Lately, we’ve been getting several titles that focus heavily on gameplay while leaving the narrative behind. Well, REPLACED is the complete opposite, as it brings not only one of the best cyberpunk plots I’ve played but also one of the most gorgeous, memorable, and jaw-dropping 2.5D games I’ve ever experienced. And while I would have liked for its gameplay to feel less repetitive or frustrating at times, the truth is that this short, yet memorable adventure is a must-play for any cyberpunk fans out there.
An AI Inside the Machine
In REPLACED, the story hooks you right from the start; there’s barely a moment to catch your breath before you’re already running for your life to escape the labs where you were. However, things aren’t that simple, because REPLACED has plenty of retro sci-fi elements reminiscent of Blade Runner.
In this world, Phoenix Labs is the company responsible for all scientific development and is also known for its incredible healthcare program, which has no waiting lists for organ donors. That’s where you come in, as the scientist in charge of the computers for this entire system—the R.E.A.C.H. AI system. But after an incident, the AI and you end up fused into a single body, and the labs catch fire, so you have to evacuate the place—though just as you do, a special police unit begins to raid the area and eliminate witnesses. So, in an attempt to escape a police officer, you’ll end up in the lowest part of the city with nothing but an old coat and a gun that will prove crucial in the future.
If you remember, I mentioned that things aren’t that easy—well, this is just the beginning. Phoenix City isn’t just a highly developed metropolis; it was built by erecting a wall that completely isolated those on the outskirts, leaving them to fend for themselves. That’s exactly where players will have to make their way through to find a way back “up.” You’ll have to constantly evade SWAT teams chasing you for no apparent reason, get to know your new surroundings in the outskirts, and defend yourself against the enemies you encounter along the way. But even though Warren’s world is upside down, there’s still something else that doesn’t quite fit.
REPLACED features a compelling narrative, with characters who aren’t flat and contribute to the story. But beyond that, the world-building hooked me instantly, because it’s not just about what’s happening or the dialogue—it’s also worth taking the time to read every file you find. You’ll soon see that the healthcare system isn’t perfect: there are inconsistencies, people are missing, and, strangely, those “at the top” tend to benefit the most. This is a story that questions what is morally right, what it means to be human, how we live with technology, and, among other things, how far people’s faith extends regardless of their situation.
Gorgeous Yet Janky Platforming
At first, the gameplay in this platformer seemed pretty simple to me, mainly because it’s a fairly linear world. To start with, you can only walk and, at most, jump onto ledges that take you to the next level. Little by little, you’ll learn that you can move boxes, swing on pipes, or—as you progress—use a pickaxe to reach higher places.
Where the gameplay really shines is that you’ll have to take down hordes of enemies most of the time. You’ll mainly be able to use a basic attack, a charged attack, and a counterattack, with a limited number of combos that mix these actions with jumping. Yet, you’ll have to adapt as new types of enemies appear and you gain new abilities. For example, you’ll receive the pickaxe just in time to slash through the armor of armored enemies, so you must first destroy their armor and then defeat them.
I should also mention that the characters you meet along the way add a lot to the story, but they’ll also enhance your gameplay. These NPCs have side quests that, when completed, unlock upgrades—such as increasing your HP or the healing amount of the Med Kit. So it’s totally worth taking a little detour, especially since many of these missions are pretty quick.
The gameplay, in general, offers good platforming options, though I wouldn’t call it extremely challenging. As for the fights, I really enjoyed knocking out all my enemies, but sometimes the protagonist felt pretty robotic, as if his actions were limited.
Here is also where my biggest gripe comes in, as the game tends to feel a bit janky in some areas. In some cases, my inputs would not register, leading to an early and unintended game over. Also, some of these platforming sections get repetitive, and even if you have a spectacle in the background, it can get tedious, but not to a level that ruins someone’s experience.
Lastly, although the graphics are gorgeous—combining excellent pixel art with perfectly blended 3D—I feel like they gave the impression that you could explore the world more, when in reality, the movement is mostly along a single axis. Even so, these aren’t features that interfere with players’ navigation of the story.
Cyberpunk Done Right
In the end, REPLACED is one of those games I’d recommend playing at least one for the story alone. Even if I fell in love with its visuals and think the gameplay does some good things in the 2.5D landscape, its narrative is what does the heavy lifting, which is great and a bit sad at the same time. I wish REPLACED had deeper gameplay features, but even with the ones it has, I still believe this dystopian cyberpunk adventure is a must-play, especially if you’re a fan of the genre.
REPLACED (PC Review)
REPLACED is a fully cinematic experience that not only draws players in with its compelling story and characters but also features pixel art environments that are simply stunning.
Pros
- An incredible story, rich in nuance and depth
- Every detail, such as notes and characters, contributes to world-building
Cons
- In terms of mobility, the gameplay feels a bit limited
