One of the biggest surprises to come out of E3 2021 was the 2.5D, retro-futuristic action-platformerReplaced. Debuting in a brief gameplay trailer,Replacedfollows an AI named REACH, who is trapped in a human body.
Replaced’s cyberpunk aestheticand impressive pixel-art and animation set it apart from other titles that were to come out this year, asReplacedwas originally intended to launch in 2022. Besides the release ofReplaced’s thematic trailer soundtrack, no news has been shared about Sad Cat Studios’ action-platformer since. Unfortunately, the Belarusian-based developer has now expressed how it has been impacted by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
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Developer Sad Cat, publisher Coatsink, and parent company Thunderful have sharedan update on the indie platformer’s development. Because members of Sad Cat live in “neighboring regions,” the priority, as this update states, is “for the safety of the team and their families.” In order to ensure this, Sad Cat has made the obvious choice to delayReplaceduntil 2023 where they will not be challenged with the “original deadlines that have been unexpectedly impacted.”
Replaced’s development has reportedly resumed, but only after relocation, and Sad Cat thanks fans for their “continued patience and support.” Of course, the health and safety of those involved are of the utmost priority and fans can surely understand and empathize with that.Replacedbeing delayed until 2023 is a reasonable solution and fans will be just as excited to play it then, when it can “match the quality” that is represented inReplaced’s official reveal trailer.
Inan alternate and dystopian 1980s, technology is meshed with old world architecture. In a similar vein asBlade Runner, lighting and environments pop with color and accentuateReplaced’s stylish attack animations, featuring elaborate takedowns and blaster-fire. The indie cyberpunk title is teeming with cinematic action-platforming and, although the cyberpunk genre has had a saturated resurgence in popular culture lately,Replacedmanages to stay distinct in its art style and has gameplay that looks satisfyingly fresh for the 2.5D sphere.
It is unfortunate thatReplacedneeded to be delayed at all, but if it means the health and safety of the developers is prioritized, and the game will arrive at a desired quality when the time is right, then it will make for a positive release on everyone’s behalf. In the meantime, other details will have to wait until the developers are comfortable to share more, and it is fortunate for fans to hear that they have at least recomposed themselves enough to resume development onReplacedfollowingthe impact that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine hadon it.
Replacedis currently scheduled to release in 2023 for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
