Revenge of the Savage Planet marks a strong return to the quirky, vibrant universe introduced in its predecessor, Journey to the Savage Planet. Developed by Raccoon Logic Studios, this sequel builds upon the original’s foundation, delivering an experience that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative in how it expands on the formula. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
One of the most notable shifts is the transition from a first-person to a third-person perspective. This change enhances spatial awareness, making platforming and exploration more intuitive, especially when navigating the game’s intricate environments and engaging in combat scenarios. In terms of look and feel it takes a little bit to get used to this as a “Savage Planet” game, but the choice makes sense.
The game’s narrative delves deeper into themes of corporate malfeasance and personal revenge. Players find themselves abandoned by their employer, Alta Interglobal, and must navigate a series of alien worlds to gather evidence of the company’s wrongdoing. While the story introduces darker elements, it retains the series’ signature humor, though some may find the tonal shifts occasionally jarring.
Exploration remains a central pillar of the gameplay formula in this follow-up. The introduction of new tools, such as an electric lasso and various types of “goo,” adds depth to puzzle-solving and traversal. These mechanics encourage creative problem-solving and enhance the overall sense of discovery whenever you’re successful.
Combat has seen improvements over the first game, with a more diverse array of enemies and weapons. However, it still lacks the polish found in other aspects of the game, with some encounters feeling repetitive over time. If you’re here for a sci-fi action adventure of sorts, you might be disappointed by the combat – which isn’t as strong as the exploration and narrative.
Visually, the game is a treat. Each of the four primary planets boasts distinct biomes teeming with vibrant flora and fauna. The art direction is both imaginative and cohesive, creating a universe that is as captivating as it is bizarre – and the increased diversity compared to the first game is a welcome change.
Performance-wise, the game runs at 30 frames per second on consoles, which may disappoint players accustomed to higher frame rates. Despite this, the game maintains a stable performance throughout, ensuring a smooth experience. Also, the addition of cooperative multiplayer, both online and local, enriches the gameplay experience. Exploring alien worlds with a friend adds a layer of enjoyment, and the game’s humor often shines brightest in these shared moments.
In conclusion, Revenge of the Savage Planet successfully expands upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. While it isn’t without its flaws, the game’s strengths in exploration, visual design, and cooperative play make it a worthy sequel that fans of the original in particular will find engaging.
Score: 7.7/10
Press Play Media 