Imagine a world where the treasures of your ancestors are locked away in foreign museums, proudly displayed as trophies of conquest. This is the harsh reality for countless cultures, a legacy of colonialism that continues to wound. But what if there was a way to take back what was stolen, not through diplomacy, but through a thrilling heist? This is the premise of Relooted, a game that transforms the fight for cultural restitution into a heart-pounding adventure.
Colonialism wasn't just about claiming land; it was a systematic campaign of violence and erasure, including the widespread theft of culturally invaluable artifacts. Even today, former colonizing nations showcase these stolen treasures, masquerading as guardians of history while profiting from their ill-gotten gains. Take the British Museum, for instance, which holds onto the Rosetta Stone, the Benin Bronzes, and the Ethiopian Maqdala collection, despite ongoing calls for their return. Colonized nations have tirelessly fought to reclaim their cultural heritage, but diplomatic efforts often fall on deaf ears. (https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2025/oct/12/restitution-row-how-nigerias-new-home-for-the-benin-bronzes-ended-up-with-clay-replicas)
But what happens when polite requests are met with silence? Enter the world of Relooted, a game that dares to imagine a different path. Developed by South African studio Nyamakop, Relooted follows a ragtag crew of Johannesburg-based thieves, united by a shared goal: to reclaim Africa's stolen treasures from the very nations that plundered them. Led by Nomali, a world-class parkour athlete inspired by her historian grandmother, this diverse team embarks on a globetrotting adventure, infiltrating museums, private collections, and banks across the Global North.
Relooted isn't just a game; it's a statement. It's an Africanfuturist (a term distinct from Afrofuturist, as explained by Nyamakop: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nyamakop_some-screenshots-from-relooted-and-why-we-activity-7343997849002565632-0RKq) 2.5D heist platformer that blends adrenaline-pumping action with a powerful message. Each mission begins with a history lesson, shedding light on the artifact's significance and the brutal colonial past that led to its theft. Did you know, for example, that the modern Republic of Benin and the historical Kingdom of Benin (a 15th-century powerhouse located in present-day Nigeria) are distinct entities? The legendary masks of this kingdom, looted by colonizers, remain scattered across museums like the British Museum, a stark reminder of the ongoing injustice.
Here's where it gets controversial: In the world of Relooted, Nomali and her crew take matters into their own hands. If the nations that profited from theft refuse to return the artifacts, they'll simply reclaim them. They're not thieves in the traditional sense; they're benevolent reclaimers, driven by a sense of moral justice. As a lawyer, I grapple with the legal implications – after all, even reclaiming your own property through theft is still a crime. But as someone whose ancestors endured British colonization in India and South Africa, the game's premise resonates deeply, offering a cathartic and morally satisfying experience.
Gameplay in Relooted is a masterful blend of strategy and action. Each mission requires careful planning: scouting for robot guards, identifying exit routes, and coordinating with your team, each member bringing unique skills to the table. Your brother, a locksmith, can crack open doors and safes, while another teammate, a professional acrobat, can access seemingly impossible areas. Once the plan is set, Nomali springs into action, retrieving the artifact while you orchestrate a flawless escape, dodging drones and security systems. The game encourages clever decision-making – should you grab the nearest artifact first, or is a more strategic approach needed? The result is a thrilling, clockwork-like heist that would make any master thief proud.
Relooted is a cerebral platformer, demanding both quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The satisfaction of a perfectly executed plan, combined with the adrenaline rush of a high-stakes chase, creates an incredibly rewarding experience. The game's levels are diverse and imaginative, from the cyberpunk-inspired 'Shiny Place' (a futuristic take on the US) to a rain-soaked European mansion, each with its own challenges and aesthetic.
While the game's 2D stages and mechanics may lead to some repetition, the overarching story and the game's unique premise keep players engaged. The graphics, though not cutting-edge, are vibrant and full of character, with fluid parkour animations that make controlling Nomali a joy. The soundtrack, composed by Nick Horsten and Dustin van Wyk, is a standout feature, blending electronic and traditional African instruments to create a soundscape that is both atmospheric and exhilarating, perfectly capturing the game's Africanfuturist and espionage themes.
Relooted holds a special place in my heart as a South African. It's not just a game made by South Africans; it's a celebration of pan-African unity, a call to action for reclaiming what was stolen. Ugandan scholar Yusuf Serunkuma estimates that Africa lost a staggering $152 trillion due to colonization between 1960 and 2010 (https://roape.net/2022/12/02/surrounded-an-ethnography-of-new-colonialism/#:~:text=A%20recent%20study%20put%20the,the%20old%20form%20of%20colonialism.). The game serves as a powerful reminder of the immense cost of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for justice. It's a history lesson, a thrilling heist, and a call to action all rolled into one.
Relooted is more than just entertainment; it's a catalyst for conversation. It challenges us to confront the legacy of colonialism and question the ethics of cultural ownership. Is reclaiming stolen artifacts through unconventional means justified? Where do we draw the line between justice and vigilantism? These are questions the game leaves us pondering long after the credits roll.
Relooted is available now on Xbox and PC. Let’s hope it inspires more people to learn about the often brutal and unjust history of Africa, and to appreciate the resilience, beauty, and inspiration that continue to define this incredible continent and its people.
