Revenge of the Savage Planet Is the Funniest Sci-Fi Game You’ll Play This Year

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In their initial foray into game development, Typhoon Studios’ first release, “Journey to the Savage Planet,” was a sudden success in 2020, captivating players with its colorful environment and exploration, and maintaining that engagement through its witty humor and unconventional take on sci-fi. After being acquired by Google in 2019 and being part of Stadia, the platform was closed down early in 2021. This didn’t dampen the spirit of Typhoon Studios, as former members went on to establish Raccoon Logic in 2021. With dedication and passion, they worked tirelessly on a sequel to their beloved first game, “Revenge of the Savage Planet.” This sequel builds upon and enhances everything that made the original “Journey” appealing, while taking fan input into account and introducing new features that have made it one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences in 2025.

As a fan who thrived on the initial thrill of hunting collectibles in “Revenge of the Savage Planet,” I found myself stumped by the absence of a map or tracking system, making it difficult to keep tabs on what had been discovered and pushing me towards frustration due to my lack of direction and poor memory. Thankfully, the developers have listened to our feedback and introduced an improved version. Now, players like me can enjoy a detailed map, numerous collectible trackers, and objective markers that encourage us to venture beyond the main storyline. The added excitement of experimenting with weapons and charging into danger is all part of the fun, and the game’s unique flora and fauna found on its diverse planets are even more eccentric than before. With amusing names like ‘Zitpauper Onthebak’ and ‘Babutt,’ reversed-image baboons being a standout example, the creatures never fail to entertain. In a later segment of the game, players will encounter upgraded cyber beasts, each boasting enhancements that ramp up the survival challenge, such as laser beam visors and plasma shields.

In a sea of science fiction adventure games, it’s challenging for one to make an impact. However, the upcoming title “Revenge of the Savage Planet” distinguishes itself immediately with its vibrant, eccentric art style and exaggerated character movements, demonstrating the studio’s dedication to creating something unusual rather than conventional. Although its design director, Steven Masters, was involved in blockbuster games like “Assassin’s Creed 3” and “Splinter Cell: Conviction” during his time at Ubisoft, Raccoon Logic consists of just 30 developers, fostering a creative environment that allows for both unconventional ideas and offbeat humor, reminiscent of a mix between “Idiocracy” and “Spaceballs“. The surge of indie games in the first half of 2025 has reinvigorated gamers with releases like “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” and “Wanderstop“, proving that when originality is valued, greatness can be achieved. Starting May 8, Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have instant access to the chaos, and with the game’s high-quality production and infectious fun found in every moment of “Revenge of the Savage Planet“, it’s not hard to imagine players being smitten at first glance.

Revenge of the Savage Planet’s Brand of Humor Feels Natural and Easy

The adventure kicks off following an unfortunate incident that drops players onto an extraterrestrial planet, leaving them stuck until they locate the valuable cargo and set up a suitable base. While not revealing all of the title’s amusing plot twists, the work environment depicted within evokes feelings reminiscent of Severance and Office Space, filled with insincere grins and awkward clichés that make the game surprisingly relatable. The humor in Journey to the Savage Planet was already notable, but it has been further refined in Revenge, setting it apart as one of the rare games in modern times that doesn’t force jokes. From the creature names to the very mechanics themselves, everything is designed to bring a smile to players’ faces and elicit the occasional chuckle. It’s always commendable when a video game manages to be genuinely funny, especially in today’s gaming landscape where developers tend to take themselves too seriously.

Upon discovering your operational hub in the fittingly named town of Nu Florida, you’ll find customization options right away. You can pick from various spacesuits and find more as you explore different worlds. As a tribute to independent developer Mintrocket, players even have the chance to dress up as Dave the Diver, with the skin provided at the game’s beginning. Your bases are also highly customizable, offering a wide range of furniture and items so you can make your stay on these alien planets feel less lonely and harsh. Of course, slaying monstrous creatures is essential for survival as you catalog every tree, shrub, and creature similar to Raccoons during exploration missions. However, some creatures can also be captured and kept in a comfortable enclosure. (Yes, they can be treated like pets, which significantly improved the rating of Revenge of the Savage Planet.)

As a gamer, I didn’t anticipate being this captivated by the soundtrack of “Revenge of the Savage Planet.” In some instances, it harmoniously complements the game’s satirical undertones, featuring quirky synths stacked on top of each other in a humorous take on retro sci-fi movie themes. However, when combat ensues, the humor takes a backseat, making way for an electric guitar rhythm that had me nodding my head enthusiastically.

Reaching the final planet in the game offers a striking contrast, with the music masterfully amplifying the enigmatic and occasionally ominous atmosphere of the area, teeming with hidden secrets and potential perils.

The Collectathon Element of Revenge of the Savage Planet is Only Outshined by its Satisfying Gameplay

The uncomplicated concept of ‘Revenge of the Savage Planet’ allows for extensive, free-form exploration, outshining its predecessor significantly due to a meticulously crafted map that facilitates effortless discovery of points of interest, collectibles, and enhancing the pursuit of a complete 100%. Scouring every detail, locating every supply box, amassing cash for your comfortable off-world abode – it’s not menial labor, but the very essence. Exploration isn’t relegated to being a secondary activity or an insignificant addition; instead, it feels like the primary mission, which is delightfully invigorating. Although the game may be relatively short, I found myself savoring every moment in each intriguing world, eager to uncover every hidden corner.

In approximately 14.75 hours, I finished the primary narrative of Savage Planet’s Revenge. For those who want to explore every nook and cranny, you can anticipate about 20 hours of gameplay.

In their journey through various distinct planets, players are assigned to scan unfamiliar creatures and flora, which not only provides them with interesting information but also offers hints on how best to defeat hostile beings. It’s important to note that not all enemies can be defeated by firing at them; some require a watery drenching before they succumb, while others may need an electric shock or two. Over time, I grew overconfident after encountering several different monsters, but this arrogance proved costly when I found myself fleeing in terror, eventually crashing headlong into a toxic gas cloud. The Metroidvania elements of the game are skillfully balanced, ensuring that backtracking remains engaging and meaningful rather than becoming a tedious chore.

Upon starting up “Return of the Savage Planet“, the first word that popped into my head was ‘jubilant’. It may seem odd to choose such a term for a quirky, indie space exploration game, but once you fire it up, elements like voice acting, setting, gameplay, and humor will put a grin on your face. There’s an undeniable affection that runs through every screen, with the small development team infusing their love and playfulness into each pixel. A larger team isn’t always better, and sometimes all gamers need is a touch of chaos, a zappy whip, some funny fart jokes, and the prospect of (hopefully) more journeys ahead.

As a thrilled gaming enthusiast, I’m excited to share that “Revenge of the Savage Planet” is now accessible on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S! I was fortunate enough to receive a PC code for this review from Game Rant. Let’s dive in!

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2025-05-05 16:22