Syberia (video game)
| Syberia | |
| center Syberia Cover | |
| Developer: | MC2-Microïds |
| Publisher: | The Adventure Company |
| Designers: | Benoit Sokal |
| Release date: | 2002 |
| Genre: | Adventure game |
| Game modes: | Single player |
| ESRB rating: | Teen |
| ELSPA rating: | +3 |
| Platform: | Windows, Xbox |
Syberia is a 2002 computer adventure game by MC2-Microïds.
In the game, the player controls the actions of American lawyer Kate Walker, who is sent to a remote European village in order to finalize the take-over of a toy factory there. Once at the village, Kate learns that the woman who owned the factory has just died, and that she has a brother who must be contacted in order for the takeover to proceed. Her mission takes her across thousands of miles, and leads her to question her own lifestyle.
The title, Syberia refers to a mythical island off Siberia in Russia, which is referenced in the game.
Syberia is a third-person, mouse-driven, semi-realistic adventure game in which the player must solve various puzzles and follow certain procedures in order for the storyline to proceed. The game is unusual in that it also contains a dramatic subplot, conducted via calls received on Kate's cell phone, involving Kate's deteriorating relationship with her fiancee.
The game uses elements of steampunk fiction in its story. Most devices and tools, and even a train, are powered by springs and wind-up gears. Syberia was acclaimed by critics for its graphic design and intelligent script, and a sequel, Syberia II, was released in 2004, picking up where the first game leaves off.