You can always check www.adventuregamers.com (also known as my Head Quarters in ruling humanity, and Internet home) if you want to ask directly in the "scene".
Paradise feels like a clone of Syberia - except for the surroundings. The dreamy atmosphere is just the same and the story similar. But if you play Syberia and like it (and I can't see a reason why you shouldn't like such a great game 
), you'll like Paradise too.
As for Sinking Island, it looks very, very interesting. The problem was my crappy videocard couldn't manage to run the game.
And you simply must play The Black Mirror. It's a Czech game (shameless promotion of my nation here), but it's been released in English and I think I've never seen such absorbing mystery atmosphere in a game before. And the ending is just... mmm. I couldn't sleep until I finished it 
Then there is Nibiru, made by the same team that made The Black Mirror. Feels like a crossover between Broken Sword and Indiana Jones - a very enjoyable game. But still, I liked The Black Mirror better
I think the reason why Paradise might seem like a clone of Syberia is because both games are by Benoit Sokal.
As for the Syberia games, they are good. But I always found that there was too little to *do* in the areas. Only the objects you would actually need for solving of puzzles can be interacted with. The areas are beautiful to look at, but many times I would have liked Kate's opinion on something unrelated to the puzzles.
The Black Mirror definetely looks cool, I'll definetely try that, but Nibiru seems to have got a lot of bad reviews.
About Black Mirror: If you understand German well enough, you should get the German version of the game. Normally I don't go for the German versions, but rather English (since usually that's the original language. But this game is Czech originally, so that's alright), but in this case it was a good choice. You see, the voice acting in the English version is not very good, and there's actually a point where you can accidentally get stuck without a way out, which has been removed in the English version.
If you don't speak German well enough, you can still get the English version. Just be sure to save before using the gun, as you need *both* bullets in it, and if you waste one, then you'll be dead, okay (you'll know what I mean when you reach the point)?
If you want deep involving story, The Longest Journey is a Must. There's a continuation in Dreamfall: The Longest Journey but while it's good, it can't compare (although it is a must if you want to know what happens next).
I second that. You *have* to play The Longest Journey.
Also, a very interesting game is
Pathologic - the graphics are not the best (but alright), but the gameplay and concept are simply amazing. Here's a screenshot from the game:
Awesome games, I still need to finish the first Longest journey. You might like Psychonauts . It's funny and very interesting in that "What the hell is wrong with you?" way. This site has a list of some good games. The ending of Indigo Prophecy took me forever to beat the one guy with all the switching buttons.
Thanks. Psychonauts look interesting, even though I'm probably going to go for something more serious initially. The site you provided is great!
Psychonauts is incredibly fun, though I should point out that it is partly jump and run too. But don't worry, it's not too hard, and story and jump and run components are expertly balanced. But we expected no less from Tim Schäfer, after all.
Speaking of Tim Schäfer, try and get your hands on "Grim Fandango". One of the greatest games ever, even if it is a bit older (still, the graphics hold up very well).
Broken Sword 1 and 2 are still great, and their graphics held up rather well (cartoon).
Also, I think you shouldn't do off with the older games yet. Especially if you get them for free (legally): Go to the
ScummVM Website and you can download one of the greatest games ever (also by the guys who made the "Broken Sword" games), "Beneath a Steel Sky"! It's completely legal and approved by Revolution Studios. You'll need ScummVM to run it, but don't worry, it's free as well.
Also, if you're feeling like playing some nice free adventure games, you can always visit
the AGS Website (AGS being "Adventure Game Studio", a free engine for making Adventure games.
Some great games I can recommend are:
5 Days A Stranger(As well as the sequels. Together they are known as the John DeFoe series.:
7 Days A SkepticTrilby's Notes6 Days A Sacrifice) all by Ben 'Yahtzee' Croshaw
*
Two of a Kind by Dave Gilbert
*
Spooks by The Ivy
*
Mind's Eye ProgZmaz - This one is excellent. Even if it's pixel graphics (though really good ones), I think you will love this. It is absolutely awesome, and well done.
*
Emily Enough: Imprisoned by Logan - Excellent game with very wicked humour.
The
Ben Jordan: Paranormal Investigator series by Grundislav Games is overall great. The first cases might seem a bit silly, but with every case they improve, and get more serious. When playing Case 4 "Horror at Number 50", I seriously got scared towards the end. Really well done!
The Apprentice series by Herculean Effort can only be recommended. Excellent!
Principles of Evil: Volume I and
Principles of Evil II: Misery Loves Company are great and fun games. Play them. (Also, the doll makers are kind of fun I discovered. Also, I think the Fantasy Car Breeder is the most awesome thing ever.
)
Now, for the last game. First of all, the game is great. It is fun, it is hilarious, and I think everyone should play it. Please remember that I said that, and keep it in mind when looking at the graphics (which are intentionally as eclectic as they are, I believe.
):
Jessica Plunkenstein and the Düsseldorf Conspiracy. (Also, their next game "The Judgement of Quintus" looks to be good once its released.).
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