Replaced launches with Xbox Game Pass in 2023

replaced returned at The Game Awards with a brand new trailer, a closer look at Phoenix-City, the wider possibilities of free-flow combat, and another spooky piece of music on a grand scale. Is it already 2023?

Earlier this year, Coatsink and Thunderful made the very difficult decision to postpone production replaced. Since the announcement, Sad Cat Studios has been able to regroup and resume work on the game. Now the team is ready to share a glimpse of what they had in mind.

Over the past year, Sad Cat has completely transitioned to a custom rendering solution. This expresses the fidelity of replacedtakes the hybrid pixel art style even further, making it easier to achieve visual and performance goals. For example, the team can now achieve more dynamic weather effects, more natural lighting, and ultimately more compelling materials.

Graphics aside, Sad Cat has perfected the combat and platforming to deliver an exceptionally smooth gaming experience. Hundreds of animations have been added to the game so the developers can ensure the characters always feel alive as they journey through alternate 80’s America.

All of these complex assets come together like a pixel art movie, achieved through handcrafted camerawork present throughout the game.

As Coatsink and Thunderful revealed replaced At the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase 2021, a piece of music called “Void” was presented. Due to the incredible response, Sad Cat Studios’ Igor Gritsay decided to release a new track called “Rust” to accompany the action in this second trailer.

This time Igor didn’t want to lean too much on modern synthwave, instead opting for more grit to give the track a sense of hopelessness and anger, a grimmer tone that reflects the game’s atmosphere.

The music of replaced is embedded in the game’s lore, and this is partially inspired by the amazing Hades Soundtrack by Darren Korb. To give you an idea of ​​what to expect, both “Void” and “Rust” play significant roles in the story of a character you will meet in Phoenix-City, Veronica Dame.

As for the music, Igor doesn’t feel constrained by the 80’s setting due to the in-game story replaced be alternative. While working on the game and composing “Rust” Igor had the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Gary Numan, Gunship and some of Mick Gordon prey

This new trailer delves deeper into the game’s lore and offers new insights into the history of Phoenix Corp. Formerly a volunteer initiative battling the aftermath of a nuclear disaster, this powerful organization now sees humans as disposable materials to fuel their AI-driven business. You will explore some of the devastated environments left behind the supposedly safe walls of Phoenix City, filled with death and danger.

The bright lights of Phoenix City await you too, with neon-rich streets hinting at life in comfort and prosperity. But if you simmer beneath the surface, you’ll soon realize that the price of maintaining this illusion may just be too high for anyone to sustain.

It’s not all doom and gloom, however. During the game, you’ll also meet the Disposals, people employed by the Phoenix Corp. used and abandoned. Some of them are even willing to help, like the leader of the Disposals, Tempest, his trusty dog ​​Excalibur, and an enigmatic technician named Yo-Jo.

Players can expect high-speed missions, bone-crushing combat, and unexpected transportation as they learn what it means to be human in a world where donations are valued at a price someone is always willing to pay.

We leave it to you to ponder and contemplate the possibilities that are to come. For now, be sure to follow the replacedCoatsink and Thunderful on social channels for the latest updates and prepare for the future when replaced coming in 2023 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11 and with Xbox Game Pass.