Game review: Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy (Xbox Series X)
It wasn't too long ago that FutureFive NZ reviewed a new point-and-click game on the Nintendo Switch called Omega 6 The Triangle Stars. Funnily enough, now an even newer point-and-click game has come our way, and this one is called Amerzone – The Explorer's Legacy.
As I said previously in my review of Omega 6 The Triangle Stars, the point-and-click genre was popular back in the '90s because video game technology was more simplistic back then. Many PC point-and-click games were made, and one of my favourites was one based on The Simpsons animated TV show.
Point-and-click games kind of died out when newer technology emerged, but it looks like some of them are coming back now. Amerzone – The Explorer's Legacy is a new point-and-click adventure now available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Amerzone itself is not actually a new game because this is a remake based on a little-known PC title released back in 1999. The original Amerzone had basic-looking graphics with still images, although it looked impressive for its time before the new millennium kicked in just a year later.
The 2025 release of Amerzone – The Explorer's Legacy updates the graphics and game mechanics to satisfy newcomers and old fans alike. Speaking of the visuals, this game looks gorgeous when playing it on the Xbox Series X console.
One of the best things I liked about the graphics is the fact that players can visit beautiful-looking environments. One of the earlier locations you visited was a sandy beach where you could also dive underwater to help out a sperm whale.
Later on in the game, players will be transported to the Amazon jungle where you can ride downriver and even see some unique wildlife. The graphics have been updated for a 2025 audience, and the results are stunning.
As for the game itself, players assume the role of an unnamed journalist who is tasked to return a giant egg back to South America because it was stolen. Your task is going to be easier said than done because you need to first activate a vehicle called 'Hydraflot' to fly there, but also unravel the mystery of Amerzone and its history.
What I like most about this 2025 remake of the game is that everything is fully animated. Unlike the 1999 original, there are no still images or low-resolution textures to look at here. Everything has been remodelled from the ground up, and the main character actually walks and interacts with the environment.
That being said, this game is still a point-and-click game at heart because you don't control the character normally using the left analogue stick like in other games. Instead, you have to navigate a mouse cursor around the screen, and an arrow will point out where you are able to "walk" to.
Once you click where you want to walk, the camera will pan and take you to the next location of interest. If you choose the "Traveller" difficulty, this option gives the player clues on where to go and what you may need to do next.
By pressing the 'Y' button on Xbox, the screen will show you points of interest and items that you can interact with. I thought this option was really helpful because you may never know what you can touch because some objects might just be a part of the background! By pressing 'Y', it allowed me to not waste time clicking and guessing what items I could use or interact with.
The heart of the gameplay is searching, exploring, and solving puzzles. Thankfully, players can check their journal in the main menu, and this book gives you clues on how to solve some puzzles. You can choose not to look at the journal if you don't want spoilers, but I have to admit I needed as many clues as possible!
There's not much combat in this game because the only person you have to knock out is a guard who puts the main character in prison temporarily. Most of the time players have to solve puzzles such as opening gates, finding diving gear, operating the controls of the Hydroflot, and more.
Players will also have to read notes and books to find clues to pin numbers and stuff like that. Most of the levels are small and linear, so you thankfully don't have to explore huge areas for clues on what to do next. If you find a map, you can even fast-travel to points of interest to save time.
I cannot comment on what this remake is like compared to the original, but I feel the new game has better graphics and gives players more clues. If you're feeling truly stuck, you can also check out a walkthrough on YouTube on what to do if the clues in the journal aren't clear enough for you.
The only type of people who might not like playing this game are gamers who are expecting a lot of action, and those who hate solving puzzles. Other than that, I feel gamers who love something different might consider picking this game up.
While Amerzone – The Explorer's Legacy might lack action and suspense, it's a great remake of a game from 1999. The graphics are excellent and the gameplay is unique and challenging.
Verdict: 8.0/10
