REVIEW – The 2020 release of Journey to the Savage Planet was an excellent game (apart from perhaps being a little short). Compared to that, this sequel is bigger, more beautiful, funnier, and has surpassed its predecessor in every aspect… all while surviving Google’s brief Stadia experiment as Typhoon Studios’ only acquisition, with the team rebranding itself as Raccoon Logic. A testament to perseverance.

Let’s say it upfront: this game doesn’t take itself seriously despite its satirical tone, which makes it a delightful experience.

 Still a Metroidvania

It’s a third-person adventure game, but it’s so much more. RotSP is a true Metroidvania sequel, so it doesn’t stand apart from its predecessor—though knowing that game isn’t even required. The vibrant, over-the-top visuals may feel unusual at first, but the atmosphere is spot on. There are tons of side quests and hidden collectibles, so this is not a game you’ll finish in a weekend if you’re a completionist. It cleverly satirizes influencer culture and the ever-present push to consume more, all while tasking you with building a base on an uninhabited planet. However, your employer, Kindred Aerospace, has been bought by Alta Interglobal, and upon arriving at the base, you’re promptly fired. Equipment is scattered across five planets, each with its own distinct environment. You’ll set out to find items that unlock new abilities, letting you revisit places you couldn’t reach before—like in Game Boy’s Wario Land 3.

Your gear expands to include a grappling hook, a whip, and an air filter. You can scan everything à la No Man’s Sky and even capture alien creatures Pokémon-style with your whip once they’re stunned. These unlock upgrades through your computer. Puzzles range from basic to brilliantly inventive. Platforming is present too—because what Metroidvania would be complete without it?—and naturally, there are bosses as well. If you’re into decorating, you can 3D print trinkets for your base. If you’d rather not go it alone, you can play the entire game in co-op, either online or split-screen. There’s no single tactic for defeating foes, so you’ll need to learn how to approach each one. Later, you can shoot different colored goo to beat various enemies and solve puzzles. Though this might sound messy, the final product is anything but: RotSP is polished and one of the year’s biggest surprises.

 There’s Always Something to Do

RotSP—and the genre overall—aren’t really about replayability in the classic sense. Instead, you’ll find yourself revisiting locations again and again. What starts out feeling locked down eventually opens up into a cohesive world. It’s satisfying to finally remove obstacles that once felt insurmountable. The game takes about 22 hours to complete, which is neither too short nor so long that it overstays its welcome. The grind, however, can be a bit frustrating. This isn’t a JRPG, so the need to grind feels out of place in a Metroidvania.

The constant parody ads might become annoying over time, but at least they can be turned off. The drone, though funny, can sometimes cross the line from helpful to downright irritating. Visually and musically, the game is good—though not exceptional—but that’s enough. Let’s not forget: this is a 3D Metroidvania, a rare breed these days. That’s why Raccoon Logic’s work stands out, even if some might find the color overload a bit much. So, the question remains: who will be willing to embrace it all?

 Planetary Excursion

Revenge of the Savage Planet earns an 8/10 because it strikes the perfect balance between being carefree and delivering serious content, atmosphere, and gameplay. If you enjoyed Journey to the Savage Planet, you’ll definitely want to pick up this sequel. Fans of the genre should at least watch a gameplay video. If you’re new to Metroidvanias, this is still worth a look. Raccoon Logic’s unique humor doesn’t mimic Borderlands—it’s very much its own thing—and because of that, it might just be one of the best games of the year. It certainly deserves to be.

-V-

Developer: Raccoon Logic Studios, Inc.
Publisher: Raccoon Logic Studios, Inc.
Genre: 3D Metroidvania
Release Date: May 8, 2025

-V- (2025)