Imagine it is 2099 and the Transatlantic Returns Treaty is falling apart as Western museums find ways to wiggle out of promises to return stolen African treasures. Fed up with the trickery, artefacts expert Prof Grace decides to take matters into her own hands. And the South African knows the perfect people to help: her grandchildren, Nomali and Trevor, and her former student Etienne.
In an abandoned warehouse in Johannesburg, Prof Grace sets out her high-stakes plan - to break into museums and private collections and take back artefacts mostly plundered during colonial times. None of this is real - rather it is the narrative of Relooted, an 'African-futurist heist game' released recently.
The game's thrilling premise showcases a unique twist where the heist characters, including sports scientist Nomali, are primarily motivated by cultural integrity rather than the typical criminal allure of monetary gain. Gameplay involves strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving to combat a backdrop where the latest amendments to the Transatlantic Returns Treaty complicate the return of plundered items.
Players will engage in high-stakes operations similar to a heist plot but devoid of violence, relying instead on using various skills to retrieve important cultural artefacts from Western institutions. With a pan-African team at the helm and extensive collaboration with designers from multiple African nations, Relooted not only promises an engaging experience but serves as a poignant reminder of the historical injustices faced by African cultures.
As the characters navigate through obstacles and missions, players also learn about the significance of the artefacts they aim to reclaim, fostering a connection to their history and culture.
