It’s been thirteen years since we last saw Kate Walker, but for the character it’s just mere weeks. Much has changed, though.
Syberia 3 was originally announced in April of 2009, with the planned release not only for PC, but also on PlayStation 3. Eight years later Microids plans to launch the title for the PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, but also for the Nintendo Switch, as well as Android and iOS devices. No one could have expected that then.
Even though the announcement happened in 2009, the proper development process was confirmed in August of 2013, when the game truly had gone into production. And there wouldn’t be any Syberia entry without Benoit Sokal, who not only wrote, but also granted the artistic vision for the IP. While the newest game is developed in full 3D, much of Sokal’s talent for traditional methods is highly noticeable here. Yes, a shift has happened and some eager fans may be disappointed, but everyone should check the already published materials from the gameplay.
New chapter
The first two parts of Syberia were released in 2002 and 2004. The sequel served as a direct continuation and somehow concluded the plot. Now the narrative moves further and while gamers that experienced earlier titles will notice some familiar nods, the upcoming game is described as “a new arc”. Sokal, in an interview for GameCrate, compares Syberia 3 to a TV series, where further seasons may work separately while being a part of the same continuum.
The events of the last game leave Kate Walker hurt, kept alive by the nomadic Youkol people. Although she had left the island we visited in the second game, it quickly turns out that she has a common goal with her saviors. Youkol have a unique “ancestral tradition” and they are obliged to follow snow ostriches during seasonal migration. Both our heroine and the tribe will meet an enemy that must be stopped.
And while we met Walker as a young lawyer, she changed a lot during her adventure (maybe that’s because of mammoths?). She became a much stronger woman, but with a bit of darkness to fight.
New perspective
Many fans appreciated the soundtrack of Syberia 2 and we happily can confirm that Inon Zur, its author and the composer of scores for Dragon Age: Origins, Fallout: New Vegas and dozens of other titles is back. The first hands-ons confirm the fact that the soundtrack will not only accompany your journey, but sometimes hint about a solution to riddles (more dynamic music when closer to the end etc.).
And while we are at it, there are numerous 3D puzzles and tasks. While Syberia 3 shifted to 3D graphics, it’s not only for visuals, but also to add another layer of complexity. You’ll have to move objects around and combine them. If you have played The Order: 1886 or any other adventure-inspired title, you surely know the mechanics of checking details of an item. You will be able to interact with objects in a similar manner. But there’s a tricky aspect to your journey. Oldschool players probably expect a mechanic for combining items. It won’t be that easy as placing one over another in the inventory – this time a workbench will be required. For example a piece of material, gas and a plank is needed to create a torch, and you can’t do it anywhere.
Winter is coming
There are also some more subtle changes to the gameplay. While using refreshed controls (and a gamepad!) you will be able to observe details of the environment (a slight camera movement). During dialogues you can choose your answers, sometimes leading you to an easier solution or simply to additional information about the lore.
Syberia 3 is set to release on April 20th, 2017 in Europe and on April 25th in North America for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android versions planned as well. You will find future info about the game in our latest news section or via the title’s tag.