Riven: The Soundtrack (Video Game Score)

List Price: $13.98 Discount Price: $8.89

Customer Reviews:

I am hooked! (even though I am not a gamer) [Posted on 2004-06-17]
You know the world has changed since you last looked when films are not the only entertainment pieces to have a soundtrack. Video games also have soundtracks these days and the one by Robyn Miller for the game 'Riven' got me hooked non-stop ever since I first overheard it streaming from a colleague's cubicle at work.

It provides you with a dark, epic atmosphere that never really gets loud, so it also carries a bit of an ambient (almost new age) flavor to it. Perfect not just to go with the game (I have to assume, since I am not a gamer myself), but to work, read or write. It's mellow, but it doesn't sound common or simple. It is one of those albums you wish you could get more of, so I end up playing it once and again. It reminded me of the soundtrack to the anime "Ghost in the Shell" very much and it's definitely got moment that bring back "The Big Blue" to mind.

I'm rating the music, not how much of the music [Posted on 2005-02-02]
This is good (in reference to the Myst soundtrack, in which (all of) the tracks are played differently (my mistake for my 4-star review, as well as Achenar's Cache not fading out in realMYST)), but it could be better (in reference to missing specific tracks, like Gehn's cannen's music and the music you hear in Crater Island's air vent to/from one of Gehn's offices)
I expected Link to be the music you hear when Atrus prepares you (can be classified as "Atrus' Theme [Preparation Remix]"). Instead, it's just the sound of you linking.
Atrus' Theme is the music you hear when you fall through the fissure after trapping Gehn without rescuing Catherine. Basically what I thought was Link with a longer time and more build-up.
Gateroom was the only track Robyn successfully made eerie. Part 1 is when you're in one of the caves close to a room with beetles on the walls. Part 2 is heard in that room.
Temple is more of Part 2 of Temple, of which you're in it.
Moeity Theme is louder, rock-hinted music in the same caves as for Moeity Caves.
This "Boat Ride" is heard when you use the Trap Book in Tay without Gehn in it.
Part 1 of Moeity Prison is when Nelah gives you your Trap Book. Part 2 is the ambient music in the prison where she gives it to you.
The Red Cave is heard in a cave of Survey Island.
The intense Wahrk Room is heard in the underwater cavern close to the red cave.
Actually one of several variations, Gehn's Theme is heard when you open the fissure without Catherine's journal.
Fissure is the victory music.
For some reason, Bonus Track, which could be replaced with Moeity Theme, is not mentioned on this site.

Outstanding game. Outstanding music! [Posted on 2006-06-03]
It doesn't really matter if you've played the game or not, this CD is a must. I played Riven and was amazed that the music topped that of Myst's. If you played Riven it would be stupid not to buy this CD. Excellent!!

Nice ambient music, though not the best of the MYST series. [Posted on 2007-01-04]
Riven has a couple of nice pieces and overall and nice ambient transport to get your mind onto other things. However, I have purchased all of the MYST series soundtracks and none of them hold a candle to the MYST 4 and MYST 5 soundtracks. Riven is worth it to complete your collection but do not miss the 4 and 5 soundtracks.

Robyn Miller does it again! [Posted on 2008-11-19]
This time for "Riven." This soundtrack is by far one of the best in the series. In my personal opinion I find better than Myst. It has a more atmosphereic/dreamy mood and is better made (thanks to some improvements!)

Now a short summary of the soundtrack for you: "Atrus' Theme" opens the game with haunting yet memorable tune. "Gateroom" takes all the segments from the scene and puts them together as one track with its mysterious mood. "Jungle Totem" is a beautiful mysterious ambient tune. "Survey Island Theme" reminds of "Jungle Totem" with similar mysterious sound. "Temple" sounds similar to "Gateroom" with added new sounds. "Village Entrance Theme" consists of drum beats with minimal sounds. "Moeity Caves" has a jungle-feel to it despite being referred to as "cave." "Moeity Theme" is filled with excitement and cool effects. "Boat Ride" is the only true "scary track" thanks mostly to the eeire siern-ish opening. "Moeity Prison" has the feel of being stuck on a prsion cell with the Moeity style to it. "The Red Cave" is quiet in a way, a simple little mealody. "Wahrk Room" is IMO the best one off the soundtrack, dreamy and beautifully done. Catherine's Prelude & "Catherine's Theme" are similar in that they are dark and yet pretty mealody. "Catherine's Freedom" is the only "action" song. "Gehn Speaks" another dark mealody with a building presence throughout. "Gehn's Theme" has elements of G.speaks, but this one is more memorable and I find better. "Fissure" is the longest track and has blend of everything to make a fantastic finish.

The first track on the disk isn't Atrus' theme, but "Link" a 10 second interlude that plays when you journey to another world through a Myst book, making a "zoom" sound. Also, at the end, there is a track on unused music for the game worth checking out. Two tracks that should've been included are the observation room (which contained the chair with cage around it) and the fan-duct tunnel (which takes parts of "Temple" & adds a little scare ambience). Other than that, great soundtrack!

Highly recommend, especially if you enjoy video game sountracks. Haven't played the game? No harm done! You'll find the soundtrack quite enjoyable!

The "Mad Mind" has spoken.

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