REPLACED vs Split Fiction

• Perspective: Third-Person (Split-Screen)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2
• Gameplay Focus: Exclusively Co-op (2 Players)
• Unique Feature: The Friend's Pass system, allowing one owner of the game to invite a friend to play the entire game for free online.

• Co-op Partner: The game is designed to be played by two human players. Your companion is essential for every aspect of the game, from solving puzzles and traversing the world to defeating enemies and bosses. The entire experience relies on communication and coordination with your partner.
  Human (Player)

• Minigames: Hidden throughout the levels are 25 optional, competitive minigames. Finding and playing these allows Mio and Zoe to take a break from cooperating and compete against each other in short, fun challenges.

• Cooperative Gameplay
• Friendship
• Imagination
• Sci-Fi vs. Fantasy
• Overcoming Differences
• Platforming
• Puzzle-Solving
• Action-Adventure

• The Huxley: Hybrid Pistol
  A charge-based energy weapon that builds power through melee combat and unleashes devastating ranged finishers.
• Mechanized Pickaxe: Tool/Weapon
  Used for armor-breaking heavy strikes and scaling specific industrial walls.
• Free-flow Fists: Melee
  Fluid, Arkham-style melee strikes used to chain combos and build Huxley charge.

• Contextual Abilities: Varies by Level
  The game does not have a persistent arsenal. Instead, each level grants Mio and Zoe unique, temporary gadgets and abilities tailored to that specific world's theme. For example, in a sci-fi level, one player might get a gravity bike while the other gets a plasma rifle. In a fantasy level, one might get a magic staff while the other gets a grappling hook.

• Character Outfits: There is no armor system that affects gameplay stats. Mio and Zoe have their own distinct default outfits. Their appearance may change slightly based on the context of a level, but this is purely cosmetic.

Progression is tied to both hardware and software upgrades via the 'Wingman' handheld device. Players can unlock the 'Heavy Strike' capability using a mechanized pickaxe to break armored enemy shields. The 'Huxley' gun can be upgraded to deflect bullets and perform double-jumps. Narrative upgrades are earned through side quests in hubs, such as improved 'Medstims' for health recovery and AI processing enhancements that unlock new dialogue choices or hacking capabilities for environmental puzzles.

The world is divided into distinct districts and social tiers. Phoenix-City serves as the primary urban hub, featuring high-tech corporate offices and the heavily guarded 'Wall.' Beyond the city lie the Industrial Wastelands, crumbling shanty towns like Prospero (built in an abandoned train station), and subterranean Termite Hideouts. While the gameplay is side-scrolling, these regions feature 'Open World Hubs' where players can freely walk, interact with NPCs, and discover lore, transitioning from linear action sequences to exploratory narrative environments.

• Mio Hudson: Playable Protagonist
  An aspiring sci-fi author who is logical, reserved, and somewhat pessimistic. She must learn to open up and work with the chaotic Zoe to survive.
• Zoe Foster: Playable Protagonist
  An aspiring fantasy author who is energetic, imaginative, and optimistic. She sees their predicament as a grand adventure and must learn to focus to help the pragmatic Mio.
• J.D. Rader: Antagonist
  The CEO of Rader Publishing. His desperation to find the next bestseller leads him to trap Mio and Zoe, eventually becoming the final boss of the game.

• The Great Escape: Main Quest
  Flee the Phoenix Corporation research wing after the fusion.
• Arcade Repair: Side Quest
  Find a rectifier to help Susan fix the broken arcade machine in Prospero.
• The High Score: Side Quest
  Beat Susan's high score in the functional in-game arcade mini-game.

• Main Story Chapters
  The game is divided into several chapters, each taking place in a unique new world from the writers' imaginations. The objective of each chapter is to master the new co-op mechanics presented in order to overcome the environmental puzzles and defeat the chapter's unique boss.

Standard Edition ($24.99) includes the base game. Xbox Game Pass Edition provides day-one access for subscribers on PC and Console. A Physical Deluxe Edition has been teased, potentially including a digital soundtrack by Igor Gritsay and a handcrafted pixel-art book detailing the game's 2.5D technical pipeline.

Sad Cat Studios is currently focused on the core release. No specific DLC has been announced, but the developers have expressed interest in expanding the lore of Phoenix-City and potentially adding new arcade mini-games or challenge modes for the combat system post-launch.

• Q: What is the release date for REPLACED?
  A: The game is scheduled to launch on April 14, 2026.
• Q: Is REPLACED coming to Xbox Game Pass?
  A: Yes, it will be available on Xbox Game Pass for both Console and PC on Day One.
• Q: What are the minimum PC requirements?
  A: At minimum, you need an Intel i5-8400, 16GB RAM, and a GTX 1060 (6GB).
• Q: Why was the game delayed from March to April?
  A: The final 5-week delay was for polishing and addressing UI scaling/performance on handheld devices like the Steam Deck.
• Q: What is the meaning of the 21:9 aspect ratio in the game?
  A: It is a fixed cinematic widescreen format designed to mimic 1980s sci-fi films; it increases pixel demand by ~31% over standard 1080p.

• Q: Can I play Split Fiction by myself?
  A: No. Split Fiction is a co-op only game and cannot be played solo. It requires a second player, either locally on the same screen or online.
• Q: Do both players need to own the game to play online?
  A: No. Thanks to the Friend's Pass feature, only one person needs to own the full game. They can then invite a friend, who can download the Friend's Pass for free, to play the entire adventure together.
• Q: What kind of game is it?
  A: It is a narrative-driven action-adventure platformer that is constantly changing its gameplay. It is famous for its incredible variety and focus on creative, collaborative puzzles and set pieces.
• Q: Is Split Fiction cross-platform?
  A: Yes, the game supports full cross-play between all released platforms (PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2), including for players using the Friend's Pass.

The game uses a unique 2.5D 'modernized pixel art' style. It features 3D geometry textured with pixel assets, allowing for real-time volumetric shadows, dynamic smoke, and anamorphic lens effects. The fixed 21:9 aspect ratio creates a cinematic, widescreen feel reminiscent of 80s sci-fi film.

Composed by Igor Gritsay, the soundtrack is a moody, synth-driven experience that blends 1980s retro-wave with dark, industrial undertones. Notable tracks include 'Void' and 'Take Me Back,' featuring haunting vocals by Marina Thorik that emphasize the game's somber atmosphere.

The UI is highly diegetic, centered around the 'Wingman' — an in-game CRT-style terminal. When accessed, the camera zooms into the device, showing the protagonist's thumb scrolling through text. Health and weapon charges are integrated into subtle HUD elements that mimic 1980s retro-tech aesthetics.

The game includes adjustable difficulty settings, custom volume controls, and stereo sound optimization. Crucially for accessibility, it offers a 'Keyboard Only' option and allows players to disable Quick Time Events (QTEs) during cinematic sequences.

• The game utilizes a strict 21:9 cinematic aspect ratio which increases pixel throughput by approximately 31% compared to standard 1080p.
• Laptop Performance Note: Due to heavy volumetric lighting and 2.5D physics, laptop users should ensure high TGP overhead to avoid frame-time stuttering observed in early builds.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Minimum 85W-100W recommended for stable 60FPS.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: High thermal headroom required; the 2.5D engine is GPU-intensive.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Standard H-series processors are sufficient; focus is on GPU clock stability.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Recommended to bypass Optimus for reduced input lag in parry-heavy combat.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports DLSS 3.5 and FSR 3.0.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Volumetric Lighting and Motion Blur have the highest performance cost.
• Game Name: REPLACED

• OFFICIAL PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS from the game's Epic Games Store and Steam pages. An SSD is recommended for optimal performance.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop performance will vary based on the specific model's cooling and power delivery (TGP). Given the game's diverse and visually rich levels, a modern gaming laptop is advised for a stable experience.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is critical for laptop GPU performance. A higher TGP allows the GPU to perform closer to its desktop equivalent.
• Laptop Consideration: Advanced Cooling Thermals: The game's constantly changing environments and mechanics can be demanding. A robust cooling system is essential to prevent thermal throttling and maintain consistent performance.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Performance Sustain: A strong mobile CPU is important for handling the game's physics, unique level mechanics, and ensuring a smooth co-op experience.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Configuration Speed: 16GB in a dual-channel configuration is recommended to avoid stuttering and ensure smooth gameplay.
• Laptop Consideration: Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match the GPU's capability to the laptop's display. The game supports high refresh rates for a more fluid platforming and combat experience.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: A MUX switch or Advanced Optimus is beneficial for reducing input latency, which is helpful for the game's timing-based puzzles and platforming.
• Laptop Consideration: Driver Updates O S Optimization: Keeping GPU drivers updated is crucial for performance and stability.
• Game Name: Split Fiction

• G P U T G P: Minimum 85W-100W recommended for stable 60FPS.
• Cooling Thermals: High thermal headroom required; the 2.5D engine is GPU-intensive.
• C P U Power Limits: Standard H-series processors are sufficient; focus is on GPU clock stability.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Recommended to bypass Optimus for reduced input lag in parry-heavy combat.

• G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is critical for laptop GPU performance. A higher TGP allows the GPU to perform closer to its desktop equivalent.
• Advanced Cooling Thermals: The game's constantly changing environments and mechanics can be demanding. A robust cooling system is essential to prevent thermal throttling and maintain consistent performance.
• C P U Performance Sustain: A strong mobile CPU is important for handling the game's physics, unique level mechanics, and ensuring a smooth co-op experience.
• R A M Configuration Speed: 16GB in a dual-channel configuration is recommended to avoid stuttering and ensure smooth gameplay.
• Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match the GPU's capability to the laptop's display. The game supports high refresh rates for a more fluid platforming and combat experience.
• M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: A MUX switch or Advanced Optimus is beneficial for reducing input latency, which is helpful for the game's timing-based puzzles and platforming.
• Driver Updates O S Optimization: Keeping GPU drivers updated is crucial for performance and stability.