REPLACED - Before You Buy

Welcome to an episode of Before You Buy, a show offering gameplay and first impressions of new games. Replaced, announced at E3 2021, has been on the radar for a long time, standing out in the indie game crowd with its slick presentation and unique mix of 2D sprites and 3D backgrounds. Despite impressive trailers, the actual gameplay was initially unclear. Originally slated for 2022, it faced multiple delays, leading to doubts about its release. The game has evoked mixed feelings, with initial hype tempered by skepticism due to its appearance and repeated delays, a common scenario for games that either become vaporware or fail to deliver on their promises. However, Replaced defies these concerns. It exceeds expectations, especially for skeptics, and at $20, it’s fairly priced for an 8-hour-plus adventure. It offers variety, an intriguing story, and excellent production values. It's recommended for fans of cinematic platformers and Arkham-style combat, as the combat system is reminiscent of Batman: Arkham Asylum. Replaced is more than what was initially hoped for. It’s relentlessly linear, focusing on a left-to-right progression with puzzles, combat, dialogue, flashbacks, and occasional set pieces. The surprising aspect is how naturally everything flows and how consistently good it looks and feels, especially given its length. Many ambitious indie games often feel rushed or incomplete, but Replaced delivers a complete package. The game starts simply but becomes challenging after a few hours, with satisfying combat. The Arkham-style combat on a 2D plane evolves with new enemy types and mechanics, such as breaking armor with a pickaxe or deflecting gunshots. The game skillfully introduces new ways to interact with the world and solve puzzles, preventing stagnation. Players eventually gain a double jump usable on air currents and a hacking device for security systems. The variety extends beyond enemies and mechanics to locations. Contrary to expectations of a standard cyberpunk city, the game features snowy forests, underground mines, post-apocalyptic towns, and blasted wastelands. The explicitly cyberpunk locations appear later but are visually spectacular and worth the wait. Replaced is a visual feast, complemented by a great, synth-heavy, moody soundtrack. The visual presentation matches and even surpasses the trailers. The environments are rich with background details, seamlessly blending 2D and 3D elements. The pixel art for characters is well-animated, and the backgrounds have a pixelated, almost voxel look that complements the character art. While rare instances of pixel explosions occur, the game is largely beautiful with impeccable presentation. One minor point of contention is the storytelling quality. While the story structure, setups, payoffs, and character arcs are solid, and the ending is mostly satisfying, the writing sometimes feels weak, amateurish, or poorly translated. The absence of voiced dialogue is surprising for a high-profile game but might be beneficial, as some over-the-top characters could be obnoxious with the wrong voice actors. This doesn't significantly detract from the overall experience, as the general plot and character arcs work. The plot is a blend of "Upgrade" and "Flashback," where the protagonist has an AI stuck in his head, whose mind is mostly replaced. The AI must learn to be human, evade police, and return to the digital world to fix things, with typical twists. While well-constructed, some characters are overly goofy, the humor forced, and the alternate history basic. Set in 1984, it posits a US nuclear self-destruction, leading to the rise of the "Phoenix Corporation," a stock evil organization. The alternate history feels thin, connecting real-world events like the Bay of Pigs and Watergate to the corporation in a way that feels off. Surprisingly, the game doesn't take itself too seriously, incorporating humorous and over-the-top elements, which is a welcome departure from an expected somber tone. Moment-to-moment narrative can be less strong, but this is balanced by interesting scenarios and clever set pieces. For instance, a scene where drones corner the player only to target a rat in the foreground adds engagement and immersion without serving a direct plot function. While some lore and dialogue might be thinly sketched, it's particularly noticeable in a cinematic platformer where a significant portion of the game involves watching the story unfold. A hub area serves story purposes, allowing players to return between missions, talk to allies, strategize, and complete side quests for useful upgrades. These elements add depth and make the game more engaging than an average platformer, with elaborate crowd scenes and unique character art enhancing world-building. The other core pillars—platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving—are solid. Individually good, their combination makes the game feel greater than the sum of its parts. No single element is outstanding enough to carry its own game, but together they work exceptionally well. Platforming is akin to Uncharted mixed with Inside, even featuring a pickaxe for cracked walls. The only minor gripe is that these cracks can be hard to spot in busy visuals. The climbing and platforming are robust, if a little slow, adhering to the genre's nature. Jumps require a slight wind-up, reminiscent of classic Prince of Persia, which feels stiff but reliable. Combat, despite its emphasis in trailers, isn't overdone or tedious. Mechanics include an attack, parry, armor breaker, and special abilities, notably a pistol charged by fighting enemies, used for long-range shots or close-range takedowns with excellent animation. Initially Batman-like, it evolves as the firearm becomes powerful and frequently used, with fewer parry opportunities. The game introduces tools to counter annoying enemies, like a shockwave for armored foes or temporary unlimited gun use. While not innovative, these additions enhance gameplay and prevent repetition, unlike many cinematic platformers lacking combat. Replaced is challenging, especially during boss fights. Some bosses might be overtuned, and the lack of mid-fight checkpoints can be annoying, leading to difficulty spikes that might require multiple attempts. While not game-ruining, these boss encounters feel somewhat out of line with the rest of the game's challenge. Puzzles are what one would expect—engaging but not overly complex, avoiding slowing down the pace. They serve their purpose without hindering the flow, and their inclusion of hidden character upgrades rewards exploration, adding a sense of progression to the linear experience. Compared to other cinematic platformers, Replaced offers more mechanical depth. It may not be as intuitive or fluid as Inside, or as innovative as Flashback or Out of This World, but as a gameplay and audiovisual experience, it stands near the top. The visuals remain incredible throughout, saving some of the best for last, making the presentation top-notch. At over 8 hours and only $20, it offers excellent value, especially for Game Pass subscribers. Replaced is a rare indie that lives up to its hype and more, proving worth the wait. Its pixel art is exceptional, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.