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Official Review Computer Updated

Review cover Replaced GBAtemp review
Computer

Product Information:

  • Release Date (NA): April 14, 2026
  • Release Date (EU): April 14, 2026
  • Publisher: Thunderful Publishing
  • Developer: Sad Cat Studios
  • Genres: Platformer
  • Also For: Xbox Series X|S

Game Features:

Single player
Local Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Co-operative
Indie developer Sad Cat Studios’ debut game, Replaced, is a gritty 2.5D cyberpunk platformer. Its stylish presentation draws attention to its dystopian world, but what does it pack under the surface?

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Replaced is set in an alternate 1980s America, more specifically, in Phoenix-City. Following a nuclear catastrophe, power dynamics have shifted, and the city is essentially run by Phoenix Corporation, while corruption is rampant. 

Within this bleak backdrop, we are introduced to Phoenix Corp employee, Warren Marsh. One evening while at work, following a mysterious string of events, Warren finds himself merged with R.E.A.C.H., the corporation’s AI assistant. With barely any time to find out what happened, the human/AI hybrid finds himself being hunted by the authorities. The pair has no choice but to escape the premises of Phoenix Corp, vowing to return and give Warren back control of his own body.

A stylish affair with a retro flair

Replaced sets itself apart with its presentation medley. Its plot is that of a cyberpunk thriller, its visuals are 2.5D in nature, and it packs a side-scrolling platforming gameplay; all supplemented by atmospheric synth soundtracks. This assortment is not common with the genres involved, but it works well in its retro-futuristic presentation. As Sad Cat Studios’ debut game, this combination does help get it attention in the ocean of games out there.

The developers also ensured that their first game would not lack in style. Replaced’s presentation is very cinematic, with cutscenes and special moves taking advantage of the pixel character sprites in 3D environments. This results in memorable, stylish scenes that supplement the presentation of the game. One that comes to mind is a fight scene in front of a projector, with Warren fending off waves of enemies while the projector casts shadows as punches are thrown and bodies fly about. The game is filled with such instances and makes the game feel like a retro cinematic adventure.

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Sad Cat Studios accurately depict Phoenix-City’s dystopia with environments that are not lacking in detail. Warren’s journey takes him through high-tech buildings, decrepit underground facilities, crowded suburbs and desolate plains surveilled by autonomous attack drones. Curious players will also find information hidden in the environment that expands on the lore. Each and every scene is intricately detailed, so much so that Replaced could be accused of being visually noisy, a sticking point when trying to progress, but it definitely cannot be accused of lacking in style.

The story has more to offer than it initially lets on. When progressing through the prologue, the in-game universe might seem barren, and the plot might not be as gripping. However, after this opening sequence, things get more interesting. You’ll meet interesting characters, explore more locations and find a story about human identity through the eyes of an AI. As Reach, you will also experience flashbacks from Warren’s mysterious past and piece together how it all led to the current situation. Furthermore, by progressing through the main quest, you will get to uncover the secret agenda of Phoenix Corp and Reach’s role in it.

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Platforming across Phoenix-City

Replaced’s gameplay is styled after classic side-scrolling platformers in more ways than one. You’ll often find yourself jumping, parkouring, hanging onto poles and moving crates to progress. Most of the time, you’ll be moving from left to right, with some areas allowing for some freedom of exploration to find some handy upgrades and a few backtracking to solve some puzzles. This gameplay aspect fuels the game’s retro, nostalgic vibe. It reminded me of games from the genre during the PSX era, such as Heart of Darkness, and this homage plays to its strength.

The experience is mostly linear, and environments are well designed to offer the right amount of challenge. However, with the level of detail and ensuring visual noise in the environment, some elements can be distracting, and, for example, finding handles to climb on can require more astute observation than might have been necessary.

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When not parkouring, Warren will engage in combat against those in his way. This will involve dodging, attacking and counterattacking. Like with platforming elements, successful encounters will require the right timing to limit damage taken. This adds tension and a welcome layer of challenge. You’ll also encounter boss fights that further up the ante in terms of challenge. However, enemy encounters can feel repetitive as they are mostly the same ones you will encounter, although there is some variety in appearances and the ways to exploit their individual weaknesses.

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As you progress across the game’s 9 chapters, new items and abilities become available that expand exploration and combat. For example, you’ll get the pickaxe that lets you hold onto shabby walls and also lets you remove armour from enemies. Later on, in Chapter 5, you get the ability to double jump and, even later, use your gun more efficiently. These do take time to become available, and it's not totally obvious that there is more to combat than what you experience in the prologue.

On top of platforming and combat, the game has a bit of stealth sequences and side quests. Midway through the game, you also get the ability to hack security nodes in a Tetris-like mini game. These make the gameplay surprisingly diverse and are well spaced out between the intense combat sessions.

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Sad Cat Studios’ stunning debut

Replaced has a lot going for it, and it’s a stunning debut for developer Sad Cat Studios. However, some downsides stick out. It is a slow-burning experience, and it seems shy of showcasing what it has to offer from the outset. There’s more than meets the eye, and more gameplay features are revealed as you progress through. However, this progression approach might not be to everyone’s taste, as it can feel like it’s testing their patience.

The game might take its retro platforming inspirations too literally. For example, some sequences where Warren is being chased can be very unforgiving, requiring precisely timed jumps. This can also be indicative of a balancing issue, as some players have found such sequences to be harder on easier difficulty settings. On the plus side, while retries can be common, autosaves are frequent, so you don't have to restart from a faraway point.

Overall, Replaced isn’t reinventing anything but is adapting existing mechanics in an original setting. The developers showcase their style in a visually striking, retro-inspired 2.5D universe. Yes, the game could do with some rebalancing in difficulty, but it is still an impressive debut for Sad Cat Studios, and I look forward to their future releases.

REPLACED - Official Launch Trailer

Verdict

What We Liked ...
  • Striking, original 2.5D cyberpunk universe
  • Layered mechanics
  • Gameplay variety
What We Didn't Like ...
  • Some gameplay elements feel unbalanced
  • Slow-burn aspect
  • Visual noise that can be distracting
7
Gameplay
There’s a surprising amount of gameplay variety that this side-scrolling platformer has to offer. However, it would benefit from some additional balancing of some gameplay elements.
8
Presentation
Replaced is a visually striking, 2.5D cyberpunk universe that is not lacking in style.
7
Lasting Appeal
This game has more to offer than meets the eye, if you have the patience to experience its layered gameplay over a couple of chapters and can bear with some unbalanced difficulty.
7.8
out of 10

Overall

Replaced is not only a visually striking cyberpunk platformer but also a (mostly) well-executed one.
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Robert Newbie
Maybe it was the cyberpunk aspects or the pixel graphics, but for some reason, I was immediately interested in this game. I appreciate the review. It sounds like the final product is pretty solid.
 
PatrickD85
I have only played the first roughly two maybe three hours. Love the style, sometimes things do get a bit hard to tell while playing on tv. Combat felt fun, chase sequences fun for the most part. DO need to make some more time free to dive deeper into it for sure.
 
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Review cover
Product Information:
  • Release Date (NA): April 14, 2026
  • Release Date (EU): April 14, 2026
  • Publisher: Thunderful Publishing
  • Developer: Sad Cat Studios
  • Genres: Platformer
  • Also For: Xbox Series X|S
Game Features:
Single player
Local Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Co-operative

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