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

Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy offers a fresh spin on Benoît Sokal’s renowned classic. Let’s delve into this updated adventure with our detailed review of Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy!

In this reimagined tale, you’ll follow the journey of French explorer Alexander Valembois, whose adventures lead him to the fictional land of Amerzone in South America. During the 1930s, Valembois encounters fascinating creatures, notably the magical White Birds facing extinction due to a friend’s tyrannical turn as Amerzone’s ruler. Fast forward to the 2000s, and you step into the shoes of a journalist tasked with Valembois’ unfinished mission. With his dying wish, Valembois entrusts you with a white egg to return to Amerzone, breathing life back into the mystical birds.

It’s been over two decades since Microids first introduced this title on PC in 1999. Now, PlayStation 5 players get to experience this classic in a whole new light. Drawing from Sokal’s 1986 comic strip Inspector Canardo – L’Amerzone, the game originally showcased a 3D world from a first-person view. Thanks to the Unreal Engine 5, this 2025 version breathes new life into the narrative, transforming the static screen-to-screen transitions into a fluid and immersive journey. The improved graphics and lighting significantly enhance the experience, and familiar voice acting adds to the nostalgic feel.

Players can immerse themselves in two modes: Traveler and Adventurer. If you prefer soaking in the story without the puzzle stress, Traveler Mode is your pick, offering more guidance and optional hints. Adventurer Mode, on the other hand, serves a more authentic experience with its challenging puzzles reminiscent of the original game. You can even amp up the difficulty by disabling hints and objectives for a more hardcore adventure!

Your journey unfolds from a first-person perspective, with the left analog stick guiding your view and cursor for interactions. The X button confirms actions, and the L2 button accelerates cursor movement. If you want to zoom, simply use the L1 button, while the Triangle button highlights available interactions. Checking your journal is as easy as pressing the Touchpad – it’s your go-to for missions, diary entries, inventory, and collected documents.

Playfully maneuver objects by rotating them for hidden insights, and keep an eye out for the magnifying glass icon to seek additional information. When the cursor changes to a hand, feel free to manipulate the object for specific actions.

As you traverse Amerzone in pursuit of your mission, you’ll encounter investigational materials enriching your storyline and potentially aiding you in achieving that coveted Platinum trophy. These investigations, though optional, unlock unique reports and insights into the game’s universe – a must for thorough explorers and trophy hunters alike.

The game offers a robust trophy list with a Platinum trophy on the line. This includes 18 Bronze, 5 Silver, and 6 Gold trophies, involving various tasks from completing chapters to uncovering specific game secrets. Whether it’s solving investigations, tuning into the radio, or making key phone calls, the game packs plenty of challenges and accomplishments to keep you engaged.

In summary, Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy is a brilliant reimagining of Benoît Sokal’s classic, taking you on a journey with French explorer Alexander Valembois and his discoveries in the enigmatic land of Amerzone. This fresh installment, now on PS5, enhances the original’s charm with updated graphics, seamless transitions, and a choice between Performance or Resolution modes for tailored gameplay. Scheduled for release on April 24 at $39.99, it’s a must-explore adventure for both long-time fans and new players seeking a gripping narrative and enthralling puzzles.