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 many nations, a legacy of colonialism that goes beyond land and resources—it’s about the theft of identity and heritage. But what if the victims of this theft decided to take matters into their own hands? Enter Relooted, a game that transforms the painful history of artifact repatriation into a thrilling, morally charged heist adventure.
Colonialism has long been a system of violence, erasure, and plunder. Even today, former colonizing nations showcase stolen artifacts in their museums, cloaking theft in the guise of cultural preservation. Take, for instance, the British Museum’s possession of the Rosetta Stone, the Benin Bronzes, and the Ethiopian Maqdala collection. These are not mere objects; they are symbols of entire cultures, ripped from their roots. Despite efforts by colonized nations to reclaim their heritage—like Nigeria’s struggle to bring the Benin Bronzes home—diplomacy often falls short. And this is the part most people miss: when polite requests fail, what’s left? Relooted answers with a bold, fictional solution.
Developed by South African studio Nyamakop, Relooted follows a group of lovable, if somewhat amateur, thieves from across Africa, united by a single mission: to reclaim what was stolen from their continent. Led by Nomali, a world-class parkour athlete inspired by her historian grandmother, the team embarks on a globetrotting adventure across the Global North. This isn’t your typical heist game; it’s an Africanfuturist 2.5D platformer that blends action, stealth, and history. From infiltrating the British Museum to breaking into private collections, Nomali and her crew leave no stone unturned—literally.
Here’s where it gets controversial: the game’s premise challenges the very notion of ownership. While the team’s actions are morally fulfilling—returning artifacts to the Museum of Black Civilisations in Senegal—they’re still theft by legal standards. As a lawyer, I can’t help but question the ethics, yet as someone whose family was colonized, I find it deeply cathartic. Is reclaiming what’s yours ever truly a crime?
Each mission begins with a history lesson in your hideout, educating players about artifacts like the masks of the Kingdom of Benin—a powerful 15th-century empire in present-day Nigeria, often confused with the modern Republic of Benin. These lessons highlight the complexity of colonial history and the ongoing struggle for restitution.
Gameplay-wise, Relooted is a cerebral delight. You scout levels, plan routes, and coordinate with your team, each member bringing unique skills—from lockpicking to acrobatics. The real thrill? Executing the perfect escape after grabbing the artifact, dodging drones and security systems in a high-stakes chase. It’s a mix of strategy and adrenaline that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The game’s world is vibrant and imaginative, with stages like “the Shiny Place” (a cyberpunk fusion of Las Vegas and New York) and a rain-soaked European mansion. While the graphics may feel dated, the fluid parkour animations and stunning soundtrack by Nick Horsten and Dustin van Wyk more than make up for it. The music, blending electronic and traditional African instruments, captures the game’s Africanfuturist essence and ’80s espionage vibe.
For me, as a South African, Relooted is personal. It’s not just a game; it’s a statement. Ugandan scholar Yusuf Serunkuma estimates that Africa lost $152 trillion to colonization between 1960 and 2010. What could our continent have achieved without this theft? The game channels this moral outrage into something tangible, offering both a history lesson and a fun heist experience.
Relooted is more than entertainment—it’s a call to action. It invites players to confront the injustices of colonialism and imagine a world where heritage is returned to its rightful owners. Available now on Xbox and PC, it’s a must-play for anyone who’s ever wondered: What if the stolen could take back what’s theirs?
What do you think? Is the game’s approach to artifact repatriation justified, or does it cross a line? Let’s discuss in the comments!
