Imagine a world where the fight for justice takes the form of a thrilling heist, where the heroes are not your typical master thieves but a ragtag group of African underdogs reclaiming what was stolen from their continent. This is the bold and unapologetic premise of Relooted, a game that turns the tables on colonial legacy and invites you to join the revolution.
Colonialism, at its core, is a system of exploitation that goes beyond territorial conquest. It’s a brutal campaign of cultural erasure, marked by the widespread theft of artifacts that hold immeasurable value to the societies they were taken from. Even today, former colonizing nations proudly display these treasures in their museums, masquerading as guardians of history while perpetuating a legacy of theft. Take, for instance, the British Museum’s continued possession of the Rosetta Stone, the Benin Bronzes, and the Maqdala collection from Ethiopia. These are not mere objects; they are fragments of identity, forcibly removed from their rightful homes. For years, colonized nations have fought to reclaim their heritage, often met with resistance or token gestures like Nigeria’s struggle to house the Benin Bronzes, only to end up with replicas (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 and diplomatic efforts fall on deaf ears? This is where Relooted steps in, transforming the moral outrage into a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled adventure. Developed by South African studio Nyamakop, the game follows a group of lovable, if somewhat amateur, thieves from across Africa, united by a single mission: to reclaim Africa’s stolen heritage from the Global North. Led by Nomali, a world-class parkour athlete inspired by her historian grandmother, this crew infiltrates museums, private collections, and banks in a 2.5D heist-’em-up platformer that blends Africanfuturism with a Robin Hood-esque moral compass.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Relooted isn’t just a game—it’s a history lesson wrapped in a thrilling narrative. Each mission briefing in your secret base doubles as a mini-lecture on the artifact you’re about to steal and its role in Africa’s colonized past. For example, did you know the modern Republic of Benin and the historical Kingdom of Benin (which flourished in the 15th century, now part of Nigeria) are distinct entities? The legendary masks of this kingdom, looted during colonization, remain in institutions like the British Museum, a stark reminder of ongoing cultural theft.
But here’s where it gets controversial: In Relooted, Nomali and her crew take matters into their own hands. If the nations that profited from theft refuse to return what they stole, these benevolent thieves will reclaim it themselves. As a lawyer, I can’t help but question the legality of this—after all, breaking into someone’s home to reclaim your stolen property is still a crime in most systems. Yet, as a descendant of colonized peoples, I find it deeply cathartic. It raises a thought-provoking question: Is there ever a justification for theft, especially when it’s about restoring justice? What do you think—is this moral heist a step too far, or a necessary act of resistance?
Gameplay-wise, Relooted is a cerebral delight. Each mission requires careful planning, as you scout levels for guards, exits, and additional artifacts. Your team members, each with unique skills, become essential tools: your brother, a locksmith, can crack safes, while another member’s acrobatics allow access to otherwise unreachable areas. The real thrill comes in the execution—stealing the artifact is only half the battle. Planning your escape route, outsmarting drones, and coordinating with your team create a clockwork heist that feels both chaotic and precise. It’s a satisfying blend of strategy and action, with moments of heart-pounding chases and triumphant escapes.
The game’s stages are diverse and imaginative, reimagining locations like the U.S. as “the Shiny Place,” a cyberpunk fusion of Las Vegas and New York, or a rain-soaked European mansion with eerie, haunting paintings. While the 2D mechanics and graphics may feel slightly dated—character animations can be stiff, and the visuals don’t quite reach modern standards—the parkour movements are fluid, and the vibrant world-building shines. The soundtrack, composed by Nick Horsten and Dustin van Wyk, is a standout, blending electronic and traditional African instruments to capture the game’s Africanfuturistic vibe and ’80s espionage flair.
And this is the part most people miss: Relooted is more than a game; it’s a statement. As a South African, it resonates deeply, not just because it’s made by fellow Africans, but because it centers a pan-African movement to reclaim what was lost. Ugandan scholar Yusuf Serunkuma estimates that Africa lost an astonishing $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.). That figure is staggering, and it’s impossible not to wonder where Africa would be today without this exploitation. Even now, Africans must travel to former colonizer nations to see their own history—a bitter irony that Relooted confronts head-on.
The game serves as both a history lesson and a cathartic outlet for the moral rage many feel toward colonialism’s legacy. It’s a reminder of the brutality and injustice of Africa’s past, but also a celebration of its resilience and beauty. Here’s hoping Relooted inspires more people to confront the uncomfortable truths of history—and to appreciate the strength and creativity of the African continent and its people.
Relooted is available now on Xbox and PC. If you’re ready to join Nomali and her crew in this audacious fight for justice, this game is a must-play. But be warned: it might just leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about right and wrong. What’s your take—is this heist a heroic act or a dangerous precedent? Let’s discuss in the comments!
