to upload every other day for this Let's Play. I haven't quite finished recording the whole game yet so this way I can keep ahead and avoid any longer gaps between uploads. Want to watch something else while you wait? Why not revisit the original Riven: kzbin.info/aero/PLF2E1040A0551DE99

[@micahbush5397]

And here I thought that making this deadline was a fanciful dream!

[@brittislove]

If you want to be a Chad, think about the leisure suit larry, quest for glory, or ice man games. There's also the 20th anniversary of Gabriel knight, and even the hero-u rogue to redemption games.

[@mrsmw2020]

So very excited. Love all your 'Let's Play's'. My go to videos. Thank you for releasing this one. I have avoided all the other walkthroughs by other people, to wait for yours.

[@NikaNakaidze]

Me too waited to sven

[@FernandoRubioMateu]

Welcome back!

[@forrestmaher4545]

When I saw this on Steam, I knew it was only a matter of time when I would hear once again, "welcome back."

[@antonisNWC]

lets only hope your uploads are regular...

[@matthewwilliams3827]

Welcome back! You’ve been MYST 😃👍

[@jeradpaulson771]

Plans on doing beyond the edge of owlsguard?

[@tompinks_]

"If you plan to play this version yourself, you probably shouldn't watch this these videos" Oh I'm in for the ride Sven, I'm joining you on this adventure. Wouldn't have it any other way.

[@TempuraFriedJoystick]

Nothing brings me instant, childlike joy like seeing a Dilandau upload. Welcome back, old friend. I miss you every time.

[@Fenrasulfr]

Man it is crazy to think that I have watched you for nearly 15 years. Really awesome you still find the time to do a let's play from time to time.

[@cm8011]

Thank God you’ve returned! Seriously, though, I’ve been checking your channel regularly for this. And now here you are. My day has been made!

[@mattposky2892]

Same

[@Mako2401]

Buddy I started watching your videos last year, loved the Gabriel Knight ones and eventually watched them all, Blade Runner, Myst etc. I'm glad you're doing well and still play and enjoy games 14 years later.

[@misterkefir]

Pleasure to see another of your videos in my sub box again ;) Always great, cozy fun. Much appreciated. & Cheers!

[@billeethesciencegeek]

Back to where my love of games as art began, and back to the creator that reignited my love of this series 15 years after I first saw it at 4 years old. Thank you for always pouring all your knowledge and passion into these videos. I feel reinvigorated.

[@trapez77]

You missed the thing next to the telescope that lets you hear the vacuum of the fissure

[@brittislove]

Hurricane beryl has left me without electricity for 4 days. I'm back at my place cleaning out the rotting food from my fridge since I have nothing better to do. I put on KZbin while and clean and Dilandau comes through for me with a welcome video. Now I'm excited for my task, thank you!

[@TheInkPitOx]

Is everything else ok with you?

[@Pablorovirita]

Hey, hope things get better soon, good luck and keep at it~

[@spaguetti290]

I'm so so happy that we get to spend this time with you once more

[@BelbozUnderhill]

And here we are: another one of your calm and thorough videos, Dilandau, as I like them. I still hope that, one day, you will return to play and record for us more adventure games: there are a lot of great titles that I would like to see on your channel. In the meantime, I will see you in the Pentagonal Room. Soon.

[@mattposky2892]

I check every few weeks to see if he's posted. His star trek playthroughs may be my favorite KZbin videos of all time. Smart narration, chill vibes, loads of gaming nostalgia, and I usually learn something new. Legend

[@ElevenKnights2600]

"It's probably year-month-day, the only sensible way to write dates." As an American I agree and disagree at the same time.

[@BigGator5]

Atrus being vague comes as natural as me breathing. It's okay, that's why we love him.

[@tuschman168]

It's as natural to him as building unnecessarily complicated doors. Just two things he excels at.

[@Dilandau3000]

@@tuschman168 Don't forget overly convoluted elevators.

[@generrosity]

@@Dilandau3000 I've recently seen a video ranking all the Myst game elevators, from levels of pain to peak presentation

[@techextremist2545]

Atrus replaced with animation is a terrible decision, why ?

[@tuschman168]

@@techextremist2545 Can't really have a video Atrus in a 3D environment. I suppose you could try to convert the video into 3D but with current technology that might end up looking just as creepy, if not more so.

[@Ganibbasald]

Oh hell yeah brother. Your Riven play through is the OG, so happy to see you do the new one.

[@kevinmalec4977]

"Why also have a telescope" - the viewport is for watching natives thrown through the since-sealed hatch it sits on top of. the telescope is for watching the stars (and I guess further away natives)

[@susannabennison-composer9743]

Sven, for the first time I get to comment on one of your videos! I was introduced to Myst way back in the 90s, watching my dad play on our valiant 1995 Apple Mac. I called it the “rocket game”, after that rocket which holds one of the Linking books (in my defence, I was four!). Later I also watched him play Riven. Neither of us are puzzle solvers, so he likely had no more idea what he was doing than I would have done. Many years later, I found Myst IV and we both played it a little. I eventually got through it with the help of a walkthrough (sacrilege!) but I was hooked. And then I found your Let’s Plays of all of the games and worked my way through those. Oh, the joy to finally have context to all those memories and curiosities I’d held for years about the series! I legit had NO idea they’d remade Riven. Seeing you play it delights me in so many ways. Please imagine a 32 year old woman regularly squealing, “OMG look how good it looks!” “Eeee! It’s so SMOOTH” “360 degrees Riven HELL YEAH!” “It legit looks like the pictures rendered in full 3D I’m losing my miiiind.” 😂😂 Thank you, thank you, I can’t wait for the rest of this playthrough!

[@tammyhunter4126]

I saw the notification of a new video and got the biggest grin on my face. Can't wait to see you play the updated version!

[@FalseH3]

There’s a pipe you can open at the Star fissure that lets you hear the vacuum of space. Pretty cool

[@DolphinTownHarderwijk]

YES! HE IS BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@8bitdame]

My enthusiasm for another lets play from you is limitless :)

[@andy-nicholson]

Ik ben zo blij om je Riven let’s play te zien, Sven! Ik hou zo veel van je video's! Het is zo'n cadeau! 🤩

[@Mewzard]

Unexpected surprise today, but I'm glad to see it. More Riven is always good in my book.

[@Doc4]

Welcome back Sven!

[@rjb1714]

Well, this makes my day! Happy 15th Anniversary to your Let’s Plays! 🎉

[@brandx01]

Welcome back Sven !! I literally just now finished Uru:Live...LOVED IT!...and I was so saddened to think that was the last of your Let's Plays as I've already gone through your entire Myst collection (and Obduction) ...twice!! And this pops up as 'next'! You've comforted me and made me laugh for so many years. A big hug and kiss to Nora too!

[@Jason-ji8ql]

Since the moment I saw this was announced, I've been waiting for this series.

[@patricaristide7678]

Oh wow, just ckecked your channel to see if maybe there was something new and it‘s one of the greatest games played by my favourite Let‘s Player. I‘m in for a treat!

[@Myrathosghost]

I have been waiting for this!!!

[@FalseH3]

I just finished watching your play through of the original Riven. I wanted to compare it to the remake that I just finished. Had to refresh my memory. Really enjoyed your let’s play. Very excited to see you starting this!

[@MOLLIMEDIA]

Welcome back to our living room, Sven! It’s good to hear your voice again - and - looking forward to your assessment of that curious potato-skinned, sphere-shaped, stone-like orb we keep getting teased with. 😉👍🏻

[@swirm621]

I've been so stoked for your play through of this! Glad to have ya back!

[@chrisdavis1722]

Yay! Excited to watch the remake with you at the helm. 🎉

[@generrosity]

Welcome back! It is good to hear your voice again, and truely a treat to see you re-explore your old favorite. 👌💚 You've obviously got zoom key'd in, the remake has many shortcut keys, particularly for other things in your inventory.

[@ConsciousCloud]

Great to see you back Sven!! I saw this remake get released recently and refused to watch other let's plays of it because I knew you would cover it eventually and I'm happy I was right lol. The original Riven was the first video series I watched of yours all those years ago so it's nice to come full circle. Not to mention they really made this game even more beautiful and detailed when it already was a great looking game back when it released.

[@EthanWolfCat]

What's also nice is that they used the original voice track for some dialogs in the game. Very nice touch.

[@marcobucci]

Long have I been waiting for this

[@EmiPhenex]

Wow, I still remember when I started watching your Riven Let's Play when I was back in high school. Oddly enough, I just finished your Myst V Let's Play, which is over 10 years since I've seen. Then this is recommended, wow. This will be highly nostalgic! :)

[@NikaNakaidze]

Oh sven u r back well done buddy well done lets our journey begins

[@SApcGUY]

Glad to see you back

[@fortinjack77]

Welcome back, Dilandau3000! Thank you very much and take care of yourself, my friend. :D

[@JohnnMosak]

Bro…you need to know that you have been the BEST content creator with the Myst series. Your knowledge of the backstory and your commitment to this series is nothing short of undying commitment. Thank you for many many hours of entertainment into a storyline that defines my childhood and forever holds a place in my heart!

[@HalaBasinah]

This was sooner than expected! Welcome back!

[@sinus2220]

So good to see your new LP Sven! And it's Riven... I miss the good old days. 1997 was a good year.

[@YouFightLikeACow]

HOLY SHIT I didn't expect this so soon. I also thought you would be in VR (I'm commenting before I watch, so you probably explain), but glad to see it regardless. Welcome back!

[@Dilandau3000]

This game is amazing in VR, but it just isn't the greatest experience for a video, where the viewers aren't getting the 3D effect anyway.

[@sameaston9587]

The worship chamber music freaked me out so much when I was a kid. I didn't stay in that cave longer than needed.

[@alphamarshan]

Welcome back, Dilandau3000! Looking forward to your playthrough of this; I absolutely loved the remake.

[@Val_Emrys]

I have been looking forward to this for weeks! Thanks for posting. I do feel sorry for our protagonist - beside having a difficult task before them, they don't appear to have coffee or snacks.

[@Dilandau3000]

You should always pack supplies when touching strange books.

[@84Ccate]

I was here 15 years ago... I remember. Thank you for all you've been doing, it means a lot to some of us.

[@JavusMM]

Just finished re-watching your original Riven let's play. Very excited now to watch this!!!!

[@ShadowzGSD]

yay, seeing this has made my day, fantastic, can't wait to hear your thoughts on everything that has changed.

[@jonmabec]

I have so much looked forward to your take on the remake! Loved your original Let's play of Riven and you do have a style that I really appreciate that you don't see with many let's players these days. I was so lucky to have the opportunity to work on this remake with Cyan! Dream come true for sure! Very pleased to hear that you like the new version.

[@EnterThunderShock12]

Let's go! It's time for some popcorn 🍿

[@kumabear3529]

YES! He’s back! Back again! He’s playing RIVEN! Thank you Sven 😂

[@NikaNakaidze]

Svens favorite game and mine too

[@HeruKane]

OMG This is AWESOME!!!! I watched others, and stuff, but I was really looking forward to you doing this. I'm also looking forward to a sort of 'thoughts video' from you later on. Anyway, so good!

[@BigGator5]

Something I have not been able to reconcile: The Art doesn't actually "create" worlds, but just "links" to them. However Atrus is using The Art in order to fix Riven. I'm sure there's a explanation that I have long since forgotten about.

[@Dilandau3000]

The official explanation is that anything "unobserved" could still be changed, as long as you can't prove it wasn't actually always like that. It leans a lot on not-quite-correct applications of quantum physics, and is best thought of as simply part of the required suspension of disbelief for Myst. :)

[@BigGator5]

I see. So minute flaws in The Art will put flaws in The Age. Atrus is just trying to fix those flaws. Am I getting that right? Go in Peace and Walk with God. 😎 👍

[@HalaBasinah]

In addition to the fantasy quantum physics explanation, I sort of see it like this: a hairdresser can do anything they want with someone's hair, except cause it to grow (or transmogrify it into something else, I guess). Writing Ages is similar.

[@tidallock848]

I've never read too deeply on the official reasons, but I've always thought of it as guiding the world down various branches of parallel dimensions. Now granted there are some instances where you just have to fall back to 'the game needed this' but I'm pretty sure any explanations has to do that at some point as well. So for example, any bizarre, unexplained change may be highly improbable but would ultimately have a rational explanation. Freak weather pattern, madman in a fit of pique, alien space junk falling to the planet, etc. The writer doesn't have to know the cause, just make sure that is possible in that reality and the Age will come along for the ride. I think that was part of the gift/madness/genius of Yeesha - she was able to intuitively understand the boundaries of probability and what the reality of various Ages (including the one she inhabited) would allow without breaking. In fact, if you'll indulge me a little longer, I think this explains why Ghen can't write stable worlds. When writing an Age you lay out the physics and boundaries of that reality and guide it down the tree of parallel worlds from the ordinal branch to the one you desire. Ghen thinks he creates Ages and that they bend to his whim and never took the time to really learn the underlying physics and principles of the Art. He knows certain things have to happen and how to ape the process but he thinks he's creating instead of guiding and so lacks the finesse required to really get any long term stability. Anyway, sorry so wordy. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk? Edit: I think Atrus' 'calculations' were in fact him making sure the existing reality - both the one Ghen had started and the one including his additional refinements and definitions - would bear the path he wanted it to take. I think his changes were by necessity becoming increasingly improbable and he could see the corner he was ultimately writing himself into. The branching of multiple probabilities were collapsing into a singularity that would inevitably take the Age with it.

[@NuggetRetired]

No game in my lifetime has been able to capture the mood and feeling with a soundtrack like the Myst series does.. the soundtrack is so underrated in setting the tone for your exploration without it the series wouldn't be anything like it is.

[@robbiestockman8285]

I've been waiting over ten years for the release of 3D Riven! I'm so glad I finally get to see it and by my favorite Let's Player!

[@mauruhkatigaming4807]

The year being 1807 makes me think of my personal headcanon that the Stranger was Dr. John Robinson, the civilian surgeon who accompanied the Pike Expedition. By Pike's own account, Robinson was a very capable and learned man - certainly capable enough to aid Atrus. Crucially, he is the only member of this expedition to pass through New Mexico (and therefore possibly the Cleft) without having been under Spanish escort for trespassing. He departed Pike's winter camp alone for the ostensible purpose of collecting a private debt (though possibly for reasons of espionage - the Pike Expedition was a somewhat shady enterprise and Aaron Burr might have arranged the whole thing to try and filibuster a new republic with him in charge). Later Robinson would go on to command troops fighting for Mexican independence. Perhaps he was filibustering, or perhaps he was inspired to fight against colonialism after his experience with Gehn. I dare not impose this headcanon on anybody else, of course - the Stranger is the player, and by extension, anyone the player wants them to be. One could probably find a reason why it doesn't work, if one cares to dig. But this answer is fun to me, so I choose to believe it for myself.

[@s-8488]

I'm glad you're still here.

[@nickmosca1718]

This made my summer! Thank you so much for your thorough and fun let's plays. Like many others here, I also avoided other let’s plays of this until yours came out. I wish Atrus began his intro with “welcome back.” Thank you Sven!!

[@tehcolazn85]

I knew it'd be a matter of time before the GOAT made a return! Awesomeness!

[@Brettkatze]

Yes! I was waiting for this Let's Play since I learned that there would be a Riven remake. ❤

[@coreysingsanime]

Oh How I've waited for your let's play in particular of this remake 😁

[@marymitchell6257]

Just beat it and had to come watch these right away! I didn’t want to give myself any hints while playing!

[@ladyaimeedarcy6670]

Welcome back!!! So happy to see you 🎉

[@Kiernnan]

Welcome Back! I’ve been waiting for you.

[@CharlieHuang]

Just finished it a few hours ago. You'll love it still.

[@AzurGamer81]

The first LP of Riven was epic, this is going to be legendary!!!

[@Tant_E]

Sven, your Riven let’s play, 15 years ago, was the first “let’s play” I’ve watched on KZbin. I still enjoy watching it, I think it’s great! I was so excited to play the Riven remake AND getting to watch you play it!

[@sealofapproval5598]

Cyan almost changes their logo like I change my socks

[@valentinoian]

Years and years ago as a kid I naively messaged you asking what the "Guild of Let's Players" was (and how to join it haha) Love that I get to see the "guild" back in action.

[@SethACampbellMusic]

So, so wonderful to be back where everything began! Thank you for taking us on this journey!

[@fliesatdawn]

Your "welcome back" is a core memory for me, now. So glad that you're doing this series and can't wait for more entries. You're one of the best to do it, man.

[@erictraylor4857]

Welcome back, I love all of your content and you have definitely been missed and it would be amazing if you could return to KZbin on a more regular basis but I understand, maybe they will remake all of the myst games because I enjoyed myst 3 and 4 just as much as the original two. A return to URU would also be welcome in my opinion (at least a single player or offline remake)

[@gegacai]

I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FROM YOU ❤ I never beat it as a kid but did so vicarious years ago with your let's play. I bought the 2024 version and beat it! And immediately watched your let's play to compare the differences. Good to be watching you again

[@mattposky2892]

Beyond delightful to see you back again. Your narration is always the best and your taste in games is outstanding. Welcome back

[@PikaLink91]

Always a welcoming voice

[@isyoulame]

I stumbled upon your website after playing through the remake. I realized it had been years since I saw one of your videos and started hoping to see this exact upload. Thankyou old friend.

[@caittscott]

Oh my goodness, I JUST finished re-watching your Dreamfall Let's Play today, came back to your home page to start Chapters, and saw THIS! What a good day to be on KZbin. :D

[@Snowmation]

Damn, I really didn't expect to see your Riven Remake Let's Play so quick!!! I'm so ready for ever video drop!

[@myrrysmiasi4866]

I'm so excited to hear your perspective on the remake :D

[@TheInkPitOx]

Welcome back! Also, happy anniversary!

[@JaneXemylixa]

This episode already disappointed me with the CGI characters and won me over with the completely hand-written journal. May the rollercoaster begin!

[@fwfs]

Sven, I got started watching and doing Let's Plays after coming across your Riven videos many years ago. I particularly like your thorough research and methodical style, and in many ways, I emulate that with my own channel. The Myst series is a childhood favorite of mine and I think you do the best Let's Plays of anyone of these games, so it's great to see you coming back to where you started. So far, the Riven remake looks great and it must be nice not having to insert discs for every island. As you mentioned, the lack of full motion video and pre-rendered graphics has resulted in some loss of overall atmosphere. While 3D rendering has nearly caught up with pre-rendering, it does feel like something is lost in being able to move around the world however you want. With the prerendered graphics, you could only view the world and approach the puzzles from a certain viewpoint, but now things have changed and the world feels more dynamic, rather than static. Whether due to limitations of the technology at the time, or the fact that gaming has evolved, it feels like the 3D world has changed the way the game was "meant" to be experienced (which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but jarring for us old school veterans of the series).

[@LPFlebbchen]

Instabile clicked on the Video as soon as I saw it! I am so happy to See new Video from you.

[@BevinRed]

This is giving me chills in a heat wave.

[@Sparks52]

I bought the original Riven when it was released. Semi-hooked after playing Myst for MS-DOS/Win3.1, which my sister had sent me. After Riven I was hooked, although the fixed points and slides format could be frustrating with spatial disorientation, but not as much as with Myst (especially Channelwood tree houses). The latest 2021 Myst (didn't know about it until buying Riven on GOG) is great from increased graphics resolution, but play is essentially the same as realMYST. Didn't take long to finish it. Unlike Myst 2021, Riven 2024 is significantly different from the original. Started out thinking I would breeze through having played all the Myst games numerous times. Quickly discovered it's the same basic age with different puzzles and problems to solve, starting with the gate one would crawl under! It has been some challenge. I'm now trying to forget or have any expectation of original Riven details. Your videos are excellent! Keep up the production of them.

[@SomeKindaSpy]

Oh man I've been waiting for this moment

[@judyhopps9380]

thank you thank you thank you Sven for doing this... but sadly, I'll have to miss out. I've promised myself I'll complete 3D Riven from scratch before watching your LP.

[@Dilandau3000]

I recommend doing it that way.

[@tobiashammerli5489]

Always a happy day when one of your videos comes out! Looking forward to the series, perfect timing as I will be working during summer break and your videos are amazing for how calm and relaxed they make me. You always take the time to explain things thoroughly and let the viewer soak up the vibe of the game. Have a good one and thank you! P.S. I don't know if I'm alone in this but seeing the characters be 3D models instead of videos is weirdly disorienting, my brain is telling me these characters should move a certain way and they kind of do, but not quite. Uncanny valley indeed!

[@micheldwson]

I was going to just watch your no doubt excellent let’s play but after seeing the first ten minutes or so I think may need to play it first. Omg looks gorgeous. And welcome back! Love your stuff.

[@sursnaps]

Sven!!!! What a wonderful surprise!

[@ChrisHollandGuitar]

YES! I had a feeling this was coming soon...very glad that you're back!

[@danielash1704]

I have everything that myst and a couple of my own properties of the same ingredients of 3D VR and a change in a different way as the procedural process of a tallow flow streaming

[@HDico2013]

I've bought the game to support Cyan, but I've actually been waiting for your playthrough to go through it together. I'm so happy you resurfaced 😊

[@panosb127]

Welcome back!! Υour lets play, are always the most interesting. Very good idea to play as if first time in Riven. Maybe another video with the comparison but not in the during of playing. Excellent, my friend!!!