Embark on an Exciting Heist to Return Stolen Artifacts in Relooted

Colonialism goes beyond just taking over lands; it’s a brutal campaign of violence that includes the erasure and theft of culturally significant artifacts. Even today, colonizing nations flaunt these stolen treasures, masquerading as cultural custodians. Take, for instance, the British Museum’s ongoing possession of the Egyptian Rosetta Stone, the Benin Bronzes, and the Ethiopian Maqdala collection. Nations that have been colonized are actively working to reclaim their cultural heritage.

But what happens when polite requests and diplomatic efforts fall short against the backdrop of ongoing injustice? Enter the concept of the moral heist, brilliantly brought to life in Relooted.

Crafted by the South African studio Nyamakop, Relooted follows a quirky group of thieves from various African nations, all based in Johannesburg, with a singular mission: to reclaim what was taken from Africa by colonizers. You step into the shoes of Nomali, a skilled parkour athlete, who rallies this eclectic crew inspired by her grandmother, a history professor. This 2.5D heist platformer is set in an Africanfuturist world, where Nomali and her team infiltrate museums, private collections, and banks across the Global North to retrieve legendary artifacts that were wrongfully taken.

Once they secure these treasures, the team aims to return them anonymously to the Museum of Black Civilisations in Senegal, which, surprisingly, is a real institution.

In your base, reminiscent of a superhero hideout, you receive mission briefings that provide a brief history of the artifacts and shed light on Africa’s colonized past. For instance, did you know that the modern Republic of Benin and the historical Kingdom of Benin, which thrived in the 15th century in what is now Nigeria, are distinct entities? Many legendary masks from this kingdom were looted and remain in the hands of institutions like the British Museum.

In the world of Relooted, Nomali and her crew take matters into their own hands. If the nations that profited from theft won’t return the artifacts, they’ll simply reclaim them. They’re not in it for profit; they only take back what was stolen. As someone with a background in law, I have my reservations—after all, in most legal systems, stealing back your own property is still considered theft. However, as a descendant of those colonized by the British in India before moving to British-occupied South Africa, this narrative feels deeply satisfying and morally justifiable.

Each mission involves scouting the environment for robot guards, exits, and additional artifacts. You strategize with your team, each member bringing unique skills that play into the game mechanics: your brother is a locksmith who can crack safes, while another teammate is an acrobat capable of reaching high places. After scouting, Nomali takes on the task of retrieving the artifacts.

Planning your escape is where the real thrill lies. You must chart your exit route before triggering any alarms. Once Nomali secures the artifact, you need to navigate a carefully plotted escape without being caught by pursuing drones. You can even strategize to steal multiple artifacts, which requires clever decision-making about which item to grab first. The closest item to the exit might not always be the best choice if it’s poorly positioned. Meticulous planning and coordination with your teammates lead to a heist that would impress even the legendary Arsène Lupin.

Relooted is a cerebral platformer that blends strategic thinking with quick reflexes. You experience the adrenaline of a high-speed chase alongside the satisfaction of executing a well-thought-out escape plan with your team.

The game features diverse stages, often using imaginative names. For example, the US is referred to as “the Shiny Place,” a blend of Las Vegas and New York with a cyberpunk twist. Another stage is set in a European mansion owned by a “collector,” complete with dark, rain-soaked streets and eerie paintings on cold brick walls. Levels typically last between five to ten minutes, unless you find yourself repeating them due to a miscalculated plan.

While some repetition occurs as the story unfolds, the game maintains its freshness. There’s a limit to the variety in 2D stages and mechanics, but it doesn’t overstay its welcome. The graphics may feel a bit dated, attempting to capture a Pixar-like aesthetic, but character animations can appear flat and stiff.

On the upside, the parkour animations are smooth, and the vibrant colors bring the world to life. Controlling Nomali is a joy, especially when you hit a rhythm in your parkour moves. This experience is enhanced by an incredible soundtrack from composers Nick Horsten and Dustin van Wyk, blending electronic and traditional instruments to create soundscapes that reflect the Africanfuturistic theme while evoking the espionage vibes of ’80s James Bond.

Relooted holds a special place in my heart as a South African. Not only is it developed by locals, but it also showcases a pan-African collaboration aimed at reclaiming what colonial powers stole. Scholar Yusuf Serunkuma estimates that Africa lost around $152 trillion due to colonization from 1960 to 2010. Reflecting on the potential of my country and continent had this theft not occurred fills me with frustration. Even today, many Africans must travel to former colonizer nations to reconnect with their own history.

Relooted serves as a powerful outlet for the moral outrage surrounding the injustices faced by this continent, functioning both as an engaging heist platformer and a history lesson. It’s crucial for more people to understand the brutal realities of African history and to appreciate the beauty and resilience of its people and cultures.

Relooted is currently available on Xbox and PC.