Xbox Game Pass Free Game Is A Worthy Cyberpunk 2077 Successor

If you’ve seen all that Night City has to offer, you’re not going to want to miss Replaced.

Developed by Sad Cat Studios, this upcoming spiritual successor is an action-platformer that’s also set within a neon-soaked metropolis that oozes charisma.

Best of all, Replaced is launching as a Day One freebie on Xbox Game Pass on 14 April where it’ll be available across both the Ultimate and PC tier.

Replaced is set within an alternate 1980s America which has been scarred by a nuclear catastrophe.

“Uncover the sinister secrets of Phoenix Corporation, through the eyes of its own creation, R.E.A.C.H. – an AI trapped in a human body against its will,” the synopsis reads.

“In an alternate 1980s America reshaped by nuclear catastrophe, Phoenix-City has become one of the Corporation’s strongholds – a haven for corruption where outlaws thrive and human life is traded like currency.

“Step into the role of R.E.A.C.H., expose the Corporation’s hidden agenda, and uncover the purpose behind your creation.”

This 2.5D Pixel-Art Action-Platformer Has All Of The Right Ingredients To Be A Hit

Played from a 2.5D perspective, players will run, climb, and fight their way through the various areas of Phoenix-City.

You’ll explore “ crumbling districts, industrial wastelands, and neon-lit alleys with fluid movement and fast, responsive combat”.

Combat will see you chain together melee strikes, plus there are ranged weapons options for those who prefer that kind of approach.

Replaced reportedly deals with themes of humanity, identity, and control in a narrative that describes itself as “intense”.

“Every corner you explore tells a story, and every secret you expose carries a cost,” devs tease.

It’s perhaps also important to mention that Replaced features jaw-droppingly gorgeous pixel art aesthetics plus an awesome synth-driven soundtrack.

It’s due to launch across PC and Xbox but sadly isn’t available on PlayStation.

Here at GAMINGbible, we had the opportunity to go hands-on with an early build last year.

“Replaced feels like a side story in Cyberpunk 2077 at first but quickly sets itself apart through strong visuals and good storytelling,” wrote GAMINGbible’s Sam Cawley in our preview.

READ MORE: You can read our full Replaced hands-on preview.

“After playing a demo of the latest build at Gamescom I was thoroughly impressed with what was on display here.”

Replaced has, for quite some time, been pitching itself as a must-play release – and we can’t wait to dive in on Game Pass next week.