You will soon be able to discover or rediscover Amerzone, the first video-game masterpiece by Benoît Sokal (Syberia), through an ambitious remake featuring cutting-edge graphics and newly composed tracks. We reveal all in this article!
🎻 The works of composer Inon Zur and his son Ori
To create a fresh soundtrack for the remake of Amerzone, Microids Studio Paris once again turned to Inon Zur, the internationally-renowned composer and author of the music for Syberia over the past two decades. “I worked with Benoît Sokal for many years, and I liked him a lot, both as a person and an artist,” Inon Zur told us. “For me, it’s always a blast to be involved in another one of his incredible works.”
This time, however, Inon is not composing alone; he has brought his son on board! “Ori graduated from the music department of Northwestern University two years ago, and he’s been composing ever since,” said Inon. “When Microids contacted me, I said to myself that it would be the perfect chance to work with Ori, and for him to show his talent.” Inon created Amerzone’s main theme and the journey theme, while Ori composed the rest of the music.
To find inspiration, the pair immersed themselves in Amerzone’s visual and narrative dimensions, giving free expression to their feelings. “Composers need to connect with their emotions when they watch a work and discover its story, then translate those emotions into music,” Inon explained to us. In the case of Amerzone, those emotions may be bitterness about a wonderful world that has fallen into ruins... as well as the hope of restoring its former glory.
During the creative process, Inon decided to give only technical advice to his son, avoiding any further interference in his work. “Music is a highly personal thing,” stated the composer. “So I chose to stand back and let Ori express his own style. I can tell you that he contributes something unique, and that I was very impressed.”
🎼 Intimate music that tells a story
The end product delivered by Inon and Ori Zur is primarily orchestral music, complemented by ethnic touches that immerse us in the jungle of Amerzone. Ranging from guitar to flute and percussion, the composers used instruments with various styles and origins, to avoid linking the music with a specific place and allow the listener to drift into an imaginary world. “This is also achieved by the way in which the instruments are played,” added Inon Zur. “We take a classical guitar, for example, and use it in an unusual way to create an exotic feel for players.”
Following the spectacular atmosphere of Syberia, Amerzone takes us into something much more intimate. This is why Inon and Ori decided to play some of the instruments themselves this time, including the guitar and flute. With each track, their aim is to support the narrative: “The music tells a story first and foremost,” stated Inon. “It allows us to create the tension that makes players want to find out what will happen next.”
For the composer, this latest soundtrack made with his son really hit the mark. “It’s a great source of pride and joy to see Ori carry the baton, and I think that he did an excellent job,” enthused Inon. “The thing that I like most about Amerzone is that each piece of music is different; however, once they are assembled, they fit together perfectly, like the pieces of a puzzle.”
🎉 Soundtrack Teaser 🎵
What would be an article about music without a bit of melody?
Prepare for the quest of a lifetime with Journey, one of the new tracks from the game:
🕊️ Wishlist Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy now
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2429190/Amerzone__The_Explorers_Legacy/
📬 Stay Connected!
Amerzone Twitter - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Amerzone TikTok - Microids TikTok - Discord