Amerzone

Infobox VG| title = Amerzone


developer = Microïds
publisher = Casterman
Ubisoft
designer = Benoît Sokal
engine =
released = 1999
genre = Adventure
modes = Single player
ratings = ESRB: E (Everyone)
platforms = Windows, PlayStation
media = 4 CD-ROMs
requirements = 166 MHz Intel Pentium CPU, 32 MB RAM, Windows 95 (WIN)
input = Mouse

"Amerzone" is a first-person adventure game produced by French company Microïds, and designed by Benoît Sokal. The player takes the role of a journalist on a quest to help save a rare species of magical birds.

Plot

In 1932, Alexandre Valembois was a young explorer who, with his native friend Anonio Alverez, wanted to make a name for himself by exploring the mysterious Amerzone region. Befriended by the natives of the region, he witnessed a strange ritual involving a giant egg of the famed white birds. Wanting to prove that the white birds existed, Alexandre betrayed the natives' trust and stole the mysterious egg. Alas, upon his returning to France, nobody believed Alexandre or his journals about the Amerzone.

Sixty years have passed, and the world has changed. World War II has come and gone, the Amerzone remains unexplored and closed off to outsiders by its despotic leader, Anoino Alverez. Monsieur Alexandre Valembois is an old man at the end of his life, living alone in a lighthouse and wishing to fix his mistake. At this time, a young reporter comes to visit the old Alexandre Valembois regarding his adventures...

Influences & legacy

Designed by Benoit Sokal and developed by Microïds, "Amerzone", who'd later develop the critically-acclaimed Syberia and its sequel Syberia 2. These later games contain references to "Amerzone" and take place in the same fictional universe.

The places, concepts and some of the characters featured in "Amerzone" originates from Sokal's work in the 80's with the comic Inspecteur Canardo, especicially the fifth story in the series, "L'Amerzone".

Critical reception

The game was generally positively received, with critics praising its top-grade graphical quality "Lightman". [http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00000145_test.htm Test: L'Amerzone] , JeuxVideo.com, February 2, 1999.] and the scenario's quality and depth. Fournier, Heidi [http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,8/ Amerzone Review] , Adventure Gaming, May 21, 2002.] Maffei, Nadia [http://www.jeuxvideopc.com/test/299-l-amerzone.php Test: L'Amerzone] , JeuxVideoPC.com, March, 1999.] . However, many also pointed an awkward player interface, aggravated by an absence of game manual, along with being too short and too easy, Rouse, Rich. [http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/162/162127p1.html L'Amerzone: The Explorer Legacy review] , IGN.com, December 1, 1999.] , while proponents of the game claimed it was into its genre average.

See also

* "Syberia"
* "Syberia 2"
* "Paradise"
* "Sinking Island"

References

External links

* [http://www.microids.com/en/catalogue/1/amerzone-the-explorer-legacy.html "Amerzone"] at [http://www.microids.com Microïds]
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