Forget simple parkour; the upcoming title Relooted from South African developer Nyamakop is fundamentally a heist game with a compelling premise. Set in the late 21st century, the game puts players in the shoes of Nomali, leader of a crew dedicated not to personal enrichment, but to the repatriation of African artifacts held in Western museums and private collections.
While initial impressions might hint at fast-paced acrobatics, the core gameplay loop revolves around meticulous planning. Each mission challenges players not just with executing rapid escapes, but with first mapping out the target location. This pre-heist phase involves identifying crucial elements: which doors will automatically lock upon alarm activation, which windows offer a viable entry or exit point, where a zipline can be strategically placed, and other environmental interactions. Players can even manipulate the environment, perhaps placing furniture to block a door or create a makeshift platform to reach a difficult ledge.
Once the target artifact is secured, alarms blare, and a short timer begins, demanding a swift, parkour-fueled exit. Your success hinges entirely on the preparations made beforehand. A well-planned route transforms a complex network of obstacles into a manageable, albeit challenging, escape. There isn`t a single prescribed solution for most missions, encouraging experimentation and creative problem-solving during the planning stage.
Interestingly, the developers at Nyamakop chose not to impose a time limit on the planning phase, at least in the preview build discussed. This design choice fosters a deeper connection to the strategy, allowing players ample time to survey the level, consider various approaches, and mentally construct the optimal escape path. It`s a deliberate move to emphasize the `mastermind` fantasy, letting players truly feel like the genius behind a successful operation executing a carefully calculated scheme, rather than reacting frantically under pressure.
Beyond the mechanics, Relooted stands out with its distinctive late 21st-century African setting. The team deliberately explores Afrofuturism, aiming for an authentic portrayal that transcends common tropes. The diverse development team, with members from South Africa, Zambia, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria, plays a crucial role in shaping this world. Their varied backgrounds inform everything from character design—balancing functional heist gear with aesthetic and ritualistic influences—to environmental details.
This dedication to authenticity extends even to the seemingly mundane details, like the rooftops. Yes, the rooftops. According to interviews with the team, players will be spending a fair bit of time traversing these elevated pathways. The developers meticulously designed them to be distinctly African – a detail so specific it garnered unsolicited praise from a player who apparently has a keen eye for elevated architectural surfaces. Who knew rooftops could be a unique cultural signature?
Progression in Relooted involves not just mastering mechanics but also acquiring new crew members throughout the story`s eight chapters. Each new member essentially acts as a unique `tool` in your heist arsenal, adding layers of complexity as you learn to coordinate their abilities. The game promises a gradual increase in challenge, building from simpler missions to later stages described as “monster levels,” requiring intricate planning and execution with your full team.
Relooted is slated for release on Xbox Series X|S and PC sometime in 2025. With its unique premise, strategic planning focus, and culturally rich setting, it`s shaping up to be a standout title for players looking for a thoughtful twist on the heist genre.
Callum Darby