Nyamakop, an African-based game studio, has released a new video game called “Relooted.” The game revolves around a character named Nomali, a young woman with a background in athleticism, parkour, and free running. Nomali, returning from Tanzania to visit her family in a futuristic Johannesburg, is on a mission to reclaim African artifacts from Western museums and private collectors. These artifacts are part of a larger collection belonging to the Kingdom of Benin in modern-day Nigeria.
The game’s narrative director, Mohale Mashigo, emphasized that all the artifacts featured in “Relooted” are real, drawing attention to the historical significance of these objects. The storyline reflects the frustrations over the retention of African artifacts outside the continent, with estimates suggesting that a significant portion of these artifacts are held in Western institutions. The game challenges players to infiltrate museums and private mansions to retrieve these artifacts and return them to their rightful owners and descendants in Africa.
Inspired by the success of the Marvel movie “Black Panther,” Nyamakop decided to incorporate African themes into their game to avoid the ‘Wakandification’ of African stories. The gameplay involves planning heists and executing missions to liberate the artifacts, with a strong emphasis on strategy rather than combat. Players navigate through levels, avoiding security measures and obstacles while building a team with diverse abilities to aid in the heists.
“Relooted” offers a blend of adventure, puzzle-solving, and strategic gameplay, encouraging players to refine their strategies for faster completion times. The game’s engaging storyline, voice acting, and art style enhance the overall gaming experience, creating a memorable encounter with African-based developers. Through this game, Nyamakop aims to introduce players to untold stories from African history and spark interest in the rich cultural heritage of the continent.
“Relooted” is set to launch on Feb. 10 on PC and Xbox platforms, including Xbox Game Pass, providing players with a unique gaming experience that sheds light on the importance of repatriating African artifacts.