Replaced’s cyberpunk aesthetic and impressive pixel-art and animation set it apart from other titles that were to come out this year, as Replaced was originally intended to launch in 2022. Besides the release of Replaced’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 shared an 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 delay Replaced until 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. Replaced being 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 in Replaced’s official reveal trailer.
In an alternate and dystopian 1980s, technology is meshed with old world architecture. In a similar vein as Blade Runner, lighting and environments pop with color and accentuate Replaced’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, Replaced manages to stay distinct in its art style and has gameplay that looks satisfyingly fresh for the 2.5D sphere.
It is unfortunate that Replaced needed 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 on Replaced following the impact that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had on it.
Replaced is currently scheduled to release in 2023 for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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