Riven: The Sequel to Myst
Platform: Saturn
Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment
Developer: Cyan Productions/Sunsoft

The Basics
Acclaim's Riven for the Sega Saturn was likely going to be essentially the same game that arrived on the PlayStation. The PlayStation version offered up the same style of gameplay as Myst: You wandered around an unknown world trying to solve small puzzles, which eventually led you to solving the big puzzle of the game. Some of the puzzles made a lot of sense; others were nearly impossible to break.

Obviously, the PC version was notably better-looking than the PlayStation version, so that didn't leave much for the doomed Saturn version. Beyond the disappointing graphics on the PlayStation, Riven suffered from long load times, which really put a damper on your desire to simply explore. And unfortunately, the control pad wasn't a very efficient device to navigate this game; A PlayStation mouse was recommended to play Riven. On the bright side, Riven's sounds made it over from the PC and helped to lend atmosphere to the game.

All in all, our reviewer believed the developers of Riven did the best job they could in porting this game over to the PlayStation and added that the PlayStation version was adequate (but just that - adequate) if you didn't have access to a PC. Playing Riven on the PlayStation was sort of like watching Star Wars on a 13'' TV; you'll get the point but you're definitely missing something.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Acclaim stopped publishing games for the discontinued Sega Saturn. However, the game was released in Europe.

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Sentient
Platform: Saturn
Publisher: THQ

The Basics
Sentient, a puzzle-adventure game, was released for the PlayStation by Psygnosis, and involved you controlling your own character and individual objectives as well as the crew of your ship in a sort of 3D take on an old Infocom text adventure game.

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WHAT HAPPENED?
THQ struck a deal with Psygnosis to publish the Sentient title on the Saturn. Then the company canceled the game's release for the system.

 

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