Revenge of the Savage Planet: A Hilarious, Tedious, and Visually Stunning Adventure
Revenge of the Savage Planet, the sequel to the quirky sci-fi adventure, has landed, promising players a return to its unique blend of humor and exploration. But does it live up to the hype? Reviews are pouring in, and the consensus is… complicated. Let's dive into what critics are saying about this latest offering from Raccoon Logic.
Raccoon Logic, formerly Typhoon Studios and once under Google's Stadia umbrella, has seemingly emerged from tumultuous times with a sharper edge. Reviews highlight the game's willingness to poke fun at corporate culture, a theme born from the studio's own experiences. The absurdist commercials and the caricature of corporate giants resonate, offering social commentary alongside the gameplay.
However, not all is perfect. While the humor and satire are often praised, some reviewers find the story lacking a strong emotional core. One reviewer noted, "The jokes were great, and the commentary felt sharp, but it didn't feel like it had anything behind it."
One of the most significant changes is the shift to a third-person perspective. While some fans of the original's first-person view might be disappointed, the new perspective lends the protagonist more personality, with whimsical animations and entertaining ways to traverse the alien landscapes. "Click L3 to sprint and you run like some kind of space-faring Captain Jack Sparrow, slipping around on goo-coated surfaces like Bambi on ice," enthuses one review.
Gameplay is a mixed bag. The early hours are described as "annoyingly tedious" as players need to acquire key upgrades. The Metroidvania structure, requiring players to revisit areas with new equipment, can feel like a grind before the experience truly opens up. Some find the game's combat "floaty" and unsatisfying, even with upgrades. However, the level design, creature designs, and visual aesthetics are consistently praised, calling it a “technical tour de force”.
The game shines in its environmental puzzles and platforming challenges, which encourage players to experiment with the game's systems. Exploiting environmental systems to creatively defeat enemies is where the fun lies. One reviewer put it this way “If you try to use your blaster for every situation, not only will it not work most of the time, but you'll bore yourself away from playing Revenge of the Savage Planet ever again.”
Performance on PC seems to be a concern, with reports of framerate hitches and UI bugs. However, the game also boasts split-screen co-op, adding another layer of enjoyment for those who want to explore the savage planet with a friend.
Ultimately, Revenge of the Savage Planet is a game that survives on its charm, satire, and the satisfaction of exploring vibrant alien worlds. While it may have its flaws, the humor and visual design make it worth a look for those seeking a unique adventure. One reviewer succinctly summarized by saying: "There is enough variety to the gameplay to keep you entertained, though it always feels like you’re just skating on the slippery surface of what could have been a classic."
So, is Revenge of the Savage Planet the game for you? Does the blend of satire and alien exploration pique your interest? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
