Visual
The developers achieved something of a technological miracle and, arguably, set a new standard for pixel art. They made the image work according to the rules of modern cinematography. Instead of painting flat backdrops, Sad Cat Studio created full-fledged 3D scenes, which they then overlaid with low-resolution textures. This allowed for dynamic lighting and physically based shadows that react in real time to every light source—be it a gunshot or a flashing neon sign. It is this contrast between the “dirty” pixels and the complex interplay of light that creates a volume that immediately catches the eye. The depth of the frame, dynamic lighting, volumetric fog, and reflections in puddles create a 2.5D effect that seems alive.
The creators immediately recognized the project’s strengths and spared no expense in beautiful shots. The play of light from neon signs on wet pavement, shadowy alleyways, and the blinding flashes of explosions. All of this is spiced up with incredible landscapes. The game even proved unexpectedly demanding for a pixel-based project.
The game’s camera is constantly in motion: sometimes it gently pulls back, revealing the monumental architecture of Phenix City, sometimes it presses almost directly against the protagonist in narrow corridors. The dense, detailed world weighs on the player just as heavily as it weighs on the protagonist. This approach to camerawork is rare in similar projects and is usually reserved for expensive blockbusters. You’ll want to explore the locations in detail, even if it slows down the pace. Let’s be honest—the game is visually stunning.
However, there are some rough edges. Sometimes, visual design takes precedence over player experience. The abundance of graphic effects, deep shadows, and multi-layered planes can make it difficult to discern interactive objects. Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell whether a particular piece of platform is actually a grab or just part of the backdrop.
Sad Cat Studio nailed the core experience—atmosphere. The game far surpasses benchmark RPGs in terms of player immersion. Replaced does this far better than, say, Cyberpunk 2077. Where a large open world inevitably blurs, the narrow, detailed corridors of Phenix City allow the player to practically feel the cold rain and the smell of cheap motor oil.
Music and sound
Sad Cat Studio earned another point for its approach to sound design. The music here works dynamically: during quiet moments, it fades into the background, becoming a barely perceptible hum, creating a sense of unease. But as soon as the action begins, it bursts into action, creating the necessary drive for the battle. Without music, the battles would be downright depressing.
The sound design is also impressive. Phenix City is a place to be seen and heard. Replaced isn’t afraid to remove music entirely to give free rein to the ambient sounds. The grinding of old machinery echoes from the dungeons, distant screams echo throughout the city, and dripping water and the whir of faulty neon lights can be heard in the sewers. The sound of enemy footsteps or the click of a fuse off-screen can help the player anticipate threats. And when the hero falls from a height, the impact is a satisfying “smack”—it’s almost painful
Where the sound falls short is in the characters’ lines. By “fall short,” I mean there’s simply no line. The game doesn’t have full voice acting, so most lines are spoken only as text. However, in the case of Replaced, this isn’t a major issue.
What is the result?
Western publications often compare Replaced to the industry’s “ghost” game The Last Night. Both projects exploit the aesthetics of “next-generation pixel art.” But while Tim Soret’s project was stuck in development hell, Sad Cat Studios brought the concept to release.
After completing Replaced, you feel less like a game and more like an art object. It’s a project in which form clearly dominates content: the visuals and the dense, viscous atmosphere of Phenix City are far more impressive than the jumping or combat mechanics.
The end result is a solid, and most importantly, stylish and incredibly beautiful action platformer. Yes, it can get tiresome with its monotonous fights or be irritating with its sluggishness. However, all of this can be forgiven when you’re simply standing on a rooftop in the rain, listening to pulsating synthwave.