"Replaced": Cyberpunk blues in pixel look
Is "Replaced" more than just a pretty shell? The action platformer from studio Sad Cat already impressed at its announcement in 2021.
(Image: Sad Cat)
“Replaced” caused a stir with its unique graphic style as early as its announcement in 2021. Now the action platformer is finally here and can actually fulfill most of its promises – an unusual sci-fi adventure in the footsteps of “Another World” and “Inside”.
Let's imagine that everything had gone completely differently. That there were already artificial intelligences and supercomputers in the 1980s. That cars could fly. And that being human doesn't necessarily mean being human. Where are the boundaries between human and machine? What is worth loving, living, and fighting for?
Scientist Warren Marsh is in this existential crisis. He wakes up after a failed experiment with an artificial guest in his body: R.E.A.C.H., or more fully, “Research Engine for Altering and Composing Humans.” Both are unhappy with the overall situation and want to separate as quickly as possible. But easier said than done. An almost fascist political and police apparatus, greedy corporations, and a rather bleak life perspective almost thwart their plan.
"Replaced" angespielt (5 Bilder)
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)Retro Dystopia
What might sound like satire is a deeply oppressive retro dystopia that is somewhat reminiscent of William Gibson's novel “Neuromancer” or Ridley Scott's “Blade Runner.” The world is dark and bleak. But even in this scenario of hopelessness, the development studio finds time and ideas to bring it to life. Painted in a pixel look, there are small details everywhere, and the synth music blares from the speakers as in the best John Carpenter days. Stylistically, it's an almost perfect neo-noir dream.
In terms of gameplay, the adventure, lasting around 12 hours, walks in the footsteps of great role models. The main character Warren moves through dark tunnels, neon-lit cities, and confusing research complexes in a 2.5D world viewed from the side. The perspective plays with us, sometimes rotates, or changes viewpoints. “Replaced” may only be a side scroller, but it provides depth and a sense of space.
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Most of the time, Warren has to jump from one edge to the next. To achieve this, he clings to walls or moves containers to climb higher. Sometimes he dodges surveillance cameras or hacks security systems on his portable handheld computer by arranging symbols. Simple, with a bit of time pressure, but with endless attempts.
Tangible Action
Warren repeatedly encounters a few enemies that he can beat up properly. Two melee attacks, a bit of dodging and countering. Later, he gets a pistol that charges with every hit. In action, it looks a bit like “Batman: Arkham City” in 2D. Since there are often waves of enemies and they all only have money for gray or dark clothes, it's a bit difficult to keep track. However, frustration rarely sets in. Even the boss fights against pumped-up thugs are easy to master. The enemies lack challenging attack patterns that would challenge players on normal difficulty.
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Warren is also a collector. Life and weapon upgrades can be found everywhere, sometimes hidden. The background story is told in small text and audio files. When he then fulfills a few tasks for other outcasts at a train station, it becomes emotional: bringing a dying man his family's pictures, feeding a dog, or uncovering the drama behind an unusual pair of twins. Amusingly, at arcade machines, he can also break the high score in games inspired by “Frogger” or “Space Invaders”.
This slowly builds the dystopian image of a destroyed society, ultimately quite bloody and crude. It's bleak and certainly not a “feel-good” game, even if hope emerges in the end. The story tells of loss, loneliness, and the humanization of a machine. It's an existential science fiction adventure that draws players in with its unusual visual presentation and makes them think with its story.
Conclusion
“Replaced” is a pixel dream come true. The development studio Sad Cat lovingly plays with genre and game elements. Hectic action phases alternate with contemplative moments, creating an exciting and thought-provoking cyberpunk adventure.
Of course, there are also rough edges. Sometimes the pixel style gets in the way of clarity, and the main character's movement animations could be smoother. The enemy types also lack variety. However, if you want to immerse yourself in a stylistically almost perfect retro dystopia of the 1980s, this indie adventure is exactly right for you.
“Replaced” is available for Windows and Xbox Series X/S. USK rating: 16. It costs approx. €20. We played the Windows version for our review.
(mki)
