REPLACED Review

It’s quite interesting to see an indie release in recent memory as hyped as Replaced. First announced many years ago, the game made an immediate impact with its gritty pixelated cyberpunk aesthetic paired with cinematic action-platformer gameplay. While the excitement for its release may have waned due to multiple delays, the anticipation is still undeniable.

Set in an alternate 1980s America, the story follows R.E.A.C.H. (Research Engine for Altering and Composing Humans), an artificial intelligence unwillingly trapped in the human body of a man named Warren. Together, they venture to expose the secrets of the Phoenix Corporation through satisfying visuals, slick flow-like combat, and an engaging narrative elevated by a synth-driven soundtrack.

Stylish Simplicity

It’s easy to box Replaced into the label of an Indie Game because it does tick a number of boxes – pixel art, check. Platforming, check. Lengthy dev cycle, check. Cheaper than usual, check. Even with all that, there’s just something about the game that elevates it from the pack.

At its core, Replaced is a cinematic action platformer that has an ace up its sleeve. First, the visuals really stand out, drawing inspiration from old-school titles, but this style is enhanced by the great, dynamic camera work, shifting angles ever so slightly as it transitions from space to space, giving more life and depth to the environment than a simple side-scroller would. It certainly exudes the feel of a playable movie, does wonders for immersion, and is complemented by a fantastic soundtrack that shifts from somber to action at a moment’s notice.

Despite this, Replaced is definitely a slow-burn type of game. Some players will want to breeze through certain sections, and since Warren’s movement across the space is quite slow, your patience will be tested. Still, if you’re in it for an engaging story and great worldbuilding, you’ll definitely be rewarded.

Perhaps the best part about Replaced is its combat, which is highly reminiscent of the Batman Arkham series in side-scrolling format. It works, and it works really well, pushing players to prioritize certain enemies over others depending on the incoming attacks. A yellow notification signifies an attack that can be countered, which has a very forgiving window, while a red notification signals the need to dodge. Thrown in some enemies with armor that requires breaking, and sprinkled with some firearmed-toting baddies, and combat encounters can get quite hectic, requiring a deliberate rhythm of attacks, parries, and dodges.

This results in such a trance-like flow-state dance that is satisfying to execute and overcome. Players get the sense that REACH is taking over Warren’s body during these fights, which is conveyed well through its responsive controls and rhythmic approach. Progress a bit, and players will also unlock the use of their own firearm, dealing a devastating shot to any enemy that needs to be refilled through combat before it can be used again. This “free-flow” combat style sustains the momentum of exploration and is always something to look forward to.

Despite Warren’s combat capabilities, platforming in Replaced feels weighty and deliberate. It feels old-school, like Prince of Persia old, and players will find themselves navigating environments by pushing crates, climbing rusted ladders, and swinging across poles to reach higher ground. That said, controls during platforming sequences can be a bit finicky, leading to many unintentional retries.

One thing that the shifting camera angles do is obscure some corners, hiding collectible documents and upgrades within the background and foreground layers that you would normally miss if you aren’t paying attention. There’s a minor element of exploration, rewarding players for curiosity and taking the alternate path. One thing you can be assured of, though, is that there’s always a great view.

Replaced plays quite well on a PC, as expected, but it’s also nice to know that the game runs well on an ROG Xbox Ally and a Steam Deck. Even at low TDP levels, the game can comfortably lock at 40 and 60 fps, which is a great sign. That said, with the letterbox format in effect, there’s only so much usable space on a handheld, which can make the game’s overall readability a challenge.

Verdict: Buy it!

Replaced is certainly worth the wait, and is something you get with a great artistic vision and thematic consistency throughout the experience. Its ability to immerse the player in its world is fantastic, elevated by an OST that’s reminiscent of its setting.

Despite its simplicity, its combat adds much-needed depth, engaging players with a flow-like system that lets them smoothly shift from offense to defense with a single button press. Replaced doesn’t try to overexert itself, sticking to its platforming roots and leaning into its strengths, giving players a nice, focused experience.

*Replaced was reviewed on a PC/ROG Xbox Ally/Steam Deck with a review code provided by the publisher.