Syberia is one of two adventure games I've been able to see through to the end (possibly because it's somewhat short...) - the other being Full Throttle. I've come to find that as with any adventure game and most Japanese-style RPGs, the goodness (if any is to be found) lies in the unfolding of a thoughtful and emotional story - because the gameplay is usually sucky. Most of the time the puzzles were pretty easy and self-explanatory, and sometimes it felt less like a puzzle and more like a series of logical events needing little thought. The few stumpers, though, are generally hard only because there is a deliberately well-hidden clue or activator that must be found - not necessarily because it's a tough puzzle to solve. The premise is good and the voice acting is mostly awsome. The music is limited but beautiful and, in conjuction with the scenery, creates the emotional basis for the whole game. The art and scenery, by the way, are beautiful and imaginative. The theme that Syberia carries is atmospheric and sort of haunting for a part of the game before it gets to be a little redundant, though never quite losing its "feel." The story is unique, thoughtful, and non-cliche (a big plus for me). It didn't really tug at my emotions like I felt it could have, though. It occassionally built up a good foundation for an epiphany or dramatic moment, but didn't always follow through - or instead cut the moment short. But what it does do is slowly build an engaging and increasingly imaginative take on a modern-day pseudo-fantasy Europe with subtle repercussions from an era of war as seen from a backwoods sort of view. Following? Heh. The point is that it's a fine game and for anyone wanting a good story to experience, or some thoughtful (though sometimes ridiculous) puzzles. C'mon. She could just shoo the three 8-inch cuckoos away and climb the ladder but instead has to follow a series of clues a puzzles to find a certain type of grape that the birds like then distract them with it before she can gain access to the ladder that they're standing in the way of. Fortunately, however, most of the puzzles make sense... For $20, it's worth it.
I purchased the Syberia Collector's Edition for my daughter (8) for Xmas 2010 based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews here and elsewhere. It is indeed a wonderful game full of marvelous sights and things. Much lik... Read Full Review
Adventure game that never like before! Great adventure and the most great adevnture game for all times! I play it 2 times, first on my own and after 2 years with my girl-friend and was like first time, sensational with m... Read Full Review
