Journey To The Savage Planet - (Review)

Journey To The Savage Planet is probably one of the weirdest and most unique titles I have played or even seen in a while. Everything from the quirky cartoon art style, Sci-fi aspects and most of all the comedy strewn throughout its play time kept me coming back to enjoy more and more of what it had to offer.

In terms of its graphics it’s not Red Dead 2, it’s not some highly detailed game art you see in some AAA projects but it does the job, it’s good enough you can enjoy it without worrying about performance issues either. I played on PlayStation 4 Pro and had no technical problems.

---

Lately I don’t sit a play games like I used too, after a few hours I lose interested, need a rest or just like a lot of people have responsibilities so we bit that pause button till the next time. However with 'JTTSP' I found myself sticking around longer than my usual time frame especially for such a new concept that is essentially an indie game. I can’t quite put my finger on why I like it so much but to me I felt like there was something new to discover, see or hear around every corner.

There was a particular moment at the beginning of the game where you arrive on the planet itself and it asked you, the player, to make a very basic and simple decision..

During the introduction you are presented with a choice, chose a picture that represents you, your presented with around 6-8 photos and then it’s up to you. Now this is when something clicked in my head later on and made me fall in love with the games little details and quirks. During that scene I decided to pick a random image of a dog, thinking nothing of it I continued my adventure.

Hours later I begin to think there was an audio bug on my copy as I kept hearing growls, whines and other strange noises... The suddenly, it hit me. It was me, my character, I was the DOG!

I don’t know why it took me so long to realise but when I did I couldn’t stop laughing. It was such a simple and obvious thing but I didn’t take it seriously and that’s why I like this game, it’s just a silly romp across space kicking alien looking parrots into the sky, collecting purple poo to throw and bombs that resemble pomegranates.

---

I want to speak briefly about the plot, I don’t intend to spoil anything but in terms of story you have your regular concept of ''I’m here because of this and this is my objective'' and then everything else is woven around it in a non hand holding, explore here and unlock this sort of way. It serves its purpose, nothing spectacular but the story isn’t why I adore the game so much, it was the moment to moment gameplay of just pure childish fun.

The music I thoroughly enjoyed passively and the only way I can describe it is sci-fi banjo country music, I wouldn’t wanna spoil your own interpretation of their (OST) but it is certainly unique, fun and charming to say the least.

I’m very excited for a potential sequel or just what Typhoon Studios will work on next whether it’s a new IP or a continuation of this fantastic little gem, I am eager to see what the future holds. The team has injected a vivid personality all to its own, a striking cartoon art style, contrasting color pallet, funny and charming story interwoven with a gameplay loop that will keep you hooked for the 10-15 hour playtime.

So after you have finished a busy day at work, school or dealing with the kids, take a load off and sit down with Journey To The Savage Planet, you wont regret it.

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17ZqUp7WdRE

(Written By John Perry)