Syberia: The World Before Review

Syberia: The World Before connects us to the present and the past to decipher the truth that connects the two protagonists

Lovers of graphic adventures will surely remember with nostalgia the great adventure we experienced with the launch of Syberia. Its graphic quality (at the time), the return to the point’n click genre that had fallen into disuse and some well-crafted puzzles were all reasons to return to this genre with enthusiasm. But if we also include all a very elaborate lore created by the late Benoit Sokal, everything took on a different, almost magical tone. Well, this dream trip we took didn’t reach its last stop, but now it’s time to be held accountable thanks to Syberia: the world before, where is given the end of the adventures of Kate Walker.

Heroines with heart and soul

Microids with Koalabs They are responsible for putting the icing on the cake that was created 20 years ago. Two decades in which we have seen video game trends change and which we will also experience in Syberia: The World Before. In addition to abandoning the provenance genre and delving into a more direct style, We will notice that the vulnerability of the characters, their fears and their doubts emerge with each decision. Just as happened with Lara Croft in her latest Tomb Raider trilogy, Kate Walker will put her courage and optimism aside to show her more human and sensitive side.

The main role of this work will fall to two protagonists living in different times, but they have several things in common. In the most current era, we will have the same Kate Walker, who, after somewhat traumatic events, clings to a drawing to uncover the truth behind this paper. On the other hand, we will control Dana Rose, a lazy pianist who won’t have it easy because of the discrimination received by the Dark Shadow Fascists.

Discover the inventions of Hans Voralberg

Although at first it seems that there is no connection between the two women, little by little we will tie the ends together and we will see that his destiny is spun. Indeed, although it is not the usual tendency that we will find in the game, there will be times when we will alternate the two heroines (and therefore, the two eras) to solve certain puzzles.

Whatever the season, the entire universe of Syberia: The World Before is filled with automatons, the main foundation on which the entire franchise is built. On this occasion, it is particularly important, since they are the moments of puzzles that we will have throughout the game. What if activating mechanisms, inserting keys, solving little puzzles with pieces… It’s great fun to think about each of Voralberg’s inventions and find out how it works. And even more so with the graphics capabilities that exist today.

Of course, don’t expect very complicated challenges. At least not as complicated as in the first deliveries. As I mentioned before, Syberia: The World Before puts a heavy emphasis on the story, reducing the difficulty of puzzles or even reducing the time spent exploring the environment. I guess these are current trends, and although at first I lacked those mechanics I was used to with the saga, once you connect to the plot and enter its narrative, all past memories are relegated to the new playable bases.

Speaking people understand

The talks also suffered “cuts”. We will rarely have more than three options on screen when chatting with other people. Instead, everything is more cinematic, with specific shots and moments of introspection that can remind us of other similar proposals such as Life is Strange. Also, don’t expect any changes with the decisions we make. The story, for better or for worse, is very corseted and will follow the rhythm imposed on it. All this in English dubbing (not bad at all) although with texts well translated into our language thanks to the great work of Ramón Méndez, Alba Calvo and Juan Ramón Acedo.

If I have to shoot something bad Syberia: The World BeforeIt is precisely this so flat accessibility. The studio wanted to do something more in this latest installment main streamto reach a wider range of users. And to achieve that goal, its difficulty and everything we saw in the early installments was watered down significantly. In reality, You don’t need to have played previous iterations to understand this game. Even if we go further, even the story, although amusing, is taken a little “to the shoehorn” so that everything fits correctly. But hey, if you’re not looking for the three legs of the cat and you just want an adventure to disconnect, then you’re in front of the auspicious title.

Verguen, holiday paradise

Luckily for everyone, this “sacrifice” of playable mechanics gave way to a facelift that suits the saga perfectly. We will gaze at a few places that veer away from the snowy steppe to make way for flourishing forests and colorful European cities. All the sets are superb, and it’s a pleasure to walk around and stop to contemplate the details. Moreover, Syberia: The World Before focuses a lot on art and painting, so in this aspect everything is carefully taken care of so that nothing squeaks.

Where do we see some A bit more contrived is found in Kate and Dana’s expressions. According to the shots or the situations, the faces are not worked enough, but hey, they are precise moments and they do not interfere with the course of the story. What gets in the way are the objects in the middle of the scenarios that will stop our character’s trajectory dead. You know, the typical table that, as you touch it, already blocks the passage and we will have to “go around” it a little more to be able to pass.

Syberia: The World Before the Conclusion

Microids and Koalabs invite us to follow the adventures of Kate Walker through the most captivating places in the latest posthumous opus imagined by Benoit Sokal. On this occasion, in addition to controlling the protagonist of previous iterations, we will control the pianist Dana Roze, in a story that will connect the two lives for reasons that will be clarified as we progress.

Forget all mechanics point and click that we saw at the beginning of the saga. On this occasion, these playable bases (and the difficulty that this implied) are removed to offer a much more direct and concise story. There will be puzzles, no doubt, but with a design and difficulty suitable for all types of players. Whether you are a faithful follower of this great saga, or a newcomer to these lines, the magic of Syberia: The World Before will surely captivate you from start to finish. Catch the train before it runs away!

We thank Southern Games the key to be able to analyze the game. If you want to get the physical edition of Syberia: The World Before, do not hesitate to go to your favorite specialized video game store.