Syberia

Adventure games are rarely balanced. For example, the Monkey Island games, which are almost always said to be the best games of the genre, are riddled with impossible puzzles - the kind which are almost always solved by randomly clicking inventory items. Syberia, while definitely not as "deep" as, say, Sierra's games, has that atmosphere - and of course, a story - that pulls you in. Like all good adventure games, it leaves you with that "hovering" feeling after you complete the game. Puzzles, while not that hard, require a bit of thinking and attention. Graphics and sound are probably the last categories an adventure gamer would look at. Even though, the game excels in bot these categories, and they contribute greatly to the atmosphere. Any bad thing that comes to mind about Syberia is no different from other adventure games. First of all, it's a short game, but this is to be expected. And second, there's too much going back and forth, with some scenes having paths that seem to go on for miles. This leaves you staring at the screen as Kate walks/jogs towards the next scene. To sum it up, Syberia is a top-notch adventure game. It played a big role in the revival of the genre, and it shows why. Recommended.

Couldn't stop playing. Great story line, great graphics and it keeps you engaged.

Review too long :( Ok - the high points: The game treats you like an adult (something rarely if ever seen in games produced in the USA). In many ways, it plays like a good Nancy Drew on Senior difficulty: take your own notes, because the game doesn't hold your hand and lead you along. It's a 'mature' game (no, not sex and gore). The subjects of the story are _real_. It raises real questions as the game goes on (similar to Xenosaga trilogy or TWEWY). When I found out other game sites were selling the first game cut into three parts, leaving bits on the cutting room floor, I went and bought a copy of the full game. Now that they have it here and at this price it's an insanely good buy - you won't be disappointed.

The story is very straightforward. Posh Lawyer, Kate Walker needs to get a signature from the owner of the Voralberg automaton factory. So that her boss, can complete the sale of the factory to Big Toys inc. The entire game is about solving every problem that gets in Kate’s way of find the owner. But during this journey Kate Walker also discover new sides of herself. The npcs in Syberia play minor roles. Only helping or hindering Kate for a short while, before the story moves on. There is not much difference between them. And the characters representing Kate’s past are all, obviously designed, to be unlikable. Many of the scenes in Syberia are beautiful enough to hang on your wall. But, for a game, they are very static. The music, which is pleasant, only plays when you discover something new, or solve a puzzle. Which makes progress very rewarding. During most of the game, you hear some kind of background static, like wind or the air conditioning. The beautiful but static background, in their subdued colors, together with the minimalistic audio design, creates a very somber atmosphere. Enhanced by the slow pace of the game. The animations are nicely done and the game makes sure you watch them. every character turning around, or every set of stairs that Kate walks, you have to watch. And everybody in Syberia takes their time when they talk. At least you can skip through the dialogues if you choose. Most of the puzzles are easy and logical. While some are solved because there are only a few items to rub together in every scenario. All in all a beautiful and worthwhile experience.

Point and clicks are what I originally played computer games for, and this has got to go down as a classic. From the beautifully rendered scenery, through the amazing personalities and storytelling to the great soundtrack! It's great to enjoy a truly ingenious title that has difficult and challenging, yet not frustrating and illogical puzzles. Benoit Sokal is a genius for writing it and it's sequel and I think that it was the saviour of the genre when it was released. An intuitive and simple control system and a beautifully constructed plot that really captures the imagination!