Is Replaced the Cyberpunk Game We've Been Waiting For?
In a world where cyberpunk themes are more relevant than ever, a game like Replaced has a lot to live up to. But after seven long years of development, does it deliver on its promise?
Let's dive into my recent hands-on experience with Replaced, an action-platformer set in an alternate 1980s cyberpunk universe.
A Tale of Two Worlds
Replaced takes place in a unique version of the 1980s, where a nuclear disaster has reshaped society. The government has partnered with Phoenix Corporation, a powerful entity, to rebuild. The story begins in Phoenix City, the heart of this new world, where one of the company's leaders, Warren, has an unusual connection with his AI assistant, Reach.
When an accident occurs, Reach finds himself trapped in Warren's body, and the naive AI seeks help from the cops. However, things take a turn, and Reach is forced to flee, leading to an unexpected adventure.
Missing the Cyberpunk Mark?
Here's where it gets controversial. My demo revealed a game that, while stylish, seemed to stray from the core cyberpunk elements. Instead of hackers, hyper-capitalism, and surveillance, the early hours of Replaced are spent in a post-apocalyptic setting, fighting a gang called The Ticks. It feels more like a Mad Max spin-off than a cyberpunk adventure.
The developers did showcase a glimpse of Phoenix City, where Reach engages in some clever hacking to blend into the city's bustling environment. This segment felt more in line with my cyberpunk expectations, but it was a brief glimpse.
A World of Shallow Characters?
Reach, our AI protagonist, is naive but slowly learning about the darker aspects of Phoenix Corporation. Tempest, the stereotypical cool protagonist, seems like a one-dimensional character, defined by his guitar skills, sick car, and katana. The colorful refugee community he helps run has an interesting backstory, but the characters themselves lack depth.
Side quests offer some extra health, but they're basic fetch quests or arcade game challenges. I found myself disengaged after a few attempts, longing for more meaningful interactions.
Uncharted and Arkham Influences?
Developer Igor Gritsay cites the Uncharted and Arkham franchises as inspirations for Replaced. Reach's platforming segments, where he navigates buildings and mines, certainly have that action-adventure feel. The controls can be sluggish at times, but the 2.5D perspective adds a unique twist, showcasing the detailed environment against Reach's simple pixelated body.
Gritsay believes pixel art allows players to imagine and upscale details in their minds, a creative choice that adds depth to the backgrounds while keeping the main characters simple.
Combat: Simple Yet Intuitive
Combat in Replaced is straightforward. Reach uses a stun baton to take down enemies, building up power for a devastating shot. Enemies flash yellow or red, indicating their next move, adding a layer of strategy to the fights. However, the combat system feels simplistic, lacking the depth and complexity often associated with cyberpunk themes.
A Buggy Experience
Unfortunately, my demo was not without issues. A major bug turned off the lighting in a critical section, preventing me from progressing. This problem affected half of the players at the demo, highlighting the need for further refinement before launch.
The Cyberpunk Potential
Replaced has the potential to be a captivating cyberpunk experience, but my initial impression suggests it falls short. The pixel art and soundtrack are impressive, but the story and gameplay in the first two hours feel simplistic. Will Phoenix City deliver the cyberpunk goodness we crave? Only time will tell.
And this is the part most people miss: cyberpunk is about more than just aesthetics. It's about exploring a world where technology and humanity collide, often with dire consequences. Replaced seems to scratch the surface, but does it delve deep enough? That's the question lingering in my mind.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Replaced will live up to its cyberpunk potential? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
