Riven Arrives for iOS Weighing Over 1 GB

Riven: The Sequel to Myst is the first iOS game to arrive weighing over 1 GB.

As Apple's iOS platform proves again and again that it's a viable contender in the gaming arena, the gaming apps themselves are maturing in the process. moving away from the typical "bite-sized" stereotype associated with the app terminology. As we've seen with Rage HD, Infinity Blade, NOVA, Dungeon Hunter and even the original Myst, iOS games are getting serious, more robust and longer in overall game play experience.

With that said, their former "bite-sized" storage requirements are expanding at an accelerated rate, reaching into PSP territory in regards to actual storage space requirements. Riven: The Sequel to Myst is a prime example, weighing in just over 1 GB in size. This could pose as a problem for those with capped bandwidths, forcing Apple customers to use a broadband-connected iTunes to download and install the app locally. Apple iOS devices will also require an additional 2 GB of free space just for installment purposes only, thus demanding a total 3 GB of space until the installation process is complete.

"Because of the large size it's RECOMMENDED that you download Riven on your computer using iTunes, and then sync with your iOS device," developer Cyan Worlds said. "Downloading directly to your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch is possible via a wireless connection, but it can take a while."

The company added that it tried to download the game onto the iPhone 4 with a strong WiFi connection, however the download process itself took around 90 minutes to complete.

Putting the size issue aside, Riven costs $5.99 (iTunes) and features all the original Ages and gameplay found in the classic PC first-person puzzler. It also features high quality images, full music and sound effects, full screen movies and animations, Game Center achievement support, an integrated hint guide and more.

"Taking up where Myst left off, Riven set an amazing new standard for design, aesthetics, and immersion in gaming," reads the product description. "Remember Atrus’ trap book, the Moiety intervention, the mag-lev ride, the Jungle village, Catherine’s prison, Gehn’s Age, the Wahrk throne? Now the entire Riven adventure can be experienced from wherever you are."

Riven: The Sequel to Myst was originally published for the PC and Mac in October 1997. The game also appeared on Sega's Saturn and Sony's original PlayStation console in 1997 as well.