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The Syberia series may not be a household name for many gamers today, but in the early 2000s, it stood as a prominent figure in the golden age of classic point-and-click adventure games. This latest installment, Syberia: The World Before, promises a significant shift for the series, building upon the anticipation generated by its 2019 teaser. Does it deliver a memorable journey worthy of its predecessors?

Syberia: The World Before – Dana Roze

Syberia: The World Before unfolds across two distinct timelines, following the parallel stories of Dana Roze, a gifted pianist in 1937 Osterthal, and Kate Walker, the series’ protagonist, imprisoned after the events of Syberia 3 in 2004. The narrative occasionally shifts perspective to other key characters, adding depth to the unfolding drama.

The game’s storyline immediately captivates and sustains its grip throughout. It delivers powerful messages about life, family, and love, echoing themes explored in other narrative-driven games like Life is Strange: True Colors. Characters are thoughtfully portrayed, with dialogues imbued with emotion and authenticity, prompting players to unravel the mysteries of this intricate world.

Syberia: The World Before – Environment

The environments are visually stunning, blending grandeur with an unsettling sense of solitude. Clever use of lighting and color, combined with cinematic camera angles, creates a distinct atmosphere, effectively conveying the artistic vision of the developers at Microids. The hallmark steampunk aesthetic of the series remains, permeating the streets, vehicles, and intricate automated machinery, reminiscent of The Order: 1886.

Syberia: The World Before – Steampunk

The evocative soundtrack further enhances the experience, with emotive melodies and meticulously crafted ambient sounds creating a rich and immersive auditory landscape. All these elements combine to paint a captivating picture for a truly memorable journey.

Engaging Puzzles and Dual Protagonists

While classic adventure games sometimes struggle to maintain player engagement due to their reliance on complex puzzles, Syberia: The World Before strikes a commendable balance, appealing to both newcomers and long-time fans. The game eschews the traditional item combination puzzles often found in older titles, opting instead for object manipulation, requiring rotation or adjustments to uncover information.

Syberia: The World Before – Puzzle

The puzzles are cleverly designed, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment upon completion, reminiscent of the intricate challenges found in The Witness. The steampunk-inspired puzzles, in particular, showcase the developers’ ingenuity, with intricate depictions of the inner workings of these mechanical marvels.

The dual protagonist mechanic adds another layer of depth to the gameplay. Players frequently switch between Kate and Dana, utilizing information gleaned from one timeline to solve puzzles in the other. For example, Kate needs to unlock pillars in Osterthal Square to activate a piano. To do so, players must delve into the past as Dana to uncover the necessary information.

Syberia: The World Before – Dual Protagonist

These interwoven segments enhance the logical flow of the narrative and inject much-needed variety into the gameplay. Beyond the puzzles, players can explore the environment, observe points of interest, and delve into additional lore to deepen their understanding of the game’s world and the areas they traverse.

Technical Shortcomings and Pacing Issues

Despite its strengths, Syberia: The World Before suffers from some technical drawbacks. The control system can feel sluggish, and the inability to skip or fast-forward dialogue sequences can be frustrating, especially if revisiting a conversation. The point-and-click interface, combined with a sometimes erratic camera, can make navigation cumbersome, particularly in areas with multiple pathways.

Syberia: The World Before – Controls

While the environments are visually impressive, character models and animations can appear rough, particularly noticeable in hair textures and hand movements. Performance issues, such as fluctuating frame rates, can also detract from the experience.

The pacing of the narrative can feel slow at times, lacking the intensity and high-stakes drama found in some of its predecessors. While the story itself remains engaging, particularly its connection to the series’ overarching narrative, it doesn’t always reach the same heights of excitement.

Syberia: The World Before – Visuals

Conclusion

Syberia: The World Before marks a significant return for the series, offering a compelling narrative, engaging puzzles, and stunning visuals. While technical issues and pacing problems hold it back from reaching its full potential, it remains a worthwhile adventure for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. The intriguing storyline sets the stage for future installments, leaving players eager to see what the future holds for Kate Walker and the world of Syberia.