I don’t know about you, but I often find games aiming to be humorous can miss the mark. Humor is tough to nail, largely because what tickles one person might completely miss another. However, Racoon Logic has managed to pull off something extraordinary with Revenge of the Savage Planet. They’ve handed us a game that’s genuinely hilarious.
This delightful comedy thrives through a series of small but effective choices, crafting a perfect slapstick environment. As a sequel to the already fantastic Journey to the Savage Planet, Revenge of the Savage Planet shifts from a first-person viewpoint to a third-person perspective. This change is genius, highlighting the team’s exceptional animation work. The running animations are intentionally exaggerated, giving off vibes reminiscent of a classic Tom and Jerry skit. You’ll find yourself slipping and sliding with gusto, and when you kick around the unsuspecting flora and fauna, it feels like an intense street football match gone hilariously awry.
The game’s writing is another feather in its cap. While it’s not laden with heavy narratives like an RPG or visual novel might be, it sprinkles enough clever jokes and snappy lines throughout. This, combined with an array of vibrant alien worlds that tiptoe between being amusing and terrifying, creates a consistently humorous setting. Instead of saying it just made me smile—which is such a tired cliche—I’ll say that it brought out giggles, and I sensed that others around me were laughing along too.
Now, let’s talk about the story’s core, which adds a brilliant extra layer of charm to the game. You’re placed in the shoes of an employee of a space colonization firm who, unfortunately, has been made redundant and left to fend for themselves on a distant planet. The game is laced with sharp and constant digs at corporate greed, quite plausibly a reflection of the developers’ own experiences, particularly following the ill-fated Google Stadia saga. This rich narrative facet is weaved beautifully, infusing the game with a personal touch and a jab at the industry’s realities.
A game can be packed with humor, but its foundation must be strong—and Revenge of the Savage Planet delivers here, too. It’s a solid metroidvania, blending exploration, puzzle-solving, combat, and loot-collection seamlessly. Reflective of its whimsical theme, the upgrades are delightfully off-kilter. Think quirky gadgets like electric whips and varied goo types. This arsenal of oddities adds to the adventuring fun.
Moving forward, my only concern is how effectively the game might handle revisiting old locations in its open-world format. A handy marker system on the in-game map or a reliable POI tracker could alleviate any potential frustration. Moreover, the game isn’t overly challenging, which might deter hardcore survival enthusiasts. Still, not every game needs to be a nail-biter; some, like this one, are meant to provide a fun experience, perfect for sharing laughs with friends.
To sum it up, Revenge of the Savage Planet is an absolute delight. While there are aspects like base-building and creature taming that I didn’t delve into deeply, the game is definitely on my radar for upcoming releases. If you’re looking for something to enjoy with friends, accompanied by a good pizza, this game should surely be on your list too!
