Key Takeaways:
- Relooted emphasizes heist planning and teamwork over simple platforming action.
- The game explores a rarely seen futuristic African setting with authentic cultural roots.
- A slow-burn structure lets players gradually unlock crew members and complex mechanics for deeply rewarding missions.
What first appeared to be a stylish parkour platformer is actually one of the most thoughtful heist games in development. Relooted, from South African studio Nyamakop, combines puzzle-solving, team-based planning, and a deep cultural narrative into a unique gaming experience arriving in 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
A Mastermind’s Playground: Planning Before the Escape
While Relooted features fast-paced parkour and high-stakes escapes, its core gameplay revolves around planning the perfect heist. Players control Nomali, a cunning and agile leader of a grassroots crew determined to reclaim stolen African artifacts from Western museums and estates. Before any mission kicks off, players must scout the area, identify alarm triggers, reposition objects, and prep escape routes.
Creative Director Ben Myres explained that the team drew heavily from cinematic heist montages, focusing the game’s structure on player agency in planning—without imposing time pressure. “You feel like a genius,” said Myres. “This is my plan.”
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A Richly Imagined Afrofuturist Setting
Set near the end of the 21st century, Relooted delivers a rare vision of futuristic Africa shaped by real-world cultural influences and aesthetics. Narrative director Mohale Mashigo noted that contemporary African designers inspired many of the characters’ looks, which had to balance functionality for heists with local authenticity. From rooftops to costumes, the game’s visuals are intentional and grounded.
Producer Sithe Ncube also highlighted the diverse development team spanning South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia. This global African collaboration shapes the voice acting, environments, and cultural details that make Relooted stand out.
Building a Crew of Tools, Not Just Characters
Rather than relying on gadgets, Relooted introduces complexity through its crew system. Each character brings unique skills—like lockpicking or heavy lifting—and players must strategically deploy them in increasingly challenging levels. New members join the crew gradually until Chapter 6, after which the levels become “monsters,” demanding tactical foresight and teamwork.
As Mashigo emphasized, “Your tools are your team,” a departure from typical solo-hero gameplay that adds emotional and strategic depth.
Why Relooted Deserves Your Watchlist
With its blend of meaningful storytelling, innovative planning mechanics, and Afrofuturist worldbuilding, Relooted is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most original games. More than just a platformer or stealth game, it’s a narrative-driven puzzle box that honors culture while challenging the player’s mind.
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