Replaced: Everything We Know

Replaced is one of those games we couldn’t wait to get our hands on before the end of 2022. However, according to a new official trailer released by Xbox on December 10, 2022, it seems the game’s original 2022 release window has been pushed back to an unspecified date in 2023.

Replaced is a cyberpunk-style upcoming game of multiple genres that has many hearts racing for daring to take the road less traveled. The game stands out as a self-evident, unique, retro-futuristic, dystopian experience unlike any we've seen before, from creating a 2.5-dimensional world in pixel art format to transporting gamers back to the roots of platform gaming, all infused with modern technology. 

With the unanticipated delay into 2023, it’s easy to lose track of any updates on Replaced. Fortunately, Sad Cat Studios has already let the cat out of the bag on some major aspects of the new game, which we'll go over in great detail in today's “Replaced: Everything We Know” quick read.

What is Replaced?

Replaced is an upcoming 2.5-dimensional sci-fi cyberpunk-style action platformer game currently in development by Sad Cat Studios. It’s described as a retro-futuristic game set in an imaginative 1980s Phoenix metropolis; whether or not it’s based on real-life Phoenix, Arizona, remains to be seen. Regardless, Replaced represents a fictional take based on an alternative, reimagined 1980s era. 

If you’re wondering whether it’s the right game for you, Replaced infuses multiple genres, combining platform, indie, adventure, shooter, and fighting into one, and serving just about every gamer’s interest one way or another.

Story

The story in Replaced is still in pieces, like puzzles waiting to be finally put together in the game itself. So far, the pieces and puzzles have piqued an insatiable interest in the game and appear to be further incentivizing the community to be counting down the days until launch.

The main protagonist, R.E.A.C.H., a half-human, half-AI character, is at the center of the plot. His natural form is that of an AI, trapped in a human body. Now he must find a way to escape the world's cruelty and hopefully return to his safe haven, the motherboard.

It won’t be easy. An atomic test that went wrong led to massive deaths and left a city in chaos in its wake. Therein lies dystopia in every shape and form. Outlaws roam about freely with no care for those around them. The governing power in Phoenix City rests with corrupt mortals ruled by corruption and greed who only see their subjects as nothing more than currency. 

As a single-player experience focused on R.E.A.C.H. who’s an AI.  First, you’ll face struggles adjusting to mortality and life around Phoenix City. Mysteries lie in wait, some tougher to get past than others. 

It’ll certainly be good to explore how R.E.A.C.H. came to be as well as how he tackles morality in such a deep, dystopian world. Perhaps he’ll have to give up something dear, the core of his being, for the good of the world around him. Let’s wait and see.

Gameplay

Like the story, the gameplay remains pieces of a puzzle. There’s only so much to draw connections on from the trailer release and description on the official site. What we know so far for sure that the game will feature fast-paced and free-flow action combat. We can expect some ranged and melee options, though it’s all speculation at this point. 

The trailer reveals the game to include close-range guns and swordplay, though it’s a pretty short reveal to draw something conclusive. That said, the Replaced 2.5-dimensional platformer looks fresh and pays homage to platformer games, finishing off with modern touches that promise an enjoyable gameplay experience, overall.

Development

Replaced is currently in development by Sad Cat Studios since the official announcement trailer at E3 2021. It’s the first game the studio is developing, which will no doubt have an impact on the time and care put into its development, seeing as it’s the game that makes or breaks the studio’s reputation as a game developer. For this game Sad Cat Studios is partnering with, Coatsink as the publisher. Since 2009, Coatsink put out a good number of games and some success stories, including Transformers: Battlegrounds, Cloud Gardens, and The Last Hero of Nostalgia.

Together, Sad Cat Studios and Coatsink announced the development of Replaced at E3 2021. In the same announcement trailer, they confirmed they’ll release the actual game in 2022. However, with only a few days until the close of 2022, there seems to be an unexpected delay. All we have for now is a new official trailer released on December 10th, suggesting a 2023 undefined release date.

Trailer

The official trailer announcement for Replaced was released at E3 2021, featuring a cinematic feel, pixel art, and free-flowing action combat. The trailer reveals breadcrumbs of the story and gameplay across its 1:51 span. Still, it’s quite good to watch with an impressive replayability aspect hopefully the actual game employs. 

Following the announcement, the official original soundtrack trailer was released along with a second official trailer that uncovered more about Phoenix City and its dystopian nature. The trailer starts off by describing how a chaotic Phoenix turns cyberpunk. It closes off with a flag inscribed with the words, “Project Reach… National Treasure,” words with which you’ll likely get acquainted as you uncover the dark secrets of Phoenix-City and navigate your shared future.

Replaced Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Originally, Replaced was expected to release in 2022. However, a new official trailer by Xbox released just recently on December 10th, 2022, reveals that Replaced may drop sometime in 2023 at an undefined date. Delays aren’t uncommon, especially with a tight development window, so there’s nothing much to do but wait for further updates.

You can expect access to Replaced via either Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, or Xbox Series X/S platforms. It’s also know that the game will be available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers from day one!

For more details on Replaced, you can follow the official social feed here.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Replaced when it launches? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.