benoit-sokal
Latest
GOG.com getting Atari lineup, Syberia series
After leaving us agog with its announcement of Activision support, Good Old Games is extending its lineup of DRM-free downloadable classics further with the aid of Atari. Though the full list of PC titles is set to be unveiled throughout April, GOG.com has already confirmed the following trio: Outcast, Master of Orion and Master of Magic. GOG's predilection for preserving point-and-clickers for posterity hasn't taken a break during this announcement (and accompanying Twitter competition), as it has also noted the addition of Benoit Sokal's s'okay adventure series, Syberia. The first half of the elegiac experience is available now for $9.99, including free soundtrack, wallpaper and GOG avatar. The second part -- along with Amerzone -- will follow in "the coming weeks."
The Last King of Africa moves from Paradise
We're all going on a holiday to Syberia in the near future, and it looks to be a rollicking good time. If that wasn't enough, creative prodigy Benoit Sokal is back to offer DS owners an even greater holiday destination -- Paradise. Well, it used to be Paradise, but the original PC adventure title is being ported to the DS as Last King of Africa. Hang on, a port? Of an adventure game? That sure shows these guys a thing or two. You'll be taking up the point-and-click reigns of Ann Smith, daughter of King Rodon. Unsurprisingly, she is struck down with amnesia on her way to visit her pop, and must journey within fictional African country Maurania to unravel her own mystery.The first screens are in, and apparently the game has been seriously reworked for the DS -- even the story and dialogue itself has been streamlined. This is pretty good news, considering the original wasn't particularly well-received compared to Sokal's other work.Last King of Africa is vaguely scheduled for a release at this end of this year. It's another addition to the growing adventure library on the DS, which is nothing but pointy, clicky awesome.%Gallery-25468%[Via press release]
Where's my woolly mammoth?
Right, here, in Syberia. You might not know this, but Syberia is one of the best adventure games ever made, and any computer would be honored to have it running. It's like a fine wine, and tastes better than most of the garbage people cram into their PCs these days.Hooray for the DS, because this atmospheric winner is getting a second chance to grab the attention of portable players. We've picked up the first several screenshots, and it appears the updated inventory system will now be fixed at the top, handy for simultaneously controlling Kate Walker via the touch screen. More details as we get them, but ink up that pen for adding this bad boy to your shopping list ultra-soon.%Gallery-24086%
Adventure in Ubisoft's Paradise
If you've already finished Dreamfall, you won't have to wait long for your next adventure fix. Ubisoft is now shipping Paradise, a new African-based adventure title from Benoit Sokal of Syberia fame. Sokal draws from personal experience in this game, having spent part of his childhood in the Congo. In addition to your main character's quest for self-identity, an Arabian prince has asked you to escort a black leopard back to her home. This introduces another gameplay element, as Paradise allows you to control the big cat in a real-time 3D environment while your human avatar sleeps. Ass-kicking felines are always cool, and I've put them to good use with the Vah Shir berserker in Return to Arms, and my panther familiars in Neverwinter Nights. The main character can sleep the whole game as far as I'm concerned. Just bring on the cat.Visit IGN for a detailed preview, several screenshots, and Paradise's trailer.See also: Metareview - Dreamfall, Keepsake's unforgettable adventure
