Sometimes you just want to experience the classics, and what’s more classic than fighting a corrupt corporation in a decayed cyberpunk future? At least, that was the impression I was getting from being dropped smack down in the middle of things in the demo. Replaced is a 2.5D action platformer, in which you fight weird cannibal-like mutants, while traversing the ruins of a futuristic city—what’s not to like?
The rotting city
If we talk about the presentation first, it’s just top-notch, with smooth animations and visuals of a city on its last shaky legs. Characters seem to be pixel-esque, while the background is in solid 3D. It looks cool and has a good dystopian mood to it. The standout is probably the life-like 2D animations that reminded me of the legendary platformer Flashback; however, a tad more advanced.
When it comes to gameplay, you will be doing typical platformer things like jumping, climbing and moving crates. So, nothing too new here. But then we have the fighting, and it has one of the more satisfying close-combat gameplay styles pioneered by the Batman: Arkham Asylum game back in the day, but now on a 2D plane. It works well, and I found it very enjoyable, smooth and stylistic, fitting for the theme of the setting. Hey, why change something that works, right?
All in all, I found the demo of Replaced damn fun, with a great presentation, which definitely makes this a game worth waiting for. The release date is 12th of March 2026, so only three weeks out!
Thanks for reading.
– Thomas
Tom's Gaming Vault 