Syberia
Dated but still solid puzzle-filled adventure.
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Syberia
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Syberia is a linear point-and-click-based downloadable adventure game filled with intrigue. Players will have to solve puzzles and conduct conversations to unlock clues. Some puzzle elements might frustrate younger players, especially since the point-and-click nature of the game doesn't always transfer to the PS3 controller as well as you'd expect. Older players -- particularly those who have played this type of game before -- hopefully shouldn't struggle too much. Although it's rated for violence, there's no violence present, although some situations invoke the feeling of dread and danger. Parents also should be aware that the word "damn" pops up throughout the game in conversations.
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What’s It About?
SYBERIA is a third-person point-and-click adventure game filled with puzzles and a linear story line that follows the adventures of lawyer Kate Walker, sent to a remote French village to finalize the takeover of a toy factory. When she arrives at the village, Kate finds out the woman who owned the factory has died, and she must track down the woman's brother to complete the sale. This leads Kate on a puzzle-rich adventure across central and eastern Europe.
Is It Any Good?
First released in 2002 on the PC, Syberia has finally made its way over to the PS3 without discernable changes. The developers created a wondrous world full of intrigue and suspense. Plus, its fantasy and sci-fi elements are shown with cinematic elegance. This was truly a wonderful puzzle-based adventure when it was first released. Although Syberia does look its age and the controls can feel a bit awkward (the skills for clicking on certain areas require all the subtlety and finesse of painting fine lines with a brick), the game has a nice nostalgic feel.
Play is very linear, which can be a drawback to those who just want to get to key moments and dispense with the intricacies of plot. It's clearly for a very specific type of gamer who likes puzzle-based adventure with a heavy emphasis on story. Those who fall into this category and haven't played the original will find Syberia to be a fun diversion. The graphics are a touch grainy, but they're rich with detail, and although controls are cumbersome, it's still a solid game. Syberia may have some stumbling points, but it's a fun way to spend a couple of weekends.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Parents can talk about what elements make a good game and how Syberia demonstrates those elements. The game isn't packed with violence, sex, or harsh language; does the exclusion of these features make Syberia stronger? Use this as an entry point to discussing the impact of violence in media.
Families can talk about good strategies for reasoning out puzzle elements and how to work through puzzles in a logical way. Do some plans work better than others? Can you think of methods to help you out when you get stuck?
Game Details
- Platform: PlayStation 3
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Nordic Games
- Release date: December 2, 2014
- Genre: Adventure
- Topics: Adventures, Great Girl Role Models, Robots
- ESRB rating: T for Rated for mild language and use of alcohol
- Last updated: August 25, 2016
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For kids who love puzzles
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