Top 25 Must-Play Video Games: Syberia (#22)

28 July 2011

Posted by:Meg

Next at number 22 of the Top 25 Must-Play Video Games we have Syberia, a charming game that is chock-full of adventure and pleasant surprises!

Hello everyone and welcome to Top 25 Must-Plays, the place where you can read about video games, well-known and well-hidden!

All of these choices from number 25 to 1 have well-shaped characters, immersive story lines or something unique that really sets them apart from everything else. Each weekday a new game will be revealed until we reach #1.

Play video games for an immersive experience? Then hopefully you will enjoy these recommendations!

Benoît Sokal and Microïds’ 2002 third person, point and click, adventure game for the PC (iOS and Windows), PS2, Xbox, Nintendo DS and Smartphones – Syberia.

Take a look at the cinematic trailer!

Syberia follows playable character Kate Walker.

She travels to a remote French village and on behalf of the law firm she works for, attempts to finalize the take-over of a Toy Factory. Shortly after arriving however, Kate discovers that the owner Anna Voralberg has died. The only way she can proceed with business is to contact Anna’s brother. But the new owner of the spring automaton business is nowhere to be found leaving Kate to travel across central and Eastern Europe, in a search for Hans Voralberg.

The story is a wonderful basis for this charming game, its visual design too is what makes Syberia really stand out and put’s it in our Top 25 Must-Plays.

Syberia seamlessly combines elements of art nouveau and steam punk in its visuals and story. The game is rich in colors and textures too and has a timeless yet ‘old-world’ feel. And its all about the little details; the automaton that tips his hat to you or rings the counter bell are just two examples of many enchanting touches.

But this game isn’t all about luscious visuals; Syberia is an engaging story with well-crafted characters and story-arcs, especially in the case of main character Kate Walker. And how could I forget the show-stealing automatons? They are simply inspired and help to develop this delightful title. Syberia breathes some much-needed life into the adventure genre.

A classic point-and-click game with fully rendered, cinematic cut scenes, Syberia is a real marvel that you can’t help but treasure.

Interested in this game? Try Play.com for new and used copies of the game (UK) or Amazon.com for some greats deals (US).

And don’t forget, Syberia is available on PC (iOS and Windows), PS2, Xbox, Nintendo DS and Smartphones.

Happy pointing and clicking!

Top 25 Index:

#25: Rule of Rose
#24: Dreamfall: The Longest Journey
#23: Mirror’s Edge
#22: Syberia
#21: American McGee’s Alice
#20: Fahrenheit/Indigo Prophecy
#19: Assassin’s Creed
#18: Beyond Good and Evil
#17: Alan Wake
#16: Kingdom Hearts
#15: Forbidden Siren 2
#14: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
#13: Hitman: Blood Money
#12: Rayman 2: The Great Escape
#11: Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly aka Project Zero 2
#10: Halo: Combat Evolved
#9: Tomb Raider
#8: ICO & Shadow of The Colossus
#7: Coming Tomorrow

Tags: Syberia

Categories: DS News, Features, Mac News, News, PC News, PS2 News, Videos

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=779274068 Keith Sheehan

I’ve always wanted to try this game. Just never found the time to do so.
Mike

Can’t beat $9 on Steam
http://store.steampowered.com/app/46500/
http://magical-sword.blogspot.com Photographer_Leia

or $9.99 on GOG where the game is not only DRM free, but comes with the music tracks and 55 conceptual artworks.
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/syberia

I’m not much of an adventure gamer, but I have fond memories of this title. When I was studying abroad and having issues coming to terms with the language barrier, I picked up Syberia 1 & 2 and played them in French with French subtitles. It was a really good tool to help extend linguistic practice into my personal time when I otherwise would have been reverting back to English. Personal anecdotes aside, the game is simply stunning. The running about can be more than annoying at times, but the beautiful scenery more than makes up for that.
http://magical-sword.blogspot.com Photographer_Leia

or $9.99 on GOG where the game is not only DRM free, but comes with the music tracks and 55 conceptual artworks.
http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/syberia

I’m not much of an adventure gamer, but I have fond memories of this title. When I was studying abroad and having issues coming to terms with the language barrier, I picked up Syberia 1 & 2 and played them in French with French subtitles. It was a really good tool to help extend linguistic practice into my personal time when I otherwise would have been reverting back to English. Personal anecdotes aside, the game is simply stunning. The running about can be more than annoying at times, but the beautiful scenery more than makes up for that.
http://www.videogamesblogger.com Meg

Ahh that’s such a shame!
I loved this game, it gave me the same feeling as Wizard of Oz haha xD it’s game I treasure in the same way oddly enough.
You should really try it out, I know you can buy it pre-owned for £3.99 or so on Play.com! And as people have pointed out here there are some more awesome deals to be found elsewhere
http://www.videogamesblogger.com Meg

What a fantastic link, thanks for sharing this.
That’s amazing! What a way to familiarize yourself with a language! xD
Indeed I agree, Syberia is a beautiful game, did you hear that 3 has the go-ahead?
http://www.videogamesblogger.com Meg

Here’s another great link man! Thank you for sharing
Anonymous

I’m glad Syberia made it on the list. It was a great puzzle game for a family to play together.
http://www.videogamesblogger.com Meg

That’s a very good point!
I mentioned in an earlier comment how I treasured this game similarly to the Wizard of Oz. Syberia, in the same way, is great for the whole family and can be enjoyed by all!
Thank you for mentioning that