OK. I can code the first basic alpha release to my game. Before i do that, i need a program that will give me graphics as good as those in Myst or Riven. Can anyone guide me to a program that will generate graphics that good?

How badly do you want one? I can list off a few.

3D Studio MAX
Alias Wavefront (aka Maya)
Microsoft Softimage
Lightwave 3D

If you are a student at some school you can get the above for
$998.98, $795.00, $995.00 and $889.98 respectively
If you arnt...
$3990.00, $7500.00, $13000.00, $1495.00 respectively
pretty ugly!

However there are several graphics programs that are 100% free!
I know of a couple.
one is called Blender, but i forget the name of the other one...anyway if you look around on yahoo, hotbot, google, ect. for free 3d graphics modelers you sould be able to find quite a few!

The free modelers are usualy harder to use, but if you dont want to pay $1000 its worth it.