2021 was a year full of announcements and promises, from big AAA titles to remarkable indie gems. During Xbox’s E3 conference that year, amidst so many standout reveals, one particular indie title captured the attention of literally the entire gaming community: Replaced. This retro-futuristic, 2.5D pixel art side-scroller transported us to a dark alternate version of the 1980s, where it narrates the wild story of an AI trapped in a human body against its will. Replaced was being developed by Sad Cat Studios and published by Coatsink, with plans to launch in 2022 on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. It was also set to be available from day one on Xbox Game Pass for both console and PC.
That stunning trailer left us in awe, and we couldn’t wait to experience such an intriguing concept firsthand. After all, what’s so unusual about waiting a year between a game’s public announcement and its release? It’s something gamers are more than used to, right? A year flies by, doesn’t it? Well, that year passed, and more years followed, but Replaced never arrived. Even today, in 2025, we continue to wait for it, perhaps now more hopeful than ever. You do remember Replaced, don’t you? Whether you recall it or not, we invite you to rewatch that same video that amazed us all four years ago, just below these lines:
This year, we know for certain that countless titles will blow our minds. Many of them are being heavily promoted, and naturally, we eagerly await their release. Others, lingering between leaks and rumors, also seem likely to debut soon. There are simply too many to highlight them all, but it’s clear that 2025 will be a fantastic year for the gaming industry. So why are we talking about Replaced? Because even with its delays, this year holds a strong chance of finally bringing this title to market. During last year’s Summer Game Fest (Play Days), a demo was showcased, revealing parts of the story, an overview of the game world, and some reasons why we still haven’t received the final version.
A Justified Wait
Replaced is an artisanal indie project where it’s evident at first glance that every design, animation, camera angle, and on-screen element has been meticulously crafted and deliberately placed. Directed by Yura Zhdanovich, this title goes beyond the traditional cinematic platformer. That description is just one of the factors keeping Replaced among the potential heavyweights of the coming months. What we’ve seen so far, though not much, has been more than enough to keep us excited and to inspire articles like this one XD. Add to that intense combat sequences and gameplay more akin to an adventure or RPG.
Despite its 2.5D aesthetic, Replaced achieves depth through a combination of well-blended elements: jumps, strikes, acrobatics, intriguing NPCs, and conversations that unfold a richly narrated story within its retro-futuristic dystopia. This setting is somewhat reminiscent of Cyberpunk 2077 mixed with Blade Runner, the 1997 game based on Ridley Scott’s 1982 film. Those of you who let out a satisfied sigh as you sink into your sofa know exactly what I mean 😉 . The combat is frenetic and intense, thanks to its well-executed camera angles and choreographed motion-capture sequences, later hand-polished. While the addition of combat to platformers isn’t new, seen in other famous titles, it’s safe to say that Replaced brings something innovative to the table.
A Living World
Phoenix City, the environment where R.E.A.C.H., the AI trapped in a human body, operates, is visually and dynamically stunning. The passage of time in this world is structured around seasons, bringing noticeable changes to the city’s problems, which evolve and shift. New characters appear, others disappear, and the narrative opens new plots to uncover. This world, governed by corruption and hiding danger around every corner, feels alive.
R.E.A.C.H. must adapt, learn to live among humans, and slowly uncover the underlying legal system imposed on the city’s inhabitants. In addition to the main storyline, side missions and collectibles contribute significantly to the plot. Every action sequence, fight, puzzle, and moment is thoughtfully justified, constantly teaching us about the world through documents, animations, and revelations that will undoubtedly keep us glued to the screen when the time comes.
How much do we know about Replaced today? The truth is, we don’t have a definitive release date for this year. However, considering recent updates, last year’s Summer Game Fest, and a few other factors, we might be in for a pleasant surprise in the coming months. Replaced isn’t dead, far from it. In fact, we’ve received information over the past year, and all signs point to the game being closer than ever to completion.
And what about you? Do you choose to believe and stay optimistic like we do? This is that perfect moment when we invite you to join the conversation in the comments. What do you think? Will you see Replaced this year? Do you love the retro-futuristic 2.5D pixel art aesthetic? Did you eat today? Come on, gamer, be nice and reply. You know, we’ll be reading you! 🙂
Images Source: IGN Official YouTube Channel, Replaced Official Website
Looks like it has amazing art