Two Great Games, One Week, One Decision
April 14-16 delivered two of the most visually distinctive releases of 2026: REPLACED, the cyberpunk 2.5D platformer eight years in the making, and MOUSE: P.I. For Hire, the rubber hose animation FPS voiced by Troy Baker. Both are now out on Steam. Both received Strong ratings on OpenCritic. Both are worth playing.
But you probably don't have time for both right now — so which one goes first?
The Scores
| | REPLACED | MOUSE: P.I. For Hire | |---|---|---| | Metacritic | 79 | 81 | | OpenCritic | Strong | Strong | | Price | $24.99 | $29.99 | | Length | 10-15 hours | 12-20 hours | | Genre | 2.5D Platformer | First-Person Shooter |
REPLACED — The More Artistic of the Two
REPLACED is the game that has been building anticipation since E3 2021. You play as R.E.A.C.H., an AI consciousness trapped in a human body, navigating Phoenix-City — a retro-futuristic cyberpunk world rendered in some of the most stunning pixel art ever put in a video game.
The gameplay is solid — 2D combat described as Arkham-style in a side-scrolling format — but reviewers agree that the visual presentation is the star. This is a game where you stop and stare at the environment. The story, exploring themes of identity and consciousness through an AI protagonist, adds emotional depth that elevates it above a typical action platformer.
Best for: Players who want a cinematic, atmospheric experience that prioritizes art and story alongside gameplay.
The catch: Some reviewers noted that the movement feels deliberately slow, which will either feel cinematic or frustrating depending on your patience for deliberate pacing.
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire — The More Fun of the Two
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is exactly what it promises: a jazz-fueled, rubber hose animated FPS where you play as a hard-boiled mouse detective clearing corruption from Mouseburg. Troy Baker voices Jack Pepper with exactly the kind of noir gravitas the premise deserves.
The gameplay is the stronger suit here compared to REPLACED. Combat is flashy, weapons are creative, and the animation quality is extraordinary — every reload, punch, and interaction is hand-drawn frame by frame with expressive flair. At 12-20 hours with weapon upgrades, collectibles, and cases to solve, it offers more content for a slightly higher price.
Best for: Players who want pure fun, great gunplay, and a shorter-session-friendly structure.
The catch: If you were hoping for deep detective gameplay and immersive sim elements, MOUSE leans more toward boomer shooter than investigation game.
Which One First?
Play REPLACED first if:
- You prioritize art direction and atmosphere over pure gameplay
- You want something emotionally resonant
- You have 10-15 focused hours available
- You want immediate fun with strong gunplay
- You have shorter gaming sessions (1-2 hours at a time)
- You enjoy Cuphead-style visual identity
The Backlog Coach Take
If you can only pick one this week, start with MOUSE: P.I. For Hire. It's slightly higher rated, more replayable, and the hand-drawn animation is something genuinely special. Save REPLACED for when you want a more contemplative, atmospheric experience.
Connect your Steam library to Backlog Coach to see which of these games fits best with your playtime history and current mood.