The fine art of gaming: compelling imagery plays a leading role in the PC title Syberia. (Graphic Arts).

GAME PLAYERS TEND TO JUDGE a new title in terms of how much bang they get for their buck--or, more precisely, how much power they can get from their characters and weapons. Consequently, the aesthetics of a game's environments often become an afterthought during development.

Cyan boldly altered this formula nearly a decade ago with Myst, which raised the bar for graphics realism in gaming. But, despite the availability of powerful hardware to run state-of-the-art imagery today, few have followed Cyan's lead, opting instead to develop the action first and the artwork second.

Yet, there are studios that are placing game imagery at the forefront of their development efforts. One such company is Microids. Founded in France, with R&D studios in Paris and Montreal, the developer has created two releases, co-published by The Adventure Company, that use stunning 3D graphics to not only enhance, but also to advance, the action/ adventure aspect of its games.

This attention to graphic detail is perhaps most evident in Syberia, released last year. The game contains highly detailed 3D environments that more closely resemble digital art than computer game backgrounds. "Syberia's main goal is to immerse the player in a mysterious and extraordinary universe," says art director Benoit Sokal, who also authored the game. "Foremost, Syberia is an adventure game that boasts strong graphics but relies on a deep story line and compelling characters to give it a style all its own."

The game focuses on Kate Walker, a New York City corporate attorney who is hired to negotiate the takeover of an old toy and automation factory in the dreamy French alpine village of Valadilene. Over the centuries, the factory has developed clockwork devices, including those with perpetual mechanical movement. In order to complete the sale, Kate must track down a mysterious heir. During her journey, Kate encounters beautiful and intriguing cities bearing the mark of the heir's genius--locations that exude the charm of an earlier time. Among these are the industrial town of Komkolzgrad, with its underground mines, and the former seaside resort of Aralbad, ...