'Syberia II' (PC) Preview

[3DViRuS]

By Scott Steinberg

 

Europeans are weird. They eat mayonnaise on fries, fancy cricket a sport, and keep churning out award-winning point-and-click adventures despite having been firmly told the genre is dead. Alas, our French friends at Microids never learn, which is something you'll be thankful for after getting a glimpse of "Syberia II" on this episode of "X-Play."

 

Portrait of a sleeper hit

 

Combining stunning visuals with a surreal story line, the original "Syberia" quickly became a cult classic when it launched last year. Following suit, the sequel trails the exploits of heroine Kate Walker. Beginning right where the last journey ended, she's just found toy creator Hans Voralberg. They've departed for colder climes with intentions to stop off at four locales which form the game's core areas: Russian township Romansbourg, The Great North Passage, Youkol Village, and then Syberia itself.

 

A sight for sore eyes

 

Ignore the plot, though. In this series, it comes second to graphical prowess. From snowy train stations to forbidding wilderness zones, lavish hand-drawn backgrounds mingle with hi-res, 3D characters. The effect is mesmerizing, as haunting beauty accentuates every scene, lending the proceedings an appropriate air of mystery. Created by graphic artist Benoit Sokal, who designed the initial game, environmental backdrops now sport an unparalleled level of sophistication.

 

Newly added features like flickering lights and painstakingly detailed architecture complement the series' steam-punk trappings. Cogs, gears, and wires are everywhere, as well as mechanical marvels and subtle nuances such as people roaming forlorn little side streets. Mist hangs heavy over outdoor landscapes, while indoor locales sport a dimly lit, sullen demeanor or starkly chilling atmosphere. Otherworldly grace permeates each scenario.

 

Slightly realistic touches are also incorporated. Walk through snow and you'll leave footprints. Likewise, pools of water cast reflections and mountains tower in the background, darkly shadow those who trek beneath. Characters also have accurate facial expressions, something sorely lacking in the first outing. Overall, the series' aesthetics have improved by leaps and bounds.

 

Putting your mind to it

 

Given how much audiences appreciated the approach once before, puzzles will again fit logically into the plot, including fixing mechanical horses, stopping villainous cretins, and cutting off enemies at the pass. Common sense should see you through every challenge. While key and switch hunts may be necessary, unlike its contemporaries, "Syberia II" won't make these design conventions paramount. And you won't need to pan massive vistas seeking miniscule hotspots or randomly attempting to use various collectible items. Microids claims mindbenders will err on the side of reason.

 

More briskly paced than when last experienced, the quest should also involve additional surprises. Its creators are gunning for a peppier, less drudging tale this time around. Hence the reason you're now traveling with Hans instead of chasing the man's coattails. Action elements aren't being introduced -- this is still a traditional graphic adventure, after all -- but the tone will be livelier than in the average genre representative.

 

 

Masterpiece theater

 

Assuming all goes according to plan, the boys behind "Amerzone" could have another hit on their hands. However, declining consumer interest and apathy from increasingly jaded media may prove sticking points for a game of this type. We'll just have to wait until the game ships in October to see how pretty a picture the future paints for this graphically gifted gem.

 

 

Syberia II

Platform: PC

Developer: Microids Canada

Publisher: Microids

ESRB rating: Rating pending

Release date: October 2003

 

 

 

 

sceens:http://www.techtv.com/xplay/previews/story/0,24330,3472806,00.html

[LEFteriz]

μμμμ τελεια.

 

το πρώτο Syberia απλά τέλειο adventure...

[AzaZyL]

Mapa itan to prwto mapa tha einai kai to deytero...

[ilos]

AzaZyL πιπέρι... Πάντως σαν game μου άρεσε καλύτερα το the longest journey (ήταν πιο επικό και χορταστικό) αλλά το syberia έδινε ρέστα σε σενάριο και ατμόσφαιρα. Benoit Sokal Rulez!!!

[sdproduction]

to longest journey kai to cyberia einai poli afkola na termatistoun.alla to proto einai xilies fores pio atmosferiko .to deftero exei apistefta grafika.

[icy20]

Syblhrwnw:Apisteyta atmosfairika grafika!Giati grafika boroun poly kalytera na kanoun sigoura

[dreamcast]

sevomai tis apopseis olwn .alla otan epaiksa to syberia egw ahdiasa