Revenge of the Savage Planet – Review
OUR RATING: 7/10
As a follow-up to the quirky and colorful Journey to the Savage Planet, Revenge of the Savage Planet takes players on a wild ride through alien worlds filled with humor, danger, and a satirical take on corporate greed. The story kicks off with a familiar premise: you, an employee of the now-defunct Kindred Aerospace, awaken from a century-long cryosleep only to find that your mission has been derailed. The company has been acquired by a larger, more ruthless corporation, Alta InterGlobal, and you’ve been unceremoniously laid off. Instead of embarking on a grand adventure to colonize a new planet, you find yourself stranded on a hostile world, tasked with scavenging for resources to repair your ship and return home.
This narrative setup is not just a backdrop; it cleverly mirrors real-world corporate dynamics, making it relatable and humorous. The game’s writing shines through its satirical lens, poking fun at the absurdities of late-stage capitalism. As you navigate through the chaos, you’ll encounter a variety of eccentric characters and situations that keep the tone light and engaging.
At its core, Revenge of the Savage Planet is an action-adventure game that combines exploration, crafting, and combat. The gameplay mechanics are reminiscent of a metroidvania, where players unlock new abilities and tools that allow them to access previously unreachable areas. This structure encourages exploration and rewards curiosity, making every corner of the alien landscape worth investigating.
You’ll start with basic equipment, but as you progress, you’ll acquire a range of gadgets that enhance your abilities. From a grappling whip that can capture creatures to a goo gun that shoots various substances, the arsenal at your disposal is both fun and functional. Each tool serves a purpose, whether it’s solving environmental puzzles or engaging in combat with the bizarre wildlife that inhabits the planets.
Combat in Revenge of the Savage Planet can be chaotic, with enemies that often regenerate or spawn endlessly. While this can be frustrating at times, it adds a layer of challenge that keeps players on their toes. The game encourages strategic thinking, as you’ll need to utilize your tools effectively to overcome obstacles and defeat foes.
One of the standout features of Revenge of the Savage Planet is its vibrant art style. The game retains the bright, cartoonish aesthetic of its predecessor, creating a visually stunning environment that is both whimsical and dangerous. Each planet is uniquely designed, featuring diverse biomes ranging from lush jungles to toxic wastelands, all teeming with life.
The character animations are exaggerated and humorous, adding to the overall charm of the game. Whether you’re watching your character stumble through the environment or witnessing the quirky behaviors of alien creatures, the animations bring the world to life. The attention to detail in character design and environmental elements enhances immersion, making exploration a delight.
One of the most exciting aspects of Revenge of the Savage Planet is its co-op mode. You can team up with a friend, either locally or online, to tackle the challenges together. This cooperative gameplay adds a layer of fun, as you can strategize and share the experience of exploring the alien worlds.
Playing with a partner allows for creative problem-solving and makes combat encounters more manageable. You can revive each other during battles, share resources, and even engage in some lighthearted antics, like kicking your friend off a cliff just for laughs. The game’s design encourages collaboration, making it a fantastic option for those who enjoy multiplayer experiences.
Crafting plays a significant role in Revenge of the Savage Planet. As you explore, you’ll gather resources that can be used to upgrade your gear and create new tools. The crafting system is straightforward, allowing players to focus on exploration rather than getting bogged down by complex mechanics.
One of the game’s strengths is the abundance of resources scattered throughout the environments. You won’t find yourself struggling to gather materials, as they are plentiful and often easy to spot. This design choice keeps the gameplay flowing smoothly, allowing you to focus on the adventure rather than tedious resource management.
The humor in Revenge of the Savage Planet is one of its defining features. The game is filled with witty dialogue, absurd scenarios, and hilarious in-game commercials that parody corporate culture. This comedic approach not only entertains but also provides a refreshing contrast to the often serious themes found in other games.
The narrative is peppered with moments that will make you chuckle, whether it’s the absurdity of your situation or the quirky personalities of the characters you encounter. The writing is sharp and clever, making it a joy to engage with the story as you progress through the game.
While the overall performance is solid, there are occasional hiccups, such as minor animation glitches or unclear objectives. However, these issues are relatively minor and do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the game. Revenge of the Savage Planet successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. With its engaging narrative, vibrant visuals, and enjoyable gameplay mechanics, it offers a delightful experience for both newcomers and fans of the original. The humor and satire add a unique flavor that sets it apart from other titles in the genre.
