Replaced crashes series s – a messy launch for cyberpunk platformer

Long-awaited cyberpunk platformer, Replaced, arrived today on PC and Xbox, but a frustrating game-breaking bug is already impacting players on the Xbox Series S. The launch is proving to be a significant stumble for Sad Cat Studios.

Series s suffering memory issues during chapter 5

Initial reports detail a memory-related hang occurring during Chapter 5 of the campaign when the game is played in a single session on the console. Developers have confirmed the issue, attributing it to a potential RAM overflow as the game transitions between Chapters 4 and 5. It’s a spectacularly inconvenient snag for a console already struggling to deliver high-fidelity experiences.

Patch promised – but will it be enough?

Fortunately, a patch addressing this specific problem is slated for release this week. However, the issue seems confined solely to the Series S, demonstrating a clear platform-specific hurdle. Crucially, the developer, Sad Cat Studios, intends to certify the fix on April 15th, with the patch expected to follow shortly thereafter. But the problems don't stop there; the endgame cinematics are reportedly incomplete on the Series S, a discrepancy not observed on Xbox Series X or PC.

A promising game, severely compromised

I’ve spent several hours exploring Replaced’s initial hours – and I was genuinely impressed. The core mechanics are engaging, the visuals are striking, and the world-building is ambitious. But this launch debacle threatens to overshadow everything. It’s a shame, because the potential here is undeniable. Players on Xbox Series X and Steam, however, can largely ignore this particular catastrophe. It’s a stark reminder that even the most promising projects can be derailed by technical missteps, particularly at launch.

Don't hold your breath

Given the current situation, I’d suggest holding off on purchasing Replaced for Series S until the patch is deployed. For those on other platforms, however, the game is undoubtedly worth investigating. But let’s be honest—this launch has injected a significant dose of frustration into what was otherwise shaping up to be a genuinely exciting title. It’s a messy start, to say the least.