PC gamers are currently immersed in the excitement surrounding the remaster of Oblivion, but they are not the only ones experiencing a wave of nostalgia. French publisher Microids has unveiled a polished remake of its 1999 classic, Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy. This title, which laid the groundwork for the beloved Syberia series, invites players back into a world rich with fantastical elements and intriguing narratives.
Reviving a Classic
Originally crafted by the late Benoît Sokal, a visionary French illustrator and game developer, Amerzone transports players to a fictional South American landscape teeming with extraordinary creatures. In this adventure, players assume the role of a nameless journalist on a quest to fulfill the dying wish of zoologist Alexandre Valembois: to return the last egg of a rare giant bird to its native habitat.
The recent remake draws inspiration from the successful overhaul of another classic, Myst, leading Microids to give Amerzone a similar treatment. As noted on the game’s Steam page, the remake “naturally pays tribute to the original game, but also offers a totally new experience of it.” This fresh take is primarily showcased through a substantial visual upgrade, with a side-by-side comparison of the game’s Jesuit priest, David Mackowski, highlighting the transformation from a rather unsettling appearance to a more lifelike representation.
While the revival of this adventure gaming gem is certainly a cause for celebration, the future of the Syberia series casts a shadow of uncertainty. The late Benoît Sokal passed away during the development of Syberia: The World Before, a title dedicated to his memory. Adding to the challenges, Microids recently made the difficult decision to lay off its entire Paris team, responsible for both The World Before and the Amerzone remake, just weeks before the latter’s release.
As the gaming community contemplates the potential audience for an Amerzone remake in 2025, the timing of these layoffs raises questions about the project’s future. Currently, Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy is available for (£35), with a demo accessible on its Steam page for those interested in sampling the adventure before committing to a purchase.
