The world of gaming is about to challenge your perception of history and museums. Prepare to embark on a thrilling adventure that might just change your mind about where historical artifacts truly belong.
Could Indiana Jones be wrong?
The iconic character's famous line, "It belongs in a museum," has been a staple in popular culture, emphasizing the preservation of historical artifacts. But Relooted, a game developed by Nyamakop, offers a compelling counterargument. It dares to ask: What if history is meant to be with the people, not confined within museum walls?
In recent years, the ethics of museums have been under the microscope. The question of whether a museum can be ethical while housing stolen artifacts is a complex one. Many museums in Europe and North America possess artifacts taken from other countries, and some refuse to return them even when requested by the original owners.
Relooted takes a bold stance by empowering players to reclaim what was taken from African lands and peoples. Set in the late 21st century, the game follows a crew's journey to foreign museums, turning the tables on the traditional museum narrative. It's a digital museum experience, a heist game, and a puzzle adventure all in one.
The Transatlantic Returns Treaty, a fictional agreement in the game, allows for the return of African artifacts from Western museums. However, museum curators exploit a loophole, ensuring only displayed artifacts need to be returned, while the rest are locked away in storage. This is where the player steps in as Nomali, a former parkour specialist, who assembles a team to retrieve these artifacts.
Relooted brings a unique twist by featuring real-world artifacts, including the Benin Bronzes, which were looted by British soldiers and scattered across museums. The game allows players to reclaim these artifacts, providing a sense of power to those who wish to see these treasures returned to their rightful owners.
Unlike real-life bureaucracy, Relooted lets you bypass the red tape. You plan heists, scout locations with drones, and navigate obstacles like robot guards. Each level is a puzzle, offering multiple solutions and optional objectives to challenge your skills. The game's mechanics encourage strategic thinking and provide an exhilarating experience, especially when escaping with the artifacts in tow.
However, the game's pacing could be improved. Tutorials between levels can feel unnecessary and disrupt the flow of the story. Despite this, Relooted presents a compelling argument through its well-crafted heists. It invites players to consider the fate of artifacts like the Bangwa Queen statue and an Ejaghaw Headdress, questioning whether they belong in museums or with the communities they were taken from.
Get ready to challenge your beliefs when Relooted releases on February 10 for Windows PC and Xbox Series X. Are you ready to rewrite the rules of history and museums? And more importantly, do you agree with the game's bold stance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
