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

Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy is a fresh reimagining of Benoît Sokal’s cherished classic, and it certainly delivers an intriguing journey. Imagine following the daring exploits of French explorer Alexander Valembois, who embarked on an expedition to the enigmatic land of Amerzone—a fictional South American locale. Between 1932 and 1934, Valembois encountered fantastic animals, including the fascinating and magical White Birds. These creatures, however, face the brink of extinction when an acquaintance of Valembois seizes power as a dictator in Amerzone. Fast forward to the 2000s, you take on the role of a journalist tasked with fulfilling Valembois’ last wish—to return a white egg to Amerzone to save the White Birds.

The game first made waves over 25 years ago when Microids released it on the PC in 1999. Now, it’s receiving a significant facelift on the PlayStation 5. Inspired by Sokal’s 1986 Inspector Canardo comic strip L’Amerzone, the original game presented a 3D, first-person adventure. In this 2025 version, thanks to the Unreal Engine 5, everything is markedly enhanced. One glance at the trailer, and you’ll notice the stark contrast! The classic point-and-click mechanics remain, but now there’s a seamless transition as you wander through beautifully crafted environments. The detailed visuals and improved lighting bring this world to life. And like its predecessor, this reimagined edition is fully voice-acted.

As you dive into the game, you have two play modes to choose from: Traveler and Adventurer. Traveler Mode is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the story and ambiance without getting bogged down by complex puzzles; extra documents and guidance will help you along the way. Adventurer Mode, on the other hand, cranks up the challenge, offering fewer aids and more ambiguous hints, closely mirroring the original feel of the game. For those who really want to put their skills to the test, hints and objectives can be turned off completely.

When you’re in the game, you’ll view the world from a first-person perspective, maneuvering with the left analog stick which doubles as your cursor for interacting with items and characters. Need to speed things up? Hold the L2 button. You can also zoom in and out with the L1 button. By pressing the Triangle button, all current interactable objects are highlighted. Your journal, accessed through the Touchpad, is your go-to for tracking missions, reviewing notes, checking inventory, and more.

Engage with objects by examining them thoroughly—you never know when a hidden clue might reveal itself. Objects can be rotated for a closer look or manipulated for further interaction if the cursor indicates so.

While uncovering Amerzone’s secrets, you’ll gather investigative materials that can unlock extra content and deepen your understanding of the lore—plus, they’re necessary for complete trophy collections. Speaking of trophies, an enticing Platinum awaits, along with a slew of 18 Bronze, 5 Silver, and 6 Gold trophies. From completing chapters to specific tasks like tuning into a radio or making calls, there’s plenty to achieve for those who want to claim 100% game completion.

The revamped Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy not only revitalizes a beloved tale but also introduces updated mechanics and visuals that breathe new life into the journey. With the option to toggle between Performance and Resolution modes, you can tailor the experience to suit your preference. Scheduled for release on April 24 for the PlayStation 5, it comes priced at $39.99.

Disclaimer: This review of Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Microids.