1. SYBERIA II

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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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