Amerzone: Why Microids Remade this Cult ’90s Adventure Game
Acclaimed for its outlandish atmosphere and amazing production value in 1999, Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy is returning on April 24 in the form of a remake for Xbox Series X|S.
Set in a fictional region of South America and based on a classic 1986 comic book, Amerzone is a classic point-and-click adventure that sees players embark on a mysterious journey as a journalist, attempting to unravel the mysteries of a beautiful, endangered part of the world. The new remake updates the looks, sounds, and gameplay of the original, while keeping its spirit alive, in a touching tribute to its creator, Benoît Sokal.
To find out what inspired their teams to embark on this project, we spoke to developer Microids to find out more.
The Perfect Time to Revisit a Very Special Title
With more than one million copies sold around the globe, Amerzone was an instant hit with adventure game fans, who loved its spellbinding atmosphere. For Microids, it is particularly special, given that it was the first game produced by the sorely missed Benoît Sokal, a brilliant artist who went on to create the Syberia series but passed away in 2021.
“After [the release of Sokal’s final game] Syberia: The World Before, we thought that it would be interesting to return to the roots; to offer both fans of the original and newcomers an enhanced version of the game where it all began,” explained Charles Leveugle, Brand Manager at Microids.
“For us, simply making a remaster would not have been enough of a tribute,” continued Charles. “A remake gives us the opportunity to make a vivid experience even richer, without betraying the original vision.”
A Truly Considered Remake
The principal reason for remaking Amerzone jumps out of the screen immediately when you watch the reveal trailer: the improvements in technology since 1999 allowed the team to create a gorgeous new take on the original
“This game is all about the mystery-filled atmosphere, where immersion is key,” explained Charles. “So it was crucial for us to push the engine as far as possible, to produce vibrant environments filled with finely modeled characters that are animated using motion capture.”
The same goes for the sound environment, with rich effects that are much denser than in the original, as well as a new soundtrack composed by Inon Zur (of Syberia and Fallout fame).
Gameplay has also been modernized, while staying in touch with the ideas of the original game. The Amerzone remake is of course sticking with its iconic point-and-click style, where the player explores environments through fixed camera angles; however, the transitions are now smoother.
As for the puzzles, they are clearer and more intuitive, while remaining just as challenging. “We have also added some totally new puzzles, to provide some fresh challenges for returning players,” added Charles.
Finally, this Amerzone remake will help keep alive the legacy of a title that is important for Microids, for players, and for the adventure genre as a whole!
“Playing the Windows 98 or PlayStation edition today can be tricky,” noted Charles, “and it’s a shame, because it’s a very worthwhile game to play. It deserves a version that’s designed for today’s machines, which will extend the experience for another 25 years. The original fans will be able to return to the game through an enhanced adventure, while new audiences will at last get a chance to experience it through a remake that meets today’s standards.”
A Unique Journey to Be Discovered or Rediscovered
With this all-new version of Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy, Microids is aiming to offer a rare gaming experience once again, in keeping with Benoît Sokal’s philosophy.
“It’s a game that encourages players to take their time and think,” said Charles. “They can forget about what’s going on around them, breathe in the atmosphere of a foreign land, and lose themselves in the plot. We are proud to be working on this remake, and we believe it will bring together all generations of players. After all, whether you’re 20 or 50, the call of adventure is just as strong…”
Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy
Microids
Your goal is to bring back the last egg of the mythical “Great White Birds”. According to legend, they are bound up with the fate of the only country they call home: a land with strange, dangerous plants and wildlife that has been devastated by years of bloody dictatorship.
– Embark on an extraordinary adventure
Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy will call on your curiosity and observational skills as you explore its fascinating world,its magical locations and its painful history.
Solve puzzles, find clues that will help you along your way, and get immersed in the spirit of adventure, the beauty of the landscapes and the depth of the story.
During your journey, you will need to unravel the mysteries of the “hydraflot”, a fantastic invention that is equally at home in the water and in the sky. It will be your only ally to overcome the dangers standing between you and the heart of Amerzone…
– The remake of a legend
First released in 1999, Amerzone is a legend in the adventure game genre.
While this remake naturally pays tribute to the original game, it also offers a totally new experience of it.
Benoît Sokal’s legacy, mingling realism and poetry, awareness of worldly truths and wonder, is both honored and magnified.
– An investigation on the other side of the globe
Will you manage to discover the sinister secret hidden behind the mystery of the White Birds?
In this distant land, where past and present overlap, your skills as a journalist will be your most powerful tools: make sense of the clues hidden in your environment, decipher the documents you uncover, and fulfil the explorer’s final wish by saving the Great White Birds!
– 2 difficulty modes for everyone to enjoy the adventure
– A transferable save from the demo version to the full game
– A comprehensive dive into Benoît Sokal’s universe, along with the Syberia series
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