OpenCritic
Steam
An adventure game designed by Benoit Sokal, the famous Belgian comic writer, in cooperation with studio Microids. Syberia is the first chapter of the adventures of Kate Walker, an American lawyer hired by the company that produces automatons – mechanical toys. She is tasked with finishing the formalities related to taking over a factory located in a small city in Europe.
Syberia is a classic point-and-click adventure game released on PC, X360 and etc.. The title was developed by the experienced French studio Microids and the main designer of the title was the renowned Belgium artist and comic author Benoît Sokal, the creator of the valuable adventure game Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy. The title was released at first in 2002 on PC and one year later on the sixth generation’s consoles. A few years later the title was also released on Nintendo DS handheld console and after more than ten years since its debut, it was released in a slightly refreshed version on the seventh generation’s consoles and on popular mobile devices.
Plot
In PC, X360 and etc. version of Syberia the player assumes the role of the female lawyer from New York named Kate Walker. She is hired by an American toy-producing corporation to finalize the formalities related to buying a mechanical toys factory in a small European city. Once Kate arrives there, she learns that Anna Voralberg, the owner of the factory, is dead. Hans Voralberg, her only heir, is currently in Russia, where he is searching for an island on which it is said that mammoths are still living. In order to complete her task, Kate will have to follow the trail of Hans.
Mechanics
Syberia for PC, X360 and etc. has mechanics that are typical for point-and-click adventure games. The gameplay consists of exploring the locations, talking to the encountered characters, finding needed items and solving various riddles. During her adventure, Kate Walker visits four fictional locations: Valadilene in Switzerland, German University City Barrockstadt, abandoned industrial complex Komkolzgrad in Russia and a healing resort in Russian Aralbad. Similarly as in most other games in the genre, the key to success is the ability to observe the surroundings, connect facts and correctly use gathered items. The option to select one of a few difficulty levels is an interesting addition – it allows adapting the gameplay to the individual skills of the player.
Technical aspects
The PC, X360 and etc. version of Syberia has high quality graphics created in a style that is characteristic for Sokal. The professional use of steampunk style is worth mentioning – since one of the main plots of the game revolves around the automatons, the player will encounter many winded robots and clock mechanisms. The game uses two-dimensional locations through which three-dimensional characters are moving. In most cases the camera is set in such position so that is shows as big area as possible, but it is possible to take a closer look at specific items. The game has climatic soundtrack consisting of four intertwining themes.
Last updated on August 14, 2015
Videos and Screens
Cubed3: 8 / 10
The adventure genre has two sides. The first is the fun that derives from melting your mind to find solutions to problems. The second one, is exactly what it says on the box: adventure! Syberia is definitely not a point-and-click aimed at those who want to test their puzzle-solving skills - far from it. Syberia is an emotive, deeply immersive journey, with a fantastic lead; a lead whose development throughout this magical quest is undoubtedly a big part of the game's charm. Don't be discouraged by its age. Try it right now - just be sure to play the PC original, or a decent port that doesn't mar the experience.
Impulsegamer: 2.5 / 5 by Jamie Kirk
Syberia and its sequels suffer a common fate with many classic games released on the Switch. It is expensive. 15-year-old PC games should not be double the price of pieces of genius like Celeste, there is a problem. Nostalgia should not extend to the feeling of knowing you've been ripped off because Electronics Boutique is the only store in town that carries the game you desire. If these games were half the price, I'd suggest looking in to two hidden gems of a mistreated genre. As it stands, I hesitate to whole-heartedly endorse it. Fans of the series may get a kick out of it, but there's so much more out there.
NintendoWorldReport: 8 / 10 by David Keremes
There are no guns, fights or scary scenes, just a good adventure with some engrossing puzzles. For me, it was best played in handheld mode on the Switch, not that it was bad in any way when docked, but it just felt better as a mobile game. I am interested in seeing where Kate goes next, which makes this great, as both the sequels are also already on Switch as well.
The main pros of the game
- Engaging Storyline: Many players praised the beautiful and captivating story, describing it as heartfelt and nostalgic.
- Art and Atmosphere: The graphics, although dated, were appreciated for their beauty and the unique atmosphere they created. The settings were described as interesting and well-crafted.
- Sound Design: Users noted that the soundtrack and voice acting were of high quality, enhancing the overall experience.
- Character Development: The protagonist, Kate Walker, was well-received, with players feeling a connection to her journey and growth throughout the game.
- Casual Gameplay: Several reviews mentioned that the game is relaxing and enjoyable for fans of point-and-click adventures.
The main cons of the game
- Control and Gameplay Mechanics: Players found the controls somewhat clunky and noted that movement could be slow and tedious, leading to frustration during exploration.
- Puzzle Difficulty: While some enjoyed the puzzles, others felt they were too easy or lacked clear instructions, making them feel tedious and unchallenging.
- Incompleteness of Story: A few users mentioned that the story felt inconclusive, leaving them wanting more resolution.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Hints and Guidance: Several reviews indicated that the game could benefit from better hints or guidance for puzzles, as some players struggled without external help.
- Improved Controls: Users expressed a desire for more modern control schemes or faster movement options to enhance the gameplay experience.
- More Complex Puzzles: Some players wished for more challenging and intricate puzzles to engage with, as they found the existing ones to be relatively easy or straightforward.
Summary
- Overall, while "Syberia" has its share of shortcomings, particularly related to gameplay mechanics and puzzle difficulty, it is largely celebrated for its storytelling, artistic design, and nostalgic value.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 3733 votes. 19 players anticipated the game.
6
GAMES
in Syberia Game Series
Game Series
Syberia Series
A highly popular series of adventure games created by the Microids development studio. The brand is currently owned by Anuman Interactive.
6 video games
Syberia Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows June 18, 2002
Switch October 20, 2017
Android OS December 23, 2013
Apple iOS June 4, 2013
Nintendo DS November 13, 2008
PlayStation 3 December 2, 2014
Xbox 360 December 3, 2014
PlayStation 2 March 28, 2003
Xbox July 23, 2003
Developer: Microids/Anuman Interactive
Publisher: Microids/Anuman Interactive
Syberia System Requirements
PC / Windows
Recommended: Pentium III 350 MHz, 64 MB RAM, graphic card 16 MB (Riva TNT2 or better), 400 MB HDD, Windows 98/Me/2000/XP
Xbox 360
Supports: Xbox Live
PlayStation 3
Supports: PlayStation Network
Syberia Will Get an Arcane-like TV Adaptation
The iconic adventure game series called Siberia has a chance to reach new audiences. The brand will see an adaptation in the form of an animated series, which is the result of cooperation between Microids and What The Prod.
video games
Christian Pieniazek
June 6, 2023