[PS5] Review of Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy

Benoît Sokal’s classic adventure game, Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy, has been beautifully reimagined, offering a fresh experience for fans and newcomers alike. Journey into Amerzone through the eyes of a journalist, stepping into the shoes of the ailing explorer Alexander Valembois. Valembois’ riveting story begins with his thrilling expeditions in Amerzone—an imagined land in South America—where he encountered the mystical White Birds, only to realize they were nearing extinction due to a friend’s rise to dictatorship.

Fast forward to the modern-day setting of the 2000s. Players are tasked with fulfilling Valembois’ last wish: to return a white egg to Amerzone, hoping to salvage the destiny of these enchanted creatures.

First introduced by Microids in 1999, the adventure now makes its way onto the PlayStation 5, boasting eye-catching graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5. The striking enhancements are evident right from the trailer, illustrating a striking contrast to the original visuals. The playthrough remains true to its roots, maintaining the classic point-and-click movement style. However, rather than jumping abruptly from scene to scene, players will enjoy fluid transitions that enrich the ambiance. The captivating details and improved lighting breathe life into the virtual environment, while engaging voice acting further immerses the player.

Within the game, players can switch between two modes: Traveler and Adventurer. Traveler Mode invites players to soak in the atmospheric world and unravel its tale with minimal puzzle interference, offering helpful hints for smoother gameplay. Adventurer Mode, on the other hand, challenges players with trickier puzzles and fewer clues, delivering an experience closer to the original. For those craving an even greater challenge, hints and objectives can be completely turned off.

Navigation stays intuitive. Control the perspective and movement or interact with objects and characters using the left analog stick and X button. The L2 and L1 buttons offer faster cursor motion and zoom functions, respectively. Use the Triangle button to reveal interactive elements in the surroundings, and consult your journal to revisit missions, check inventory, and revisit any notes or collected documents.

Critically, interacting with objects involves thorough examination, allowing for the discovery of hidden clues. Players can rotate items for a better view, ensuring they aren’t overlooking anything essential. Investigations are layered into the gameplay too. Completing these offers deeper insights into the story, benefiting those intent on achieving 100% completion and securing every trophy, including the elusive Platinum.

Speaking of trophies, the game offers a range of achievements to pursue, consisting of Bronze, Silver, and Gold trophies, tied to story progress, in-game tasks, and specific actions like making phone calls or finding hidden slides.

Ultimately, Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy has undergone a substantial transformation, making it a thrilling experience on the PlayStation 5. Whether you’re a seasoned player or experiencing it for the first time, this revamped edition offers something unique at a launch price of $39.99.

This exciting revisit to Amerzone wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Microids, who provided a PlayStation 5 copy for reviewing purposes.