Replaced

Going into REPLACED, the biggest question was whether the game could be more than just another visually impressive indie side-scroller. After around 15 hours played on the Xbox Ally X, it absolutely delivers — especially if you enjoy cinematic action games built around atmosphere and responsive combat.

The first thing that stands out is how good the combat feels. Attacks have weight, movement stays responsive, and fights rarely turn into mindless button mashing. There’s a smooth rhythm to encounters that keeps the gameplay engaging without becoming overly complicated. On a handheld especially, the game just feels right. Honestly, REPLACED feels like the kind of side-scroller that was meant to be played portable, and the Xbox Ally X ended up being a perfect fit for it.

Visually, the game is gorgeous. The mix of detailed pixel art and modern lighting gives the world a layered cyberpunk look that constantly grabs your attention without feeling overdesigned. Even quieter moments have a strong sense of style and atmosphere. One of the standout moments comes later in the game during a fight sequence across moving train cars that genuinely felt like something out of The Matrix. It’s the kind of cinematic set piece that sticks with you after the credits roll.

The story also surprised me in a good way. It stays intriguing without overexplaining itself, and the world-building gives you enough reason to keep pushing forward. It’s not trying to reinvent storytelling, but it keeps the momentum going throughout the experience.

Performance on the Xbox Ally X was solid overall. Since launch, the developers have also done a good job supporting the game with updates, including bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements like chapter selection options for going back to retrieve missed items. That addition alone makes exploration feel much less punishing for completion-focused players.

What also says a lot about the game is that even though it was available through Xbox Game Pass, I ended up buying it anyway. After spending enough time with it, this became one of those games I genuinely wanted to own rather than just sample.

The game does have a few weaknesses. Enemy variety could be stronger over longer sessions, and some moments lean a little too hard into presentation over gameplay depth. Players wanting deep RPG systems or highly complex combat customization may come away wanting more mechanically.

Still, REPLACED succeeds because it understands exactly what it wants to be: a stylish, atmospheric action game with tight gameplay and incredible visual presentation.

Score: 9/10

If you enjoy cinematic side-scrollers, responsive combat, and strong visual design, this is an easy recommendation — especially on a handheld.