Syberia 2 

      Demo from www.microids.com or www.syberia2.info

                    Reviewed by Sue

Syberia was one of the nicest looking graphic adventures I'd 
ever seen. Alex loaned it to me but due to lack of time, I 
returned it without finishing it. It's one I am determined to return 
to though. It had everything going for it - great puzzles, an 
intriguing storyline, good characters, atmospheric graphics and 
music. 

The great news is that Syberia 2 looks even better. Here's the 
basic story from the official site:

Kate Walker has made up her mind. She will fulfil Hans 
Voralberg's dream - all the while pursuing her own.

The mythical universe of Syberia is opening before you... 
 
Embarking on a desperate search for Hans Voralberg, Kate 
Walker crosses Europe from West to East. She has left 
behind all her worldly possessions with the express 
purpose of joining the heir of the Voralberg family on 
his journey. Together, through mystical and enchanting 
lands, they will find their way to the mythical Syberia, 
land of the forgotten mammoths.

Thus Syberia II begins. The train leaves Aralbad under a 
quiet snowfall. Kate, Hans and Oscar, the loyal, humorous 
automaton, are heading to Romansbourg, the first of the 
four worlds to be explored in Syberia II.

The motley crew will clear the last bastions of Russian 
civilization followed by the Frozen North before arriving 
at Youkol Village, from where they will try to reach 
their final destination: Syberia. Along the way, they 
will have to overcome many obstacles and deal with shady 
characters to uncover clues vital to the continuation of 
their quest. Kate's timeless journey through Valadilene, 
Barrockstadt, Komkolzgrad and Aralbad has sparked an 
evolution in her character, from an ambitious lawyer to a 
curious and tenacious adventuress.

Kate's role has undergone a remarkable change. From being 
the pursuant, she becomes Han's main acolyte, his support 
in attaining the forgotten realm of the mammoths.

How will she react to this new situation? Can she live up 
to the choices she made? 

***
 
The demo starts in a snowy forest as you, playing Kate again,  
walk through the drifting snow. Your dog Yuki is with you, 
bounding ahead, barking all the time. Snow flakes drop from the 
sky, your footsteps crunch on the snow, and a stream swollen 
with winter rains flows past. Wolves howl ominously in the 
distance. 

In the woods you find a broken rope bridge that dangles 
uselessly into a chasm, and an old house that looks abandoned. 
But it turns out to be where you live. You can try your hand at 
fishing from the jetty behind the house. With the right lure, you 
could get lucky and so could the bear that's hanging about 
outside and stopping you going back out! The demo is short but 
very enjoyable and made me very keen to play the full game 
which should be out soon.

The only thing I'd say isn't up to the standard I'd expect from 
Syberia 2 is the dog. I thought it was a small polar bear with a 
pudding basin haircut! But even its movement is good as it lies 
down with its head on its paws if you stand for too long doing 
nothing. Definitely a game to look out for.




                              - o -