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 the victims of this theft decided to take matters into their own hands? This is the electrifying premise of Relooted, a game that transforms the fight for cultural restitution into a thrilling heist adventure.
Colonialism wasn't just about claiming land; it was a systematic campaign of violence and erasure, including the widespread plunder 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 still holds the Egyptian Rosetta Stone, the Benin Bronzes, and the Ethiopian Maqdala collection, despite ongoing calls for their return. Colonized nations have tirelessly fought to reclaim their stolen 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 the 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 profited from their theft. Led by Nomali, a world-class parkour athlete inspired by her historian grandmother, this diverse team of African characters embarks on a globetrotting adventure, infiltrating museums, private collections, and banks across the Global North. This isn't your typical heist game; it's an Africanfuturist (a distinct twist on Afrofuturism (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nyamakop_some-screenshots-from-relooted-and-why-we-activity-7343997849002565632-0RKq)) 2.5D platformer that blends heart-pounding action with a powerful message.
Here's where it gets even more intriguing: the artifacts Nomali and her crew steal are real. The Museum of Black Civilisations in Senegal, where they anonymously deposit their recovered treasures, is a real institution. Each mission briefing in your hidden base doubles as a history lesson, shedding light on the artifact's significance and the brutal history of colonialism. 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 ongoing cultural appropriation.
But is stealing back what was stolen ever justified? As a lawyer, I grapple with the legal implications. After all, taking back your own property is still considered theft in most legal systems. Yet, as someone whose family experienced the brutal realities of British colonialism in India and South Africa, the game's premise resonates deeply. It's a morally complex issue, one that Relooted doesn't shy away from.
Gameplay-wise, Relooted is a cerebral platformer that demands both strategic thinking and quick reflexes. You'll scout levels for robot guards, exits, and additional artifacts, relying on your team's unique skills. Your brother, a locksmith, can crack open doors and safes, while another member, a professional acrobat, can access seemingly impossible areas. The real thrill lies in planning your escape route before triggering the alarm. After Nomali secures the artifact, you must navigate a perfect escape, dodging chasing drones and making split-second decisions. The game encourages careful planning, teamwork, and a touch of cunning, resulting in heist sequences that would make Arsène Lupin proud.
While the 2D stages and mechanics can feel repetitive, the game's wider narrative keeps things engaging. The graphics, though slightly dated, are vibrant and full of life, with fluid parkour animations that make controlling Nomali a joy. The soundtrack, a masterful blend of electronic and traditional African instruments by composers Nick Horsten and Dustin van Wyk, perfectly captures the game's Africanfuturistic vibe and espionage-thriller atmosphere.
Relooted holds a special place in my heart as a South African. It's not just a game; it's a powerful statement about cultural restitution and the enduring impact of colonialism. 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 forces us to confront the brutal realities of history and imagine a future where cultural heritage is returned to its rightful owners. It's a call to action, a reminder that the fight for justice is ongoing.
Relooted is more than just a fun heist game; it's a history lesson, a moral dilemma, and a celebration of African resilience. It's a game that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll, questioning the ethics of cultural ownership and the legacy of colonialism. So, are Nomali and her crew heroes or thieves? The answer, like the game itself, is complex and thought-provoking.
Relooted is available now on Xbox and PC. Let the debate begin!
