The experience begins with the unique gait of your character, a whimsical swagger that encapsulates the essence of Revenge of the Savage Planet. As players find themselves cast into the far reaches of the universe by a detached colonization corporation, they are immediately rendered redundant. Yet, instead of despair, there’s a sense of adventure as they navigate a new home planet, scavenging for survival packages while exuding the confidence of a seasoned space pioneer. This delightful juxtaposition sets the tone for a game that marries humor with social commentary.
What to Expect
What is it? A comedy co-op metroidvania with an impressive ecosystem.
Release date: May 8, 2025
Price: /£33
Developer: Raccoon Logic Studios
Publisher: Raccoon Logic Studios
Reviewed on: i7 9700K, RTX 2080 TI, 16GB RAM
Steam Deck: TBA
Link: Official site
The bouncy walk cycle serves as a delightful marker of the game’s upbeat approach to sci-fi, seamlessly woven into every aspect of its design. Raccoon Logic Studios, led by Alex Hutchinson, has meticulously crafted an environment where every wall texture, creature noise, and item upgrade resonates with a shared irreverence, creating a cohesive experience that feels like stepping into a comedic universe.
On a more tangible level, the game is a well-constructed metroidvania, echoing the quality of its predecessor. It features survival elements, a steady upgrade path, and a vibrant ecosystem of flora and fauna that players can manipulate for navigation, resource gathering, and, amusingly, to prank their co-op companions.
The second striking element is the goo—color-coded globules scattered across the four planets, each indicating different status effects. Some creatures passively emit this substance, while others leave behind gruesome puddles upon defeat. The sheer volume of goo rivals that of a Nickelodeon studio set from the 1990s, inviting players to concoct traps for their co-op partners. The joy of experimenting with these color-coded effects harkens back to the fun of Divinity: Original Sin, showcasing how Raccoon Logic has thoughtfully integrated cooperative play into the game’s absurdist comedic sandbox.
Veterans of 2020’s Journey to the Savage Planet will find familiar elements in this sequel, albeit with a shift from first to third-person perspective and an increased focus on platforming. The charming array of big-eyed creatures remains, alongside the innovative ways to interact with them—be it culling, corralling, or feeding them to giant plants to aid progress. The metroidvania-style exploration, characterized by vibrant landscapes and the thrill of overcoming previously insurmountable obstacles, continues to pulse at the heart of the game.
Whereas the original title centered around a single, densely packed planet, this sequel expands to four distinct worlds, each with its own unique aesthetics and creature populations. This decision enhances the gameplay experience, allowing for a broader exploration of varied environments without sacrificing the hand-crafted feel of each location. The seamless transitions between areas, devoid of loading screens, invite players to immerse themselves in a richly interactive universe.
Despite the expansive multi-planetary setting, solo play may feel somewhat less engaging. While it’s not uncommon for co-op games to lose some charm when played alone, the previous installment balanced both modes effectively. However, even in solitary exploration, players will uncover qualities that are refreshingly rare in modern gaming. The tools and weapons are enjoyable to use, and the resource-hunting for upgrades feels rewarding rather than tedious. Each new discovery brings with it a clever turn of phrase or an intriguing tidbit that enriches the player’s understanding of the game world.
This title emphasizes player expression and fun over grindy mechanics or monetization strategies, filling a much-needed niche in the gaming landscape of 2025. It is designed for carefree enjoyment with friends rather than a solitary grind filled with crafting recipes and boss fight guides. While it may not offer the mechanical depth of titles like No Man’s Sky, the charm of the walking animation and the overall experience align perfectly with the whimsical nature of Revenge of the Savage Planet.
