Replaced, a new 2D action-platformer from Belarus-based Sad Cat Studios, has been described as a beautiful but derivative homage to classic cyberpunk. The game’s warm, sepia-toned visuals offer a cosy twist on the genre’s typical grimy aesthetic, yet critics note it struggles to bring fresh ideas to the table.
The story follows scientist Warren, who accidentally merges with an AI while working for the Phoenix Corporation. Players navigate collapsing facilities and refugee encampments, with the narrative touching on themes of displacement and poverty. The early stages borrow heavily from established action-platformer tropes, but a slower-paced section in a train station encampment provides a welcome change of tempo.
Combat and traversal feel generic, with Warren using a truncheon and pistol against Mad Max-style foes. The pixel-art detail is impressive, but often obscures interactive elements. The game’s highlight is a stealth sequence where Warren sneaks past futuristic helicopters, evoking real-world border walls—a poignant reminder that cyberpunk’s dystopia is already present.
Despite its gorgeous presentation, Replaced largely replicates genre motifs without adding much new. Its 10-hour runtime is filled with beautiful but familiar set-pieces, leaving critics wanting more originality from this otherwise polished tribute.
