A review by austinstorm
From Myst to Riven: The Creations and Inspirations by Richard Kadrey

5.0

I re-read this in anticipation of Cyan's forthcoming new game, 'Obduction'.

An extended 'Making of' piece with lavish illustrations. Richard Kadrey was a great choice, he writes with the enthusiasm of liner copy from a vinyl record sleeve. It doesn't feel hyperbolic because Riven was a watershed moment. Everything in that game - puzzles, environment, art - served narrative and world-building.

This is perhaps my second-favorite book about the rise of 'CD-ROM' scale games, after a Dorling Kindersley book whose name escapes me.