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1.
SYBERIA II

Developer: Microids Publisher: XS Games Release Date: 2004 Just Adventure Grade: A+

“Syberia
II is the
most beautiful game I have ever played.”

No, that quote is not
from me, but from JA reviewer Ray Ivey and he was not alone in
his praise of Syberia II as both the mainstream and gaming press
were exuberant
in their admiration.

“Syberia
II isn’t
so much a sequel as the continuation and conclusion of the first
game. The two parts could literally be played together as one game.
The story begins on the magical windup train designed by the French automaton-designer
Hans. He is accompanied by American lawyer Kate Walker, his very unlikely
champion.
The two of them are still attempting to find the mythical Island of Syberia,
where the mammoths supposedly still roam

The game is full of beautiful
cut-scenes, all of which are available to replay after the first
time you come across them. Particularly visually delightful
are the scenes of Kate’s boss back in New York trying to figure out
how to get her back. These scenes are produced with a bunch of gruff talking
men in
silhouette in front of a beautiful round deco window. It’s very reminiscent
of the look from the early scenes of Citizen Kane. In fact, the game has
such cinematic flair that you wish Microïds and Sokal would team up
and actually make a feature
film.”

Though you are endeared
by each character’s peculiarities much like a character
in a Dickens’ novel, what lingers most in your imagination is their affection
not only for each other, but also the fantastic world they inhabit. Who can ever
forget Oscar’s childlike devotion to Hans, Hans’ quest for his beloved
mammoths and Kate’s adoration for Hans as she first follows and then aids
him to achieve his dream.

This is a game that brings
couples together as one in front of the warm glare of the monitor,
silent as they hang on every word and drink in
every scene.
It is the ultimate romantic excursion.

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