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Platform: PC

Genre: Adventure

Publisher: Microids

Developer: Microids

ETA: Q2 2003

 

Related Links:

Review: Syberia (PC)

Classic: Space Quest 4 (PC)

 

 

 

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Syberia 2

 

Adventure lovers got a real treat last year with Syberia, the brainchild of Benoit Sokal.  It's old-school approach, integrated puzzles, and interesting locals made Syberia the best adventure game for the PC last year.  Which is why it's so exciting to see a sequel.

 

syberia 2 preview          syberia 2 preview

 

Let's get down to the "facts" as we know them:

 

Looking desperately for Hans Voralberg, Kate Walker crossed Europe from West to East. She left behind all her worldly possessions with the sole purpose in joining the heir of the Voralberg family on his journey. Together, through mystical and enchanting lands, they shall find their way to the mythical Syberia, land of the forgotten mammoths [as chronicled in the first game].

 

Thus Syberia II begins…

 

The train left Aralbad under a quiet snowfall. Kate, Hans and Oscar, the loyal, humorous automaton are heading to Romansbourg, the first of the four worlds to be explored in Syberia II.

 

Trenching through the first Russian city, then the Great North Passage, and onwards through Youkol Village to the final destination “Syberia”, this motley crew will have to bypass obstacles, encounter unfriendly personages to uncover clues to vital to the continuation their quest.

 

Kate’s timeless journey through Valadilene, Barrockstadt, Komkolzgrad and Aralbad, sparked an evolution in her character, from and ambitious lawyer into a curious and tenacious adventuress.

 

Kate’s role has also undergone a remarkable change. From being the pursuant, she becomes Hans’ main acolyte, his support to attain the elapsed terra firma of the mammoths.

 

How will she react to this new situation? Will she live-up to the choices she made?

 

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No safety net, No history to rely on…just the discovery of a forgotten universe!

 

Graphically

- Dynamic Graphics and Lighting details such as glass reflections, ice texture, uniform fabric, and decals

- Real time snowfall and footsteps marks

- Dynamic lighting and shadows

- Animated fog

- Enhanced in-game animation

 

Gameplay

- Challenging puzzles

- Increased interactivity with characters(main and extras)

- New original vehicles

- Improved path finding

 

Dialogues

- An evolutionary dialogue system

- Dynamic camera angles

 

Really, there aren't that many details.  Obviously, the journey continues but what I want to is if Hans Voralberg will be a playable character.  Or Oscar?  It's probably unlikely as this journey seems to be Kate's, although it would add more puzzle options.

 

syberia 2 preview          syberia 2 preview

 

Syberia impressed me most with it's integrated puzzles that seamlessly held the story together.  Benoit Sokal and Microids have proved themselves capable, now they just need to continue it.  From what we know, Benoit Sokal is heavily involved with Syberia 2's development so there's no reason to think they can't maintain and improve the puzzle aspect.

 

With the almost "minor" changes to the graphics and gameplay, and how much Syberia impressed me, this is one adventure game I'm looking forward to.

 

- Omni

(March 22, 2003)

 

 

 

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