Uncover the thrilling tale of stolen artifacts and the moral heist in Relooted. This game, developed by Nyamakop, South Africa, offers a unique twist on colonialism and cultural reclamation. Players take on the role of Nomali, a parkour-savvy thief, on a mission to reclaim artifacts stolen from Africa by colonizer nations. The game is an Africanfuturist 2.5D heist-’em-up platformer, blending parkour, infiltration, and a moral dilemma. The story unfolds as Nomali and her team, inspired by her grandmother's history, embark on a journey to retrieve legendary artifacts from museums, private collections, and banks across the Global North. The ultimate goal is to deposit these artifacts in the Museum of Black Civilisations in Senegal, a real-life museum dedicated to showcasing African history and culture. Relooted provides an immersive experience, offering a short history lesson on each artifact and Africa's colonized past. The game challenges players to plan their heists, scout levels for robot guards and exits, and execute well-coordinated exits without triggering alarms. The stages vary, from the US, depicted as a cyberpunk-inspired Las Vegas and New York, to a European mansion with dark, rain-drenched cobblestone streets. The game's graphics, while attempting a modern look, have been criticized for their dated appearance, with flat character faces and stiff dialogue animations. However, the parkour animations and vibrant colors make up for it, especially when players enter a 'flow' of movement. The game's soundtrack, composed by Nick Horsten and Dustin van Wyk, enhances the Africanfuturistic theme with a blend of electronic and traditional instruments. Relooted is a special game for South Africans, addressing the moral rage and unfairness of colonialism, and serving as both a history lesson and a fun heist platformer. It invites players to reflect on the immense loss Africa endured due to colonization and the ongoing impact on the continent and its people. Available on Xbox and PC, Relooted offers an engaging and thought-provoking gaming experience, shedding light on a critical historical issue.
