- Syberia 2 GB <-> 15 JA. That's a remarkable difference, not a similarity. Has probably a lot to do with the average age.
You are right, in the case of Syberia, ranking #2 versus ranking #15 is significant, and I shouldn't downplay that difference.
Betje -- when I said that the lists were similar, I meant that (given the hundreds of adventure games that could have garnered votes) having ten games end up in the top fifteen in both lists shows that there is some similarity or at least a degree of agreement as to which games are truly sucessful.
As for Syberia's difference in ranking -- maybe, as you say, the age factor made a difference.
Also, the games that are frequently mentioned in a forum may also make a difference -- if you loved Darkfall, you'll hang out in a forum that discusses it. If you loved the Monkey Island games you're less likely to hang out in a forum that neglects them. If a game is currently being discussed in the forum at the time the list is compiled, the discussion itself could have an effect on how many gamers choose it for the list.
Someone also mentioned in a recent thread that having acquired a high ranking on the list in previous years makes a difference. The purpose of the Twisty List is to give everyone ideas of good games to play, so more of us play the ones that make the list, and next year those games will have reached a larger audience who can then vote for them. Certain games may become Twisted List Incumbants.