Syberia Remastered brings the classic point-and-click to modern platforms with fresh visuals, but mechanics that still feel…off.
Syberia – Remastered
Developed by: Virtuallyz Gaming and Microids Studio Paris
Platforms: Steam , PS5 , Xbox Series X|S, VR – Meta Quest 3
Release date: November 6, 2025
VR Release date: November 13, 2025
Buckle in because this blast from the past is back to draw us into the journey of Kate Walker. Syberia, originally released in 2002 has been remastered and I am here to answer the questions on everyone’s mind. Is there actually a difference and did it ruin the game or make it better?
This review does not contain any spoilers for anyone who has never played the game. I will be discussing the graphics, the sound design, mechanics, puzzles, and overall experience.
Graphics and Sound Design
The developers have transformed the visuals of the game to be higher resolution with updated models, and advanced texturing. Followed up by the new camera angles allowing for a more free roam while playing. The world is much more immersive while still keeping all of the charms of the original—even keeping the cut scenes from the original intact. It is a compliment to the unique art and atmosphere and stays true to the original game. More ambient noises, more music loops, but same slightly awkward voice acting.
The soundscape has also gotten an overhaul with better balance in the sounds, more ambiance, and the addition of more music loops. Not all of the loops seem to fit and can be a little distracting. Some are even downright misleading, making a peaceful walk down the street feel like a dangerous boss battle was about to begin.
I highly suggest adjusting your sound settings to make them less distracting. Although the game came out in 2002 a lot of the voice acting sounds as if it is first gen AI and this has been kept and packaged into the remaster. Another thing to note is at certain points the text throughout the game may be hard to read.
Mechanics and Puzzles
The graphics and sounds are not the only thing that has been updated. We have new game mechanics, and new puzzles to better fit the story today. These changes do not affect the main story.
I will admit there is a bit of clunkiness in the updated gameplay. Even with this update the game is still pretty stiff. Sometimes you will back yourself into a corner and it will be hard to see what you are doing to free yourself from spaces.
It’s improved but not intuitive. It often makes you wonder if Kate is actually one of the “Not robots”. Unfortunately, the main component they should should have been remastering is the pacing of the story, perhaps taking out some of the uncomfortable lulls where it feels like Kate is so lost that the player can’t even help her find her way.
