Revenge of the Savage Planet REVIEW
When Journey to the Savage Planet first released in 2020, it caught our attention with its vibrant world, quirky humor, and surprisingly tight exploration mechanics. It offered a compact but memorable experience that felt like a first-person Metroidvania, somewhere between Metroid Prime and the sweetest indie title Morphite. Now, with Revenge of the Savage Planet, we’re returning to that colorful world, but with some fresh perspectives.
One of the boldest changes this sequel makes is the switch from first-person to third-person gameplay. The third-person perspective is masterfully implemented, offering tighter controls, a surprisingly fluid moveset, and a better understanding of the environment, which improves both combat and exploration. The familiar joy of discovering new tools and abilities returns, but now feels even more refined.
New mechanics like the water spray tool are cleverly implemented in both puzzle solving and combat. There’s also a new Lazo mechanic that adds depth to traversal, combat, and even allows players to capture creatures to bring back to their customizable base. These additions help the sequel carve out its own identity while remaining true to the spirit of the original.
Revenge of the Savage Planet is great to play solo, where you can spend time exploring alien biomes. But the game really shines when played in co-op. It supports both online multiplayer and local split-screen, a rare and much-desired feature. Many enemy models and gameplay mechanics subtly adapt to the presence of two players, making the journey more dynamic and collaborative. Whether you’re solving puzzles together or coordinating mid-air grabs and water sprays, it’s an experience that’s elevated when shared with a friend or partner.
Visually, Revenge of the Savage Planet builds on what made the first game great. The lush, alien environments are bursting with color and fine detail. The art direction remains whimsical, and the enemy designs are once again inventive and charming. Technically, it’s a step up across the board, polished and confident in its identity.
While the soundtrack and sound design may not stick with you long after the credits roll, they do a solid job of enhancing the experience. Every squelch, thud, and alien chirp helps the game root itself in its strange, yet oddly welcoming ecosystem.
Revenge of the Savage Planet is a sequel that doesn’t try to leap ahead, but rather refines and expands on what worked so well the first time around. It’s smarter, smoother, and more thoughtful, both in how it plays and in how it presents its world. Whether you explore it alone or with a companion, it’s a journey worth taking.
