The problem with adventure games is that they require quite a bit of attention to detail in order to be successful. Syberia is a well done adventure game, but its faults lie in focusing too much on certain components and not enough on others, ultimately leaving a game that is satisfying, but not the complete package. Gameplay – 3.5/5 One of the key problems with Syberia is the way you control your character. The use of the Xbox's various buttons are well done, but moving your character is not as fluid as it should be. At some points, it is even difficult to see whether a part of the screen is approachable or just scenery. This is not always an issue, but when it is, it is frustrating. When looking at how the game works as a whole, the controls can easily be overlooked because the game itself is well done. It may not be epic, but it does exactly what it needs to do to qualify as a good adventure game: it makes you use your head and solve puzzles without the answers being thrown into your face. It is in your best interest to keep your mind open when taking on a game like this, as the story may be linear, but the challenges you face might prove otherwise. Story – 3.5/5 Syberia offers a pleasant story that can be worth paying attention to. At times, it can seem boring, but there is very little that can be done about that. It seems the only way for an adventure game to be gripping would be to involve surreal and unordinary events, the type not often found in games like these. The story is usually quite clear, and is often interesting. Visuals – 4.5/5 Syberia is one of the most aesthetically pleasing games to date. The pre-rendered visuals define what the epitome of beauty within video games is. One could even think that so much effort was put into the graphics that it left little time for better controls, or a more engrossing plot. Nevertheless, the visuals are sharp, and support for 720p/1080i High Definition is a plus. Attention to visual detail is clear, as it is apparent that the developers went to great lengths to provide a beautiful landscape, with inspired textures and well animated characters. Audio - 3.5/5 The music used is well placed and succeeds in its goal: to enhance the effect of your actions. Syberia has simple music, but it fits the overall mood perfectly, and helps enhance the overall atmosphere. Sound effects are standard, but are well used. A few seemed far too artificial or generic. For example, there are different doors made of different materials, but some made the exact same sound. Replay Value – 2/5 I don't see a high replay value in most adventure games - but it should be noted that Syberia's story continues in its sequel. Conclusion Syberia represents exactly what you'd expect to find in an adventure game. What makes it worth playing is the very element that defines the genre: lateral thinking. What keeps it from being considered an elite adventure game, however, is the fact that nothing in it stands out in terms of story or finesse, as it fails to truly "absorb" the player. In the end, you shouldn't feel disappointed, as it is exactly what you should expect: a traditional adventure game with traditional adventure elements. * * * Rent or Buy: BUY (it's often under $20!) Length: Approx 20 hours Similar titles worth buying: Myst (1993, PC/MAC) Final comment: Remember that the story continues in "Syberia II" (2004, PC/Xbox) so if you enjoy this, be prepared to get that as well. ~ Chris (crumbworks)Read full review
It puts you right there in the story. The controls and movement could have been better, but it's so heavy in detail, it didn't bother me too much after the first part of the game. I highly recommend if you enjoy adventure and puzzles, but I had to use the walk through which I hate to do. Some things just didn't make sense and I'm a puzzle junky! After playing this game, you'll definitely want part 2 which is even better! Bring out the tissue box in the end though. I'd rate this a 4.8/5 only because of the way you have to walk to the middle of the screen to move to the next scene and it gets to be a pain at times.
This is a very well made, fun adventure game. Now, there is a reason these sorts of games are not made much anymore. The game plays out like a story where you participate in limited ways. Usually, this takes the form of puzzles which involve finding and picking up objects and placing them where they belong. You can move your characted around a more or less static background. Although everything is 3d rendered you don't really have full freedom of movement. Still, this really is a beautiful looking game and the story is charming. Sometimes the puzzles and navigation are a little frustrating but its nothing that will keep you from finishing the game. This is no fast-paced game for a hard-core gamer, or anything that will test your skills. But if you want to get lost in a good story in a beautiful world its worth it. Especially since you can get it on ebay cheap.Read full review
This game sucked the life out of me, and my husband who watched me playing it. Incredibly slow, most of the game play is just running/walking around finding what you are supposed to do or where you are supposed to go (whioh was not hard, just tedious). Of course there is a Syberia 2, because after all of that time and effort, there is NO conclusion to the game. I won't touch Syberia 2 with a 10 foot pole, and I shudder every time I see either game at the game store. There was wayyyyyy too much time spent on beautiful art like backgrounds and settings, and not nearly enough time developing the game itself. Take my advice and skip this one. I love old-fashioned adventure games, but I feel like I lost about 18 hours of my life playing this one. If you value your time, find something else to play.Read full review
I absolutely loved this game! A+++++++++++ I even had purchased syberia II in advance as I saw in the walkthroughs that you needed it to continue lol. So worth the money spent and I'd love to see a 3rd one. I am sharing this game with another ebayer, whomever is lucky enough to win it. I think the storyline is great, and the exquisite, beauty of the graphics, all the locations are just unreal and the best I've ever seen in a game! B.Sokal is superb and should create more like this for sure! The game got tricky, but the tips help a million times over!
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