Imagine a world where the very act of reclaiming what was stolen is not just a mission, but a thrilling, high-stakes heist! Colonialism, a dark chapter in history, wasn't just about taking land; it was a brutal project that involved immense violence, cultural erasure, and the systematic theft of priceless artifacts. Today, we see these very objects proudly displayed in museums of colonizing nations, a stark reminder of a historical injustice. Think of the iconic Rosetta Stone, the renowned Benin Bronzes, or the rich Ethiopian Maqdala collection – all held by countries that once exerted power over their original homes. While diplomatic channels and polite requests for restitution have been made, they often fall short, failing to address the ongoing wrong. This is precisely the void that the concept of a 'moral heist' fills, and no game has captured this fantasy quite like Relooted.
Developed by the talented South African studio Nyamakop, Relooted introduces us to a charming, if somewhat unconventional, crew of thieves hailing from various African nations, all based in Johannesburg. Their united purpose? To liberate from colonizing powers the treasures that were unjustly taken from Africa. You step into the shoes of Nomali, the charismatic frontwoman and a world-class parkour athlete. Inspired by her grandmother, a history professor, Nomali rallies this diverse group to embark on a daring mission. The game itself is an Africanfuturist 2.5D heist-platformer, a genre that blends futuristic visions with African heritage. It sends Nomali and her team on globetrotting adventures across the Global North, where they'll infiltrate opulent museums, exclusive private collections, and secure banks, all with the aim of recovering legendary, yet stolen, artifacts.
Once these precious items are in their possession, the team discreetly works to return them to the Museum of Black Civilisations in Senegal. What's truly fascinating is that this museum, much like the artifacts themselves, is a real place!
During your mission briefings, held in a Batcave-esque hideout, you're treated to a concise yet insightful history lesson about each artifact. These lessons offer a glimpse into Africa's colonized past. For instance, did you know that the modern-day Republic of Benin and the historical, powerful Kingdom of Benin (which flourished in the 15th century and was located in present-day Nigeria) are distinct entities? The legendary masks from the Kingdom of Benin were plundered by colonial forces and have yet to be returned, with many residing in institutions like the British Museum.
In the world of Relooted, this is where Nomali and her crew make their heroic entrance. If the nations that profited from exploitation and theft refuse to return what belongs to others, Nomali and her team are ready to take it back themselves. They operate as benevolent thieves, driven by a sense of justice rather than personal gain. Their creed is simple: they only reclaim what was previously stolen. As a legal professional, I must admit to a slight ethical quandary; in most legal systems, taking back your own property through forceful means, even from a thief, is still considered theft. You can't, for example, break into a burglar's home to retrieve your stolen phone. However, for someone whose own ancestors experienced colonization by the British in India before migrating to British-occupied South Africa, this narrative of reclamation felt profoundly satisfying and morally just.
Each mission presents a unique challenge. You'll begin by meticulously scouting the environment, identifying robot guards, potential escape routes, and any additional hidden artifacts. This information is then shared with your team, each member possessing a specialized skill that translates into a unique gameplay mechanic. Your brother, for instance, is a master locksmith capable of bypassing doors and safes, while another teammate, a skilled acrobat, can utilize Batman-esque maneuvers to access seemingly unreachable areas. Once the reconnaissance is complete, Nomali takes center stage for the artifact retrieval.
The escape is where the real thrill begins. This phase demands meticulous planning, as you need to map out your exit strategy before triggering any alarms. After Nomali secures the target artifact, you must navigate a perfect escape route, evading pursuing drones. The game cleverly allows for the retrieval of multiple artifacts within a single mission, requiring you to strategize the optimal order of acquisition. The item closest to the entrance might not always be the most logical first target due to its placement. This is where careful planning, rehearsing your route, and strategically positioning your teammates come into play, culminating in a clockwork-like heist worthy of the legendary Arsène Lupin.
Relooted is a cerebral platformer, a delightful blend of sharp intellect and quick reflexes. You'll experience the adrenaline rush of a high-speed chase, coupled with the immense satisfaction of a well-executed escape plan, where the coordinated efforts of your team lead to the successful recovery of all artifacts.
The game's environments are wonderfully diverse, sometimes even reimagining real-world locations with unique names. The United States, for example, is depicted as "the Shiny Place," a dazzling fusion of Las Vegas and New York, infused with a strong cyberpunk aesthetic. Another memorable setting is a European mansion, the abode of a reclusive "collector," brought to life with dark, rain-slicked cobblestone streets and haunting paintings adorning cold brick walls. Typically, each stage lasts between five to ten minutes, unless a flawed plan or execution necessitates a retry.
While repetition can creep in, especially with the inherent limitations of 2D stages and a focused set of mechanics, the game manages to keep its appeal. The graphics, though aiming for a Pixar-like quality, can appear somewhat dated, with flat character faces and stiff dialogue animations. However, the parkour animations are remarkably fluid, and the game bursts with vibrant colors and an engaging world. Controlling Nomali feels fantastic, especially when you achieve a state of 'flow' with her acrobatic movements. This immersive experience is further amplified by an incredible soundtrack by composers Nick Horsten and Dustin van Wyk. The music masterfully shifts between soothing ambient tones and exhilarating action cues, perfectly capturing the Africanfuturist theme while also echoing the '80s James Bond espionage vibe that suits our stealthy thieves.
For me, as a South African, Relooted holds a special significance. It's not just a product of South African talent; it celebrates a pan-African collective united by the shared goal of reclaiming what was pilfered by colonial powers. Ugandan scholar Yusuf Serunkuma highlights a staggering calculation: Africa's losses due to colonization between 1960 and 2010 are estimated at a colossal $152 trillion. Contemplating the potential of my country and continent today, had it not been for such immense theft and exploitation, ignites a persistent anger within me. It's a stark reality that African citizens are still compelled to travel to former colonizing nations to view their own historical heritage.
Relooted offers a powerful and righteous outlet for the justifiable outrage at the inherent unfairness, unjust occupation, and profound suffering endured by the African continent. It brilliantly serves a dual purpose: as an educational history lesson and an exhilarating heist platformer. Let's hope more people discover the brutal and unfair truths of African history, and in doing so, appreciate the enduring wonder, beauty, and inspiring spirit of our continent and its people.
Relooted is currently available on Xbox and PC.
But here's where it gets controversial: While the game's narrative of reclamation is deeply cathartic, does the act of taking back stolen goods, even with benevolent intent, truly absolve the underlying act of theft? Is it ever justifiable to break the law, even for a just cause? What are your thoughts on this moral tightrope? Let us know in the comments below!
