Review
REPLACED is the debut project from Sad Cat Studios, a small team that has been working on this game since 2018. After years of development and multiple delays, the game finally arrived on April 14, 2026. Set in a dystopian alternate version of 1980s America scarred by nuclear catastrophe, you take control of R.E.A.C.H., an artificial intelligence unwillingly trapped in a human body, navigating a dark cyberpunk world full of secrets and corruption.
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The first thing that stands out is the visuals. REPLACED is a stunning 2.5D pixel art platformer that pushes the boundaries of what the style can achieve. Every environment is handcrafted with an impressive level of detail, from neon-lit alleyways to industrial wastelands, making Phoenix City feel like a living, breathing world.
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The fluid combat system complements the visuals perfectly, allowing you to chain melee strikes with ranged attacks in a way that feels natural and satisfying. As you progress through the story, R.E.A.C.H. gradually unlocks new abilities such as Deflect, Overdrive, Shockwave, and Hacking, each adding a new layer to the combat and exploration. The game also features a generous amount of collectibles and side quests that add depth to the experience and reward players who take the time to explore every corner of the city.
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On the downside, we encountered a number of bugs during our early access playthrough that temporarily blocked progress in certain chapters. To their credit, Sad Cat Studios was attentive and responsive throughout the process, quickly addressing the issues with patches.
REPLACED is not a perfect game, but it is a very good one. The visuals alone make it worth playing, and the combat keeps you coming back for more. If you enjoy action platformers with a lot to find and collect, this one is well worth your time.
A key for REPLACED was kindly provided in early access by Dead Good PR for which we are grateful.
