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ERSATZ

ERSATZ is a speed focused Hardcore Action Platformer with a musical twist! Featuring an Original Electronic Soundtrack also by Paris Stalker, the game's creator, hear and feel the music build as you progress and hazards, obstacles, boss attacks & controller vibrations move to the ever present beat!

Steam Page
Developer
Paris Stalker
Publisher
Paris Stalker, ALL iN
Release
September 13, 2017
8 years and 324 days ago
Steam Reviews
Positive19 reviews89.5%

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Game contextLatest: IGF Team
ContextThe evidence factors used to assess whether this game belongs on IndieGame.Fan.Status
Notes
Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
A separate publisher is listed without a proven bounded regional or service-only role.
Search Google: Is ERSATZ self-published or published by Paris Stalker and ALL iN?Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is ERSATZ and Paris Stalker and ALL iN funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for ERSATZ and Paris Stalker?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Updated: Jul 14, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.
The title released with a separate publisher relationship.

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About the Game

WHAT IS ERSATZ?

ERSATZ is a speed focused, hardcore Action Platformer with Rhythm elements. Featuring a multiple genre Original Electronic Soundtrack which dynamically builds and changes based on your progression!

In ERSATZ, your dash is also your attack, and hitting enemies recharges a dash block instantly. So use it effectively in combination with your slam to chain actions together and speed through 8 challenging and increasingly intense levels as fast as you can. Can you get an S Rank on every level and playstyle?


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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT ERSATZ

"It’s the immaculate sound design and tremendous freedom of movement that makes Ersatz so satisfying to play."
- Rock Paper Shotgun

"If you're a fan of seriously good music and challenging platformers, stop right now and go get it. It's very simple to get into, difficult to master and it's a damn treat for the ears."
- Gaming On Linux

"...Out of every game I've reviewed on this channel and probably every game I will review, this has got to be one of the most overlooked, under rated and underappreciated of them all."
- The Hidden Chest

"For a game made by one person, ERSATZ is one of the most polished games I've ever played!"
- Peppage



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Original Soundtrack by game's creator, with genres including:

House, Trance, Synthwave, DnB, Techno & More!



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Also Inlcuding:

  • TYPE BETA & TYPE GAMMA: Unlockable alternative playstyles with their own times & grades
  • JOURNEY MODE: Try & complete all 8 levels as fast as you can. Do it in under 60mins for a special reward. For experts & speedrunners!
  • INFINITE MODE: Infinite dash energy, go wild and set crazy times on the mode's own leaderboards!
  • SYNTH RUSH: Challenge any individual or ALL of the bosses of ERSATZ against the clock!
  • STEAM LEADERBOARDS: See how your times stack up compared to other players all over the world on Windows, Mac & Linux (viewable in game!)
  • VIBRATION: With full controller support. Feel your controller vibrate to the beat!

Design, Art, Animation, Programming & Music all by Paris Stalker (that's me!).
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