Pixel Ripped 1978
- June 15, 2023
- ARVORE
Pixel Ripped 1978 is a fun look back to a special time in the world of gaming that is as irreverent as it is entertaining.
Get on SteamIn "Pixel Ripped 1978," players join Dot and Bug in a time-traveling adventure to stop the evil Cyblin Lord from hacking into the game creator's past at ATARI. This installment in the Pixel Ripped series features a game-within-a-game format, taking players through various dimensions and challenges. With nostalgic nods to the Atari era, players must save the gaming world and launch the game on time.
PC
Playstation 5
Virtual Reality
Windows
PlayStation
PlayStation VR2
Reviews
- The game offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of retro Atari games, with engaging gameplay that includes fun bug smashing and amusing interruptions.
- It features charming pixel design and integrates new mechanics that enhance the gameplay, making it a solid addition to the Pixel Ripped series.
- The game runs smoothly on various VR headsets, providing a fun and immersive experience that many players find enjoyable.
- The game has compatibility issues with certain VR controllers, particularly HTC Vive, leading to frustration for players who cannot access the game.
- Some players found the gameplay repetitive and lacking polish compared to previous installments, with specific levels being poorly designed and overly challenging.
- There are control issues, such as accidental button presses and high thresholds for analog stick input, which can disrupt gameplay and lead to frustration.
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
Gameplay is generally simple, reminiscent of classic Atari games, with standout moments in the breakout boss and 2D platforming sections. While some mechanics feel like gimmicks, the introduction of new features in the latest installment adds a distinctive feel and enhances the experience, despite some players feeling fatigued by repetitive elements. Overall, the gameplay is a mix of entertaining mechanics and experimental design, with some aspects well-executed and others needing refinement.
“Gameplay overall is pretty simple, but so were Atari games, so I'll totally give it that as a bonus.”
“There are new mechanics that give '78 a very distinctive feel, and the way they're integrated into the glove with color laser indicators was really awesome; that was a well-done mechanic.”
“But for a first, tentative, experimental foray, introducing this sort of gameplay into the Pixel Ripped series, it went... pretty good!”
“The breakout boss and the 2D platforming sections were the most interesting for me, and the office dialogue was cute, but by the time I got to Groovyland and saw it was about to repeat the snore that was Bentley's quest with more bad first-person shooting and wandering in circles, I knew I was too tired of the gameplay to keep playing.”
“A lot of the mechanics felt like gimmicks that didn't make the best use of VR, like waggling the Wiimote instead of pressing a button, but Dave the Diver shows you can survive on gimmicks as long as there's a lot of them, they're individually entertaining, and don't outstay their welcome.”
“That's the wrong way to expand gameplay.”
- story4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story features engaging elements like the breakout boss and charming office dialogue, but it ultimately falls flat as the gameplay becomes repetitive and tedious, particularly in the later sections like Groovyland. This leads to player fatigue and a lack of motivation to continue.
“The breakout boss and the 2D platforming sections were the most interesting for me, and the office dialogue was cute, but by the time I got to Groovyland and saw it was about to repeat the snore that was Bentley's quest with more bad first-person shooting and wandering in circles, I knew I was too tired of the gameplay to keep playing.”
- music2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with some users noting that while it may not reach the heights of the 1995 soundtrack, it effectively complements the pixel art style and enhances the overall experience. There is a desire among players for the original soundtrack to be more accessible, indicating its appeal.
“I didn't think the music on this one was as amazing as '95 (which I think deserved some serious awards), but the arrangements keep it in line with the pixel-ripped feel and tie everything together very well.”
“I can't find it on YouTube; you're going to make me buy the OST, aren't you?”
- graphics1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The graphics received mixed feedback, with some users finding the 3D levels uninteresting and criticizing the game's shift towards a Minecraft-like aesthetic.
“The graphics felt outdated and lacked the detail expected from a modern game.”
“The 3D levels had a Minecraft aesthetic that made the game feel unoriginal and dull.”
“Overall, the visual design was disappointing and did not enhance the gaming experience.”
Critic Reviews
VR charmer offers a nostalgic, sanitized version of Atari history
“Pixel Ripped 1978 brings Atari nostalgia to VR in a charming adventure that feels a little too removed from reality at times.”
60%Pixel Ripped 1978 review --- Nostalgia meets VR
Pixel Ripped 1978 is a fun, albeit short and flawed VR game that leans into nostalgia and gamers’ love for Atari, but unfortunately does little with the plethora of great Atari IPs available. Still, the concept is unique, the boss fights are creative, and the last third of the game makes up for the rather lackluster beginning. For those with a strong sense of nostalgia, Pixel Ripped 1978 is worth checking out, but for those with no connection to the Atari time period your enjoyment may vary.
60%Pixel Ripped 1978 Review (PSVR2)
Pixel Ripped 1978 is a fun look back to a special time in the world of gaming that is as irreverent as it is entertaining.
68%
