Benoît Sokal’s classic returns with a fresh twist in Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy. Let me walk you through this fascinating revival.
We’re reintroduced to the adventurous tale of French explorer Alexander Valembois and his thrilling discovery in the fictional South American land of Amerzone. Between 1932 and 1934, Valembois encountered incredible creatures, particularly the mystical White Birds, which are now on the brink of extinction thanks to a friend-turned-dictator in Amerzone. Fast forward to the 2000s, you become the journalist carrying on Valembois’ mission due to his illness, with his last wish urging you to return a white egg so the White Birds can flourish once more.
Over two decades after its original 1999 PC debut, Amerzone’s adventure gets a breathtaking makeover for the PlayStation 5. Rooted in Sokal’s 1986 comic strip L’Amerzone, the new version elevates the experience with Unreal Engine 5 magic, offering a significant visual upgrade clearly seen in the trailer comparisons. Embracing its vintage “click to move” mechanic, each journey unfolds seamlessly, immersing you in a lively world that has just come alive. Loyal players will appreciate the effective voice acting, now paired with options to enhance either performance or resolution.
You have two modes to dive into: Traveler and Adventurer. In Traveler Mode, you can soak in the game’s atmosphere, leaning on additional documents and hints for a mellow puzzle-solving experience. Adventurer Mode, however, brings you face-to-face with the game’s original spirit, pushing you with fewer clues and trickier puzzles. For those looking for a hardcore challenge, you can disable hints and objectives altogether.
The first-person perspective allows for a smooth journey through the game. The left analog stick is your tool for navigating and highlighting interactive points, with the X button ready to engage. Speed up movements with L2, or zoom with L1. The Triangle button shows you available interactions, while your journal, accessible via the Touchpad, is your hub for missions, diary entries, inventory, and collected documents.
Interaction with objects is intuitive. You can closely inspect objects, rotating them using the left analog stick while holding X, looking for clues indicated by magnifying glass or hand icons. You’ll also stumble across investigation materials that provide deep dives into the narrative, feeding your final report and rewarding dedicated players chasing a Platinum trophy.
Speaking of trophies, the game boasts a full set for completionists. Composed of 18 Bronze, 5 Silver, and 6 Gold trophies, the list covers various objectives besides the main storyline, encouraging creative engagements like checking the radio or assembling Professor’s slides. Collect all the Hydrofloat gears, or plan a rooftop escape—the challenges keep your gameplay both exciting and rewarding.
Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy is not just revived; it’s reborn for modern consoles. Launching on April 24 at $39.99, it’s set to offer an enriched experience for old fans and newcomers alike, especially with varying graphic fidelity options tailored for your console preferences.
This review has been crafted with insights based on a PlayStation 5 copy from Microids. Trust me, this legacy is one worth exploring again!
