Syberia II

"We Are Xbox 360 Compatible Kate Walker!"

Introduction

Syberia II is the conclusive journey of Kate Walker and Hans Voralberg to the mysterious fictional island of Syberia where there is a land in which mammoths still exist. The great thing about Syberia II is that you do not have to play the first game to know what is going on in this one as a short video will catch you up to speed on what Kate Walker did in the first game. Also you will enjoy improved gameplay while still enjoying the same style of the first Syberia in solving puzzles in this otherwise relaxing and enjoyable point and click adventure.


Gameplay 9

One of the most notable improvements from the first Syberia are the controls. The game still uses the fixed camera angles when you move from one place to another, but this time you will be able to move much more easily and find your way along. The puzzles are still very challenging and there is much more conflict as you will have more trouble along the way with poachers out to take the mammoth ivory, an agent from New York who is unsuspectedly on Kate's trail to bring her back, and Hans' failing health. Oscar is still there to give you plenty of unhelpful instruction as well.


Story 9

Syberia is a conclusive sequel and so it does not involve the elements that made Syberia so engrossing. Syberia leaves you on a cliffhanger whereas Syberia II intends to resolve all of the conflicts that began in the first game. Kate has all chips in to help Hans Voralberg discover the mysterious land of Syberia (not to be confused with the real Siberia) and the adventure continues with Oscar. The ending is short and sweet and makes you wish that this game was a novel that could be picked up and read as it still leaves a lot to the imagination. However you will enjoy the various subplots of this game as it quickly leaves the realm of the realistic and dives straight into finding the fictional world of Youkols and mammoths.


Graphics/Sound 10

Once again the graphics and music of the first game are revived for Syberia II and if you loved the music and scenery in the last game, then you will not be disappointed at all by the sequel. The music is very memorable and the scenery is basically like walking Kate into a painting in each frame. The cutscene videos are very well done and are fun to go back and replay.


Play Time/Replayability 8

Depending on how quickly you can solve the Microids puzzles will depend on how long it takes you to finish Syberia II. As with the first game it will take you a day just to get through it with a guide so Syberia II is just like a good novel to sit down with and enjoy. Once you finish the game there are not any side items to go back and do, but just like a favorite novel it is definitely worth hanging on to and going back to play. Also Syberia II is now compatible to play on the Xbox 360 so you have a great reason to enjoy going back and playing through it again.


Final Recommendation 9/10

Syberia II is definitely worth the buy! Not only is it a great adventure game that you don't have to have played the first to fully enjoy, but it is also able to be played on the Xbox 360. The story of Syberia is a very simple, but amazingly in-depth and engrossing experience that gives you a great break from the typical shoot 'em or slash 'em game. Did I also mention there are penguins in this game? Go buy it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/24/08

Game Release: Syberia II (US, 10/05/04)