Syberia

An eclectic mix of automatons, corporate greed, and a hidden island with mammoths. Somehow it works.

Pros: The best part is definitely Oscar the automaton. Wry humor, graphics were great for the time, uniqueness

Cons: a bit corny and redundant in terms of gameplay.

This is a very interesting title. It's quiet and calm, but for some odd reason I can't stop playing it. I have the Xbox version, and just picked it up last weekend because I was looking for something different. The graphics are amazing, although Kate looks a bit bug eyed. Very beautiful game, and the puzzles, while many of the go and get this variety are interesting to solve. I would say if you are looking for something different that will play with your head a little, and isn't all blowing up and shooting things, this is a good trip...especially for $12.

Overall, i'd give the graphics a 10, especially the backgrounds, and the character models are not bad, but some stay permanently in the background.

Playablity is about a 6, the controls will remind you a bit of Resident Evil, but clunkier. it is hard to get Kate to point the way you want at times. Also, there is a dialog journal that is impossible to read, very fuzzy.

Music is sporadic but moody, but the sound effects are right on.

Steampunk style point-and-click with really nice graphics (just remember it was made in 2002) and fantastic voice acting (one of best I've ever heard in an adventure game).

Village mysteries, steampunk factories, amazing airships and intricate automatons - all this explored by young New York lawyer, Kate Walker.

"Syberia" has some shortcomings, namely some annoying unskippable animations (like stair or ladder climbing) and it is quite linear, but the story is so great I would definitely recommend it anyway!

GRAPHICS: 8/10

AUDIO: 9/10

GAMEPLAY: 7/10

STORY: 10/10

I was hooked on Syberia when I started playing it about three years ago. I don't know too much about the XBOX version, but I do know playing the PC version is just awesome. Easy controls (Just point and click!), spectacular graphics and just an amazing story. Once you start playing you wish it would continue forever (in a way it does, with the sequel, Syberia II). The fact that the makers of Syberia put some great thought into making this game definitely shows. Such intricate detail with every step of the character is visible. Even the dialog will catch your attention. Despite being over three years old, the game is very playable today in every sense. If you're looking for a K.O. game, this isn't for you. This is a game that takes some thought and imagination, and once played, you'll understand why I call it Wonderfully Enchanting...