I am consistently captivated by cyberpunk aesthetics, and I believe games showcase this style at its finest. After a lengthy anticipation, we can finally dive into REPLACED. This pixel art action-adventure platformer truly stands out, and even though cyberpunk themes are prevalent these days, it still manages to look quite distinctive. So, having explored Phoenix-City, was the long wait worth it?
Set in a re-imagined 1980s, the game unfolds in a more advanced yet bleak version of that era. You assume the role of Reach, an AI confined within the body of Warren Marsh due to an incident in Phoenix-City. Following this mishap, you are swiftly driven out of the city, landing on the other side of the wall where the impoverished and desolate dwell. Before long, you encounter a group of rebels, and together you devise a strategy to infiltrate the city, unveil the Corporations’ motives, and uncover the reason behind your creation.
As Reach, you hardly get a moment to relax; the game is an unending stream of running, jumping, action, and combat – your only chance to catch your breath is during visits to the outskirt city, where the previously mentioned impoverished people live.
The fundamental gameplay resembles that of a classic 2D action-adventure platformer, and your movements align with what you would anticipate in such games – expect a focus on weighted running and jumping, impressive fighting mechanics, along with a touch of lag and additional animations. It truly reminded me of the good old days playing Prince of Persia on my very first gaming console (SEGA Master System), just more contemporary and fluid in its movements and combat.
In your quest, you will confront a rebel gang and the Corporation while Reach seeks to uncover the truth about his origins. Fortunately, you possess a baton that can also transform into a gun, allowing you to counter enemy attacks and shatter their shields and armour with your pickaxe. If you are familiar with the acclaimed combat mechanics of the Batman Arkham series, you can expect a similar experience here, albeit in 2D – and it generally performs remarkably well. The only drawback stems from the 2D perspective, as various enemy types may cluster together, such as a regular grunt alongside a shielded foe, which could result in you striking the shielded enemy instead of the grunt, interrupting your attack. Therefore, at times, you will need to manoeuvrer around, dodging (indicated by a red marker above their head) or countering (indicated by a yellow marker above their head) their attacks to separate them.
As you progress through the game, you will unlock additional attacks for your weapon. Initially, your primary weapon will be the baton. In a later mission, you will activate the gun feature, but the gun’s single shot is only charged by successfully landing baton attacks. This bullet can instantly eliminate all enemies (excluding bosses) as long as you have stripped away their shields and armour – after which you will need to recharge it. As you advance, you will also acquire your pickaxe when shielded enemies are introduced, gaining the ability to deflect their bullets back at them with your baton, as well as an Overdrive feature for your gun. This Overdrive charges more slowly than your single bullet but allows you to fire multiple rounds at once.
When it comes to platforming, you can expect a variety of challenges. Some will be straightforward jumps, while others will require you to swing from poles to gain extra momentum. Additionally, you may need to solve environmental puzzles to successfully navigate through. The previously mentioned weapons also serve as tools for platforming; for instance, your pickaxe can be used to dig into damaged wall sections. If you encounter an air current, you can execute a double jump by shooting your gun downward into the currents. Many of these elements are utilised during chase sequences, where precise timing of your jumps is crucial. If you misstep or take too long, you risk being caught, which results in instant death. These moments can be quite intense, and it’s important to anticipate dying as you learn the necessary jumps. Beyond these high-speed chases, there are also stealth segments where you must carefully sneak past turrets and guns at the right moments, using the environment and sometimes movable objects for the cover you need. As you progress in the game, you’ll acquire a hacking tool that aids in stealth scenarios. Completing a hack involves a mini-game where you must match parts to fill a square displayed on your handheld device.
In addition to the main storyline, you will find various quests located in outskirt city. These quests are optional, but they offer valuable rewards such as increased health and enhanced effectiveness of your Med kits. Although they are not mandatory, completing these quests is definitely worthwhile. Furthermore, there are numerous hidden items scattered throughout the game for you to discover. These collectibles can include news articles, data logs, and personal entries that provide deeper insights into Phoenix-City and the global dominance of Phoenix. All of these collectibles are conveniently stored in your pocket deck, which also keeps track of any music you find, your objectives, and the game tutorials (in case you missed any details).
From the very beginning, one thing stands out: the stunning appearance of the 2.5D title, showcasing a flawless combination of pixel art and 3D that impresses right away. Coupled with cyberpunk aesthetics reminiscent of Blade Runner, the visuals are nothing short of captivating, providing the game with a cinematic quality. Each scene appears to be carefully crafted, from neon-lit alleyways to decaying industrial landscapes, all enveloped in a moody, retro-futuristic ambiance. The game not only looks fantastic in motion but also feels vibrant, with intricate environmental details and lighting effects that continuously capture your attention.
Nevertheless, there is a drawback to these breathtaking visuals. The exquisite pixel art, when merged with the 3D, creates a desire to explore more of the world than is actually possible, as for the majority of the game, you find yourself navigating along a single axis.
REPLACED’s sound design is as impressive as its visuals, enveloping every moment in a lush, atmospheric audio environment. From the faint buzz of neon-lit streets to the crisp, satisfying sounds of combat, each audio element feels intentionally placed and meaningful. The game shines in creating immersion through nuanced details — footsteps resonate differently based on the surroundings, machinery creaks with heft, and background noise infuses each scene with a sense of vitality and suspense. It’s a design that operates subtly in the background yet makes the world feel real and substantial.
Adding to this is a synth-driven soundtrack that embodies the game’s retro-futuristic vibe. Pulsating rhythms and atmospheric melodies rise and fall as the action intensifies, enhancing both quiet, contemplative moments and explosive bursts of energy.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Indie |
| Players | Single-player |
| Download Size | 8GB |
| Steam Deck | |
| Compatibility | Verified |
| Positives | All functionality is accessible when using the default controller configuration. This game shows Steam Deck controller icons This game's default graphics configuration performs well on Steam Deck |
| Negatives | None |
REPLACED offers an exhilarating, fast-paced adventure that seldom slows down, merging traditional 2D action-platforming with contemporary fluidity and cinematic style. Its combat mechanics stand out with a gratifying depth and diversity, while the platforming and stealth elements ensure the gameplay remains fresh and captivating throughout. In addition to the action, the game encourages exploration with significant side content and world-building, enhancing its intriguing narrative. Combined with breathtaking 2.5D graphics and a mood-setting, synth-driven soundtrack, Replaced crafts a universe that is both immersive and unforgettable. Despite some minor frustrations, this game is stylish and self-assured, successfully revitalising a classic formula into something that feels both nostalgic and strikingly innovative.
Release Date: April 14th 2026
Developer: Sad Cat Studios
Publisher: Thunderful Publishing
Price: £16.99 / $19.99 USD
Reviewed On: Steam Deck
* Access Provided For Review *