Get ready for a thrilling adventure with Relooted, a video game that dares to tackle a controversial yet important topic: the repatriation of African artifacts.
The Quest for Justice
In this game, developed by the African studio Nyamakop, you embark on a mission to reclaim African artifacts from museums and private collections, returning them to their rightful historical owners. It's a bold move, and one that sheds light on a real-world issue.
A Fictional Story, a Real Message
At first, it might seem like any other heist game, but the developers want to make it clear: every artifact featured in the game is based on real-life items.
"The history is out there," says Mohale Mashigo, the game's narrative director. "We didn't have to invent anything."
You play as Nomali, a skilled athlete and free runner, who returns to Johannesburg to visit family. Frustrated by Western museums' refusal to repatriate African collections, Nomali's grandmother recruits her for a unique mission.
The Looted Legacy
Experts estimate that hundreds of thousands of African artifacts are held outside the continent, with the majority in Western institutions. Many were looted during colonial times, and some remain on the black market or with private collectors.
In one mission, you aim to reclaim the Benin Bronzes, a collection belonging to the Kingdom of Benin (modern-day Nigeria). While some have been repatriated, others still remain in British museums.
Avoiding Fantasy, Embracing Reality
Nyamakop's previous game, Semblance, didn't overtly showcase its African origins. Ben Myres, the creative director, initially worried about the financial risks of African-themed games. But the release of Black Panther changed his perspective.
"It made me think, now is the time to tell these stories," Myres says.
The studio wanted to ground the game's narrative in reality, even with its cartoonish visuals.
"These are real countries, real artifacts. We wanted to avoid the 'Wakandification' of Africa's story," Mashigo explains, referring to the fictional nation in the Black Panther films.
Planning the Heist
As Nomali's team prepares for their missions, players learn about the artifacts they aim to liberate. It's an educational journey that adds depth to the gameplay.
Each level begins with Nomali scoping out the location, planning routes, and assessing security measures. Players then race through the levels, avoiding obstacles and security measures to reach their goal.
Nomali builds a team, each member bringing unique abilities to pull off complex heists. Her brother, Trevor, can unlock doors, while acrobat Ndedi uses his zipline to navigate buildings.
A Unique Take on Heists
Unlike many heist games, Relooted focuses on stealth and planning rather than combat.
"We wanted to avoid the typical Ocean's Eleven or Heat-style games," Myres explains. "There are enough brawlers and shooters out there."
The game blends classic adventure-puzzle elements with modern, fast-paced gameplay. Players will find themselves replaying levels to perfect their escape plans and beat their own records.
A Memorable Experience
The story is surprisingly well-developed, thanks to the voice work and vibrant art style. Nomali's relationships, especially with her family, shine through, adding emotional depth to the gameplay.
However, making a mistake can be frustrating, similar to getting stuck in complex puzzles. Planning is crucial, and one wrong move can force players to start over.
Despite these challenges, Relooted offers a memorable experience, introducing players to an African-based developer team and potentially dozens of untold stories from African history.
"We hope players walk away with a better understanding of these issues," Myres says. "But please, no real-life heists inspired by the game!"
Relooted is available now on PC and Xbox, including Xbox Game Pass.
