A Colorful Evolution of an Underrated Gem
When Journey to the Savage Planet first released back in 2020 (on Google Stadia…) it caught my attention with its vibrant world, quirky humor, and surprisingly tight exploration mechanics. It was a game that wore its indie heart proudly on its sleeve, offering a compact but memorable experience that felt like a first-person Metroidvania, somewhere between Metroid Prime and my beloved indie darling Morphite. Now, with Revenge of the Savage Planet, we return to this colorful world, but with some fresh perspectives. Both literal and figurative.
A Shift in Perspective That Works
One of the boldest changes this sequel makes is the shift from first-person to third-person gameplay. While this could have easily felt like a gimmick or a misstep, it’s quite the opposite. The third-person perspective is expertly handled, offering tighter controls, a surprisingly fluid moveset, and better environmental awareness that enhances both combat and exploration. The familiar joy of uncovering new tools and abilities returns, but it now feels even more refined.
New mechanics like the water-spraying tool (which brought Powerwash Simulator to mind) are smartly integrated into both environmental puzzles and combat. There’s also a new lazo mechanic that adds depth to traversal, combat, and even lets players capture creatures to bring back to their customizable base. These additions help the sequel carve out its own identity while still staying true to the spirit of the original.
A Planet Best Shared
While I played Revenge of the Savage Planet solo, and had a fantastic time exploring its alien biomes, the game truly shines when played in co-op. It supports both online multiplayer and even local splitscreen, a rare and very welcome feature. Many enemy patterns and gameplay mechanics subtly adapt to the presence of two players, making the journey feel more dynamic and collaborative. Whether you’re tackling puzzles together or coordinating mid-air grapples and water sprays, it’s an experience that’s elevated when shared with a friend or partner.
Evolution Over Revolution
What sets Revenge of the Savage Planet apart isn’t just the gameplay improvements, but also how it treats its tone and pacing. The original leaned heavily into absurdist humor, bombarding players with constant video gags and corporate satire. This time, the humor is still present, but it’s subtler, more embedded into the world and interactions rather than in-your-face. It’s more refined, and in many ways, more effective. It no longer risks overstaying its welcome and instead supports the game’s atmosphere in a more organic way.
The addition of a home base is another standout feature. It’s not just a glorified menu hub, it’s a living space that grows with you. From upgrading your suit and weapons to decorating and customizing the interior, it gives players a real sense of progression and personal investment. This complements the game’s more open-ended structure, which encourages exploration and experimentation rather than strict linearity.
A World Worth Exploring… Again!
Visually, Revenge of the Savage Planet builds on what made the first game stand out. The environments are lush, alien, and bursting with color. The art direction remains whimsical but detailed, and enemy designs are once again imaginative and full of charm. Technically, it’s a step-up across the board, polished and confident in its identity.
While the soundtrack and sound design might not stick with you long after the credits roll, they do a solid job of elevating the experience. Every squish, zap, and alien chirp helps ground the game in its bizarre but oddly welcoming ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
Revenge of the Savage Planet is a sequel that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but rather refines and expands everything that worked the first time around. It’s smarter, smoother, and more thoughtful, both in how it plays and how it presents its world. Whether you explore it solo or alongside a companion, it’s a journey well worth taking.
Revenge of the Savage Planet
Summary
Revenge of the Savage Planet builds on the original’s charm with smart gameplay enhancements, a new third-person perspective, and refined humor. Its additions offer meaningful improvements without losing the essence of what made the first game memorable. It’s a confident, colorful sequel that rewards exploration and creativity, whether played alone or with a friend.
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