Review by Jon Donnis
Syberia Remastered arrives with a clear intention. It wants to let players experience Benoît Sokal's world with a modern polish while keeping the bones of the 2002 classic untouched. The result is a curious mix. It looks far better, it moves a little more smoothly, yet it still carries the quirks and charm of the original adventure. That will delight long time fans, although newcomers might find themselves wondering why some parts feel locked in a different era.
The visual overhaul is the star of the show. The updated graphics give the clockpunk world a crisp, almost storybook quality, and the reworked cutscenes sit nicely on a widescreen setup. The new camera movement adds a touch of fluidity that the original simply could not offer. There is something oddly comforting about stepping back into this world, meeting its eccentric cast, and settling into the slow burn of Kate Walker's journey from a New York lawyer on a routine job to a traveller chasing the dream of Hans Voralberg. Oscar shines again as a loyal companion, and the addition of a few fresh puzzles helps give returning players something extra to chew on.
The trouble begins once the game asks you to move around for any length of time. In 2002 this slower pace felt acceptable. In 2025 it borders on irritating. A run button would have softened things, especially when backtracking becomes part of the rhythm. The gameplay itself shows its age. It is functional and still has charm, but it sits at odds with the modern sheen of the visuals. The music is another weak point, sitting in the background without ever adding much atmosphere.
Syberia Remastered is a tricky one to judge. The essence of the original remains intact and the visual upgrade is impressive, yet the lack of deeper changes holds it back. It feels like a thoughtful preservation project rather than a bold reimagining. Fans of the first release will feel right at home. New players may wonder why the experience has not been rebuilt for today's expectations.
A classic returns with a cleaner face, though not quite a new soul. A generous 7 out of 10.
Out Now - https://amzn.to/4al6mVn
No comments:
Post a Comment