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Syberia rules!!!!!!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 57
Date: January 30, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I have been waiting for this. Syberia is such a great game and now, Syberia 2 is coming out. :)

A continuation of an already amazing achievement

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 22
Date: March 06, 2004
Author: Amazon User

It is very fair to say that Syberia was the game that got me back into adventure games. I picked it up off the shelves on a whim shortly after it was released, thinking that it looked like a good game, but half expecting it to be a mildly dissapointing experience. People have been saying that the adventure game genre is dead, but that is most certainly not the case. Syberia was an amazing accomplishment, as much a piece of art as it was a game. Given from what I've seen of this sequel, I have no doubt in my mind that this one is going to astound and amaze me as much as the first did. If you're feeling depressed about adventure games, play this series. Then you'll just feel depressed about there not being a Syberia III to look forward to.
The sequel is in some ways shorter and easier than the first one, but the writing and graphics were immersive enough that I found it difficult to hold it against the game. After all, it didn't prevent me from moving the story on, which was all I really cared about after a while. And even though it is a sequel, it is easily capable of standing on its own (but shame on you if you haven't at least tried to get your hands on the original first).
The music in my opinion exceeds the original in many ways, and instead of an endless loop it comes on only sparingly, though I wouldn't have minded if there had been a bit more of it.
The story is artfully executed and greatly enhanced by the use of the pre-rendered cinematics, evoking enough emotion to actually bring tears to my eyes in several places. Yes, there are a few factual errors concerning penguins, but there are factual errors in just about everything these days, and if necessary their presence in the North could be explained by a well meaning but fairly dim zoo keeper trying to return his charges to the wild. The fact that it is short in no way cheapens the game play, as it would have been a crime to try to draw out the plot, which is always at the forefront of the game, any further as it would only have ruined the story. Also, strong performances help bring every character in the game to life.
In short, brilliant acting, cinematography, writing, and visual aspects all help this game live up to its astounding predecessor. If you're a fan of old style adventure games, you simply have to play this series before giving up on the genre.
Even shorter: PLAY THIS GAME.

I can't wait 4 this game!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 28
Date: March 08, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I downloaded the demo 4 this game and when it finished I wanted more! The first game was enchanting and I think this game will be too.

A very awesome game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 19
Date: March 21, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I played Syberia I a great deal of times and can never get tired of it. The graphics, the plot, the characters, everything is absolutely amazing. Syberia II is said to have even better upgrades than the first version.

I suggest this game to anyone who likes games where you have to use your wits and doesn't mind going back and forth, trying to solve puzzles. It's a very enjoyable game where you really get sucked into the story, becoming Kate Walker, and trying to figure out endless puzzles.

Anyone into this genre should also try Escape From Monkey Island 4.

Syberia 2- Please wait to post your review

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 14
Date: March 26, 2004
Author: Amazon User

To all the people out there eager to get the game: Could you please wait until you buy it before you post REVIEWS???? Yes, some of you have the demo; A DEMO IS NOT A FULL GAME. And some of you loved Syberia 1. Then, please post a review on V1. This section should be an opportunity to prospective buyers to see what other (buyers) think. Things other than that fit better in usenet.

Syberia II a stunning completion of Kate and Hansý journey.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 29 / 29
Date: April 02, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Montréal-based Microïds and artist Benoît Sokal have teamed up once again to bring us the final chapter to Syberia, a mythical island where mammoths still roam. In 2002's Syberia (rated Game of the Year), promising New York lawyer Kate Walker traveled to France to oversee a simple factory buyout. The factory owner, Anna Voralberg, had died, and left a mysterious heir--her brain-damaged brother, Hans, who was somewhere deep in the Russian tundra. Kate journeyed across a Europe recovering from the scars of Communism in order to find the heir and be done with it, but along the way she began to care about Hans and his fantastic mechanical creations. The first Syberia ended with Kate jumping aboard the train in Aralbad, leaving her past and journeying towards an unknown future in Hans' quest to reach Syberia.

Syberia II picks up at that exact point, with Kate and Hans rocketing along in the snowy wilderness towards Syberia. As in the previous game, there are four worlds to discover: the gloomy border town of Romansbourg, the vast Great North Passage, the Youkol Village and the Last Voyage. Kate revisits Valadilene, Hans' birthplace, in a sepia-toned dream sequence (the haunting music here sounds as if it was composed by Danny Elfman, i.e. haunting chimes, bells and soloists).

In addition to Kate, Hans and Oscar (the cowardly automaton train driver), several characters from the first game have cameos here as well. There are multiple new characters to aid Kate on her quest: the spunky orphan Malka, Colonel Emeliov Goupatchev, bartender and surrogate parent Cirkos, a Youkol chief and shaman. There are enemies that threaten to end Kate's quest: the stern Orthodox Patriarch and bumbling villains Igor and Ivan. Animal characters also play an important role in Syberia II: the spirit guardian Harfang, lemmings, man-eating penguins (!), ferocious grizzly bears, and a Youki, a loyal dog-seal hybrid bred by the Youkol people.

There are several notable improvements from the first game, including major graphics improvements: reflections in water and glass, ice textures, and uniform fabric and decals; real time snowfall and footstep marks; dynamic lighting and shadows; animated fog; and better in-game animation. The cutscenes are gorgeous and numerous, and can be replayed at any point. The music is as immersive and beautiful as in the first game, and cycles in and out of gameplay. For much of the time the only sounds are of Kate's footsteps, snow gently thudding off branches and roofs, and nature sounds (birds, wind, wolves howling, ice cracking).

The puzzles are more organic in nature than the first game and there is more of an action element: Kate must rock climb, scale antennae towers, swing across chasms and outwit attackers (human and animal). An interesting (but unnecessary) subplot involves a detective hired by her employer to hunt Kate down and bring her home. Kate's cell phone, a crucial element in the first Syberia, has several brief appearances, but Kate generally hangs up mid-call (If I were her I would have thrown it off the train!).

Syberia II has much more of a spiritual element based on Youkol medicine and shamanism (you must make a Youkol potion, summon a spirit guide, and journey into a spirit world), and the ending ties up storylines from both games. There are several tear-jerker moments in the game.

There are optional subtitles for the hearing-impaired, a "Syberia recap" that neatly packages the major events of the first game into an entertaining trailer for those not familiar with the Syberia universe, and replay option for cinematic cutscenes. Syberia II is visually stunning, thought-provoking and a more than satisfying sequel that lives up to the impossibly high standards of the first Syberia. Bravo!

Well worth the wait

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 18 / 21
Date: April 02, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Finally, the most anticipated game of the year has arrived, Syberia 2. Syberia 1 was a great game overall, I rated it with 4 stars on Amazon. Pro's were the artwork, atmosphere and storyline, cons where the relative easy puzzles and the absence of a true 3D gaming experience.
When it comes to Syberia 2, it has much of the same pro's and cons, but slightly different. The puzzles in Syberia 2 are a bit harder (you can get stuck at times, there was no such thing in Syberia 1) so that's an improvement. However, the story has more simplicity to it, and that's too bad.
In the graphics department Syberia 2 really excells. But then again, you can say that of almost any game nowadays. I must admit that I have lost my adversity against 2D pre-rendered backgrounds as being cheapish. Okay, it is still very nice to wander around in real 3D (try Beyond Good and Evil!), but with games like Syberia it just doesn't matter that much. Many other games (Black Mirror, Journey to the Centre of the Earth) have taken the hint from Syberia 1, and so in effect we have experienced a 2D boom - who would have thought that a couple of years ago?
What's missing out in Syberia 2 is the sense of wonder and the tristesse you felt in Syberia 1. If you have played Syberia 1, you'll recognise all the automatons immediately, so there's no big surprises to be had in that department. The characters in Syberia 2 are on the whole more gentle. I must admit I liked the sadness of the Russian crew in Syberia 1, but you won't find that much depth of story and character in this sequel. Also the architecture is more of the same, but without the intricate detailing found in the first installment.
That said, Syberia 2 is still a very, very good game. I wonder how it can be sold for just under 30 bucks, when obviously a large team or artists must have worked continiously for the last two years to make this game happen.
The puzzels are much more integrated into the game, and not all of them are inventorybased anymore, as is Syberia 1. Many of the 'closed doors' '('I can not go there' every five minutes) are gone. That's a good thing. There are no foolish puzzles (like using a cat's hair to light a fire, to be able to make some coffee, to give it to someone to get some information... You like those puzzles? Try Conspiracies).
The locales however are lacking a bit in diversity, with a lot of snow, and then some more. But, then again, snow never looked as good is it does in this game.

Do you need to play Syberia 1 before starting out in Syberia 2? No. In fact, to feel and appreciate where this game is coming from, you actually need to start out with Amerzone, Benoit Sokals first game. Then move on to Syberia, then play Syberia 2. That will make for a great gaming experience, and you'll feel like reading a great trilogy.
I will be interesting to see how Syberia 2 holds out against new offerings that are coming our way soon, such as Forever Worlds, Aura and Atlantis 4. I'm confident that Syberia 2 will stay on top of the list this year.

Absolutely the best

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: April 06, 2004
Author: Amazon User

If you like adventure games and you don't have this one, run right out and get it! 5 stars, two thumbs up, 10 out of 10.
Superb graphics, great story line with twists, story-relevant puzzles, engaging characters, first rate voice acting, all that and an even sexier, more mysterious Kate.
Absolute mammoo......

Rich

Great continuation of Syberia

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 22 / 22
Date: April 07, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This game has taken some heat from professional reviewers for not being up to the caliber of the original Syberia. In some ways, I agree with those reviews. As a stand-alone game, I don't think Syberia 2 measures up to the first game. HOWEVER, this is a continuation. Playing Syberia 2 without having played Syberia is akin to opening up a 1000 page novel and starting at page 500, and then wondering why you don't care much about the characters. Yes, Syberia 2 picks up exactly where Syberia left off, and for fans of the first game, this is great. It means there's no contrived rehash of events or reintroduction of characters. The story just moves along. In fact, I'd like to see Syberia 1 and 2 bundled as a single, huge game, since that's really what they form.

The beginning of this game is actually a bit better than the beginning of the original. There's more to do from the outset... more characters with whom to interact, more places to go, fewer locked doors. Overall, it's just a more interesting start. Unfortunately, whereas the first game had a great mystery to keep you occupied once things got going, this game doesn't. Your one goal is FIND SYBERIA. Why? Who knows. Just because some old guy wants you to. In that sense, the plot isn't as compelling.

Still, Syberia 2 makes up for its weaker plot in other ways. In the first game, the pacing was almost too structured-- reach a new locale and stay there until you find a way to get your train moving again. Syberia 2 varies this formula a bit. I can't tell you how this is varied without giving away some fun plot twists, but rest assured, the progression from one locale to the next is more interesting.

Overall, Syberia 2 is a very welcome follow-up to a great game. As in the original, this game features a cast of involving characters, phenomenal graphics, fitting music, a great sense of atmosphere, brilliant cut-scenes, and well-integrated puzzles. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that both Syberia games are able to stir up emotions better than almost any computer game out there. This is due in part to the high production values, but more importantly to the sense of story and character development that make the experience of playing Syberia more like watching a really good movie, which just happens to be interactive.

A Mystical Journey

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: April 12, 2004
Author: Amazon User

In _Syberia 2_ Kate Walker, having abandoned her former life, is caught up in Hans Voralberg's quest to find the mystical land of Syberia and the last living mammoths. The quest will take her from the last outposts of civilization and through a snowy wilderness; it will also take her into a landscape of dreams, her own and Hans'.

As others have noted, S2 takes up right where Syberia left off. These two games are really one game and the story is one story. So, no, not as much time is spent in character development as in the previous game. I imagine this might make S2 a little hollow to people who haven't played the first Syberia--but why play an obvious sequel without having played the original, I wonder? Anyway, I wouldn't recommend it. Although there is a brief Syberia Recap provided on the main menu, it's more suited to those who HAVE played the game and need a refresher than those who are entirely new to it.

One thing I always look forward to in Benoit Sokal's games is the graphics, and they were not a disappointment. If anything, S2 was even prettier than Syberia, chock full of evocative detail from snow falling off branches to realistic splashing when Kate stepped through puddles. The character movement has also been enhanced with more gestures. I wasn't annoyed with this as some people have been, but I wouldn't have missed it, either.

As in Syberia, most of your puzzles revolve around moving from place to place, and it's interesting to see how many obstacles the developers can come up with and still serve the plot! The puzzles are mainly inventory and conversational, with a few mechanical thrown in for good measure. I found most of the solutions to be pretty obvious, although there was one pretty major pixel hunt and another place where I had to get help because it wasn't clear what I was looking at and I got tired or clicking randomly. All in all, S2 was marginally more challenging than its predecessor.

The thing that REALLY impressed me about this game was the use of dream imagery and dream logic, as well as the attention to detail regarding Shamanic practices. A long dream sequence is beautifully done, and was one of my favourite parts of the game. Some people were bothered by it for reasons ranging from the monochromatic pallette in this section making objects hard to distinguish, to not understanding the sense of the clues provided. I warn anyone who is dogmaticaly logical and looks for that in puzzles to beware.

Something else I liked about this game is that just when you thought is was going to be over, it kept on going, taking the time to tie up several loose ends and bring everything to a satisfying conclusion. A certain part of this extended ending seemed a little contrived, but I was glad the topic was dealt with.

The only part of this game I didn't like was the weird subplot about Kate's former employers trying to track her down. It didn't make any sense, and it had sinister overtones that hinted at some conspiracy that never came to anything. Then, instead of actually accomplishing anything, it just ended with a "Oh well, so much for that!" I think they should have skipped it.

I took about 20 hours to complete Syberia 2. It was one of those games that I had trouble tearing myself away from. If you played Syberia and liked it, this game is a must. If you haven't played Syberia, play it first. You'll want to know more.

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