|
||||||||
  |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Syberia game brings back adventure genre
By Paulo Nogueira
(CNN) -- Adventure games for the PC are no longer as popular as fast-paced action games. But one game is trying to put the old genre back in gamers' fingertips. Syberia, published by DreamCatcher and produced by Microids, features superb and eye-catching graphics, challenging puzzles, beautiful music, and a mysterious, well-conceived storyline. The main character is Kate Walker, an attorney from New York who represents an American toy company that's interested in purchasing an automaton factory in Valadilene, France. She is sent to Valadilene to close the deal with Anna Voralberg, the owner and soul-surviving member of a once influential family. But as Kate discovers when she arrives, Ann has passed away and thus the sale of the factory cannot be completed. Even the automatons have a funeral procession for her. Ann also leaves a letter indicating that she has a long, lost brother, Hans Voralberg, who is now the rightful heir of the factory. Uncovering cluesKate must now travel to several places in search of Hans in order to complete the takeover of the big factory. In her adventure to find Hans, she uncovers a rich family history that's also a bit mysterious where things aren't always as they seem. There is a surreal element to this game. The settings and automatons combined with Kate, a contemporary character, provide an interesting contrast. Kate carries a cell phone and uses it to deal with her personal life as well as gather information that should lead her to Hans. While demystifying Hans, she also discovers much about herself. To gather information and accomplish certain goals, Kate has to meet several characters and through dialogue, she collects clues. She also has to pick up written clues, such as those in books in a library, faxes or notes scattered along the way. These clues help Kate solve puzzles and shed some light on the storyline. Puzzles are everywhere and some are more challenging than others, depending on how many clues you've picked up along the way. And keep an eye on Kate, she may gesture you when a clue is around. Impressive graphicsThe graphics are impressive. The clarity in detail of most scenes make them seem realistic and surreal at the same time -- taking you to exotic places. The graphics alone should give any gamer an excuse to try it. So if you need a break from all the explosions, gunfire and blood that accompany action PC games, you could curl up to a mysterious, adventure game. Syberia retails for about $30, and you can log on to www.syberia.info to download images of the game, read more about the story, and even download a playable demo so you can try it before you buy.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
