Journey to the Savage Planet, released back in 2020, was a fun-filled space adventure that blended solid gameplay with a wicked sense of humour. However, it wasn’t exactly a standout at the time, nor has it gone down in the history books. So, it’s a bit of a surprise that, five years later, we’re getting a sequel in the form of Revenge of the Savage Planet from Canadian-based studio Raccoon Logic – made up of members from the original Typhoon Studios team.
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It’s notable because Typhoon Studios was once owned by Google. The studio was one of the teams tasked with creating games for Google Stadia (remember that?). Google ended up closing the studio down after the release of their first title, Journey to the Savage Planet.
But, when your game takes a deeply satirical look at capitalism and its effect on the environment, is it really surprising that one of the world’s biggest corporations didn’t keep you around? You can’t live in Rome and fight the Romans, after all.
A Return
Fast forward five years, and Revenge of the Savage Planet, at first glance, looks like everything has been turned up to eleven. It retains the same core pillars but introduces tweaks and changes that make it feel both familiar and fresh.
Honestly, though, if the first game wasn’t a hit for you, the sequel isn’t going to change your mind. Revenge of the Savage Planet mirrors the same pitch, tone, and humour.
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You play as a space explorer who’s fired by their employer just as they land on a remote planet. This leaves you shipwrecked with no real gear to speak of. You’ve got to survive, but luckily, your old boss from the first game gives you a call.
This calls kicks off a tale of corporate espionage as you explore the planet, searching for evidence to build a case against your most recent employer. All while trying not to get yourself killed as you traverse the far reaches of space.
Metroidvania
The core gameplay loop is best described as Metroidvania-style. You’ll constantly encounter areas that are inaccessible without the right tool, and to obtain those tools, you must complete missions and other tasks.
From jetpacks to goo guns and grappling hooks, each new piece of gear unlocks another layer of gameplay. You’ll backtrack through previously explored areas and planets, uncovering new paths and discovering more secrets of the Savage Planet.
To the Moon and Back
Gameplay-wise, the biggest change is the switch from first-person to third-person, which makes exploring and navigating much easier. You’ll explore four core planets, each with its own distinct feel and tone—from lush jungles to snow-capped mountains.
Each planet also features unique wildlife, adding plenty of variety. Some creatures won’t care about you, while others will go out of their way to attack. But don’t worry—you can capture them, and doing so teaches you how to best fight them. Plus, they’re added to a petting zoo at your home base, so you can always visit them.
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You can also customise your base to your liking—well, the interior, at least. There’s a slick editor that lets you buy new items with “space bucks” you find. Each item often comes with a custom animation. It’s not a major feature, but the interior decorating and Pokémon-style pet collecting serve as fun distractions from all the backtracking.
You’ll need to return to base occasionally to watch videos. I found this a bit of a chore, to be honest. It often feels like you’re being forced to sit through a mediocre sitcom. The humour, at least for me, missed more than it hit, and after a while, I started skipping these forced presentations.
Space Buddy
It’s also worth mentioning that you can team up with a buddy and tackle the entire game in co-op, which is a huge plus. Exploring the open world with a friend, annoying the wildlife, or simply seeing where you can get to, adds a lot of charm and fun.
Revenge of the Savage Planet is mostly more of the same, which fans will love. Others will find a fun and engaging open-world Metroidvania experience that’s slightly bogged down by a constant barrage of naff jokes and a message we’ve already heard.
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