A new video game called “Relooted,” developed by African-based studio Nyamakop, centers around a storyline where players are tasked with retrieving African artifacts from museums and private residences to return them to their original historical owners. Despite its fictional appearance, the game incorporates real artifacts to provide an authentic experience.
The narrative of “Relooted” follows the character Nomali, a young woman with skills in parkour and free running, who returns to Johannesburg from Tanzania to assist her grandmother in recovering stolen African artifacts. The goal is to reclaim these items from Western museums and private collectors who have defied repatriation treaties, aiming to return them to their rightful African descendants.
The game addresses the issue of numerous African artifacts being held outside the continent, with estimates suggesting a significant percentage are in Western institutions. Many of these artifacts were looted by colonialists and have either ended up in museums or are circulating in the black market.
In one mission, players are assigned to recover Benin Bronzes, part of Nigeria’s Benin Kingdom collection, some of which have been repatriated while others are still held in British museums. Nyamakop aims to present an authentic portrayal of African stories in “Relooted,” avoiding the fictionalization seen in movies like “Black Panther.”
The gameplay involves planning heists, assessing security measures, and executing missions to retrieve artifacts, emphasizing strategy over combat. With a focus on teamwork and intricate heists, “Relooted” offers a unique gaming experience that blends adventure and puzzle elements.
The game’s captivating storyline, voice acting, and artwork enhance the overall gaming experience, showcasing the relationships between characters and adding depth to the narrative. While players may face challenges in planning escape routes, the game’s replay value lies in refining strategies and improving completion times.
“Relooted” serves as a platform for players to engage with African history through gaming, similar to how the Assassin’s Creed series delves into historical narratives. The developers hope to introduce players to untold stories from African history while emphasizing that the game is a fictional experience not to be replicated in real life.
“Relooted” is set to release on February 10 for PC and Xbox platforms, including Xbox Game Pass, offering players a memorable encounter with an African-developed game that explores themes of heritage and restitution.
