Replaced Final Preview: You Might Think You Know What It Is, But I Promise You Don’t

When a new cyberpunk-themed game emerges, it's common for comparisons to Blade Runner to arise. However, Replaced stands out as a true homage to Ridley Scott's iconic film, delivering both the expected elements of a story-driven neo-noir experience and a host of surprising twists. The vibrant, neon-lit streets evoke memories of Deckard’s journeys, yet the gameplay offers a unique blend of platforming, puzzles, and combat reminiscent of titles like Ninja Gaiden and Inside, all wrapped in a stunning visual and auditory package. It’s easy to see why there's a buzz of excitement surrounding this title. The narrative unfolds with you taking on the role of Reach, an AI known as the “Research Engine for Altering and Composing Humans,” that unexpectedly gains control of a human body. After a dramatic escape from its research facility, Reach must navigate a sprawling sci-fi metropolis to uncover the truth about its origins. This city, reminiscent of Final Fantasy 7’s Midgar, is surrounded by a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a result of the U.S. government’s catastrophic decision to unleash nuclear weapons on its own land. This grim backdrop paints a picture of a society rife with stark class disparities, where the wealthy inhabitants of Phoenix City exploit the less fortunate, referred to as “Disposals,” for their organs. While the story carries a dark tone, the artistic direction from Sad Cat Studio shines through with a captivating 2.5D pixel art style, merging retro influences with modern design. The opening sequence showcases an exhilarating escape, bolstered by a pulsating synthwave soundtrack and striking visuals that combine classic NES aesthetics with contemporary 3D elements. Combat is framed cinematically, enhancing the intensity of each encounter. The camera adjusts to create a sense of claustrophobia, focusing on you and your adversaries. Slow-motion finishers add flair as enemies are dispatched with dramatic flair. The fighting mechanics start with familiar elements inspired by the Batman: Arkham series, such as dodges and strikes, but evolve into a more complex system. Players will need to use heavy attacks to break through enemy armor, emphasizing the need for strategy in combat. Reach is equipped with a powerful blaster pistol that feels substantial and impactful. Its design allows for one-shot eliminations of tougher foes, but a unique ammunition system encourages players to engage in melee combat to recharge their weapon. This rhythm demands players to be aggressive in striking and countering to build up their gun’s charge, creating a dynamic interplay between melee and ranged combat. My playthrough culminated in a challenging boss fight against a character named “Uncle Ben,” a cybernetic figure reminiscent of a villain from a classic adventure. This encounter significantly raised the stakes, requiring players to adapt to a much tougher opponent who could restore his health in a second phase. This battle underscored the game’s emphasis on patience and timing, rewarding careful observation and strategic planning. The game’s pacing is deliberate, encouraging exploration and engagement with its environment. While platforming elements are present, they are generally straightforward, although there can be moments of frustration due to hit detection issues. Overall, the combat feels polished, while platforming occasionally lacks the same level of refinement. In an unexpected twist, the game shifts gears during Chapter 2, incorporating elements reminiscent of classic point-and-click adventures. Reach finds itself in a vibrant town on the outskirts of Phoenix City, where players can interact with quirky characters and embark on side quests. This segment diverges from the initial action-oriented gameplay, allowing for a more narrative-driven experience filled with dialogue and exploration. As I navigated through back alleys filled with dubious figures seeking assistance, I engaged in a quest that involved retrieving binoculars from a girl in a dilapidated arcade. This mission required solving a puzzle to power up an old game machine, reflecting the game’s blend of genres and gameplay mechanics. In summary, Replaced is poised to deliver a richly layered experience that combines action, exploration, and narrative depth, ensuring it stands out as one of 2026's most exciting titles.