Pixel Ripped 1995
- April 23, 2020
- ARVORE
- 3h median play time
Pixel Ripped 1995 is escapism at its finest, a nostalgic love letter to classic gaming that will transport you back to a simpler time.
Get on Steam"Pixel Ripped 1995" is a virtual reality game that takes players on a nostalgic journey through the golden age of 90s gaming. As Dot, a virtual heroine, you must navigate through a variety of 2D pixelated game levels and defeat bosses, all while dealing with the challenges of being a game character. The game cleverly integrates real-world 90s references and parodies, making it a fun and engaging experience for both old-school gamers and newcomers alike.
PC
Playstation 5
Virtual Reality
Windows
Oculus Quest
Oculus VR
PlayStation
PlayStation VR
PlayStation VR2
Reviews
- Pixel Ripped 1995 is a fantastic tribute to 90s gaming, effectively blending nostalgia with innovative VR gameplay.
- The game features a unique concept of playing a game within a game, which is executed well and keeps players engaged.
- Improved mechanics and storytelling compared to its predecessor, making it a must-play for fans of retro gaming.
- The game is relatively short, clocking in at around 3-4 hours, which some players feel does not justify the price.
- There are compatibility issues with certain VR headsets, particularly the Quest 3, leading to frustration for some users.
- Gameplay can feel inconsistent, with some mechanics being less polished and certain levels becoming frustrating due to awkward controls.
- story30 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its whimsical and relatable narrative, as well as its clever use of retro gaming references and meta humor. While some critiques mention issues with tracking and certain story elements, the overall consensus highlights the engaging character relationships and enjoyable storytelling, making it a standout experience in single-player VR gaming. Players also note that the game can be enjoyed independently, even for those unfamiliar with its predecessor.
“The story was great too, I related a lot to it.”
“Best single player VR storytelling game I've ever experienced.”
“The characters are funny, the story is wholesome and the main character Dot is a great co-protagonist.”
“There are points off for tracking, some story aspects, and the final fight.”
“A game can have stunning visuals, but it also needs a solid story to back it up.”
“In 1995 there is definitely a bigger focus on story and character relationships outside of Dot and your master wizard, and I thought it was great to feel part of David Kenes' family.”
- gameplay30 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Pixel Ripped 1995" is a nostalgic blend of 90s gaming styles, featuring innovative mechanics that effectively integrate VR elements. While some players appreciate the clever design and variety, others find certain aspects uninspired or lacking polish. Overall, the game offers a unique experience that captures the essence of childhood gaming, though its short length and some gameplay inconsistencies have led to mixed opinions on its value.
“The gameplay is innovative and challenging.”
“Aside from the award deserving soundtrack, the gameplay itself is masterfully done and encompasses so many nods to various games and styles in the 90s.”
“This game is fantastic, the length is just right for the story and the game mechanics are clever and use VR wonderfully.”
“Overall, I think this is worth a try; this is a short game (2-3 hours of gameplay), not worth full price (20€), though.”
“It tries to do many things: platforming, Mega Man-esque gameplay, 3D platforming. I say it tries because the overall gameplay is uninspiring and not as polished as it could be.”
“I hope the next time they spend more time fleshing out better gameplay, or licensing real home console/arcade games to skip that effort and focus more time on physics and poly count.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the nostalgic throwback to PS1-style visuals and vibrant colors, others find them disappointing and not realistic enough for a VR experience. Despite the graphical shortcomings, many users highlight that the unique aesthetic, engaging music, and innovative game mechanics compensate for the visuals, making the overall experience enjoyable. Overall, while the graphics may not be the standout feature, they contribute to a whimsical and fun atmosphere.
“The u32 was great, I loved the throwback to PS1 graphics and that era.”
“This game is so unique that it brings something new and amazing that no other game has done before with its whole aesthetic and game mechanics in VR.”
“Graphically nice and sharp with vibrant colors.”
“Second, while the music and voice acting are good, graphically this game is disappointing.”
“When I look for VR games, graphics would be one of the huge decision makers whether I get the game or not.”
“If that game were created with photorealistic graphics and more detailed 'worlds crossing,' that would be the best VR game in my opinion.”
- music13 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its immersive quality and nostalgic appeal, drawing comparisons to iconic soundtracks from the 90s like those of Zelda and Final Fantasy. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature that enhances the overall experience, with many expressing a desire to support the creators by purchasing the OST. While the graphics may not impress, the music and aesthetic contribute significantly to the game's charm and enjoyment.
“The soundtrack in this game truly is what makes it complete, just like many 90s games.”
“The music fits quite well and never feels out of place, enhancing the overall experience.”
“I had to download the OST and was very happy it was free, but extremely sad that I couldn't pay to help and support the amazing team who worked on this game.”
“This honestly opened my eyes in VR games, and made me think that VR games don't have to be super immersive through graphics, but could be really immersive and equally enjoyable through elements such as the whole aesthetic, music, and game mechanics.”
“A+++ to Moonsailor and all involved in the creation of the genius that is the Pixel Ripped soundtrack.”
- humor10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is widely praised for its humor, with players frequently laughing out loud due to its clever dialogue, meta humor, and nostalgic storytelling. The characters, particularly the relatable mother, contribute to a wholesome and funny experience, making it a standout in the retro/platformer genre. Overall, the humor is described as creative and engaging, enhancing the gameplay significantly.
“This is a wonderful and hilarious retro/platformer/'wait what the heck is going on' VR game.”
“I expected a retro game homage but there's also a ton of meta humor and weird nostalgic storytelling going on.”
“This is not really important in a game but, as for the humor in this game, I practically laughed the whole way because of the character's dialogue, especially the mother's because it was so relatable, and I enjoyed it even more because of that.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the collectible items and achievements that encourage multiple playthroughs, others find the short duration of 3-4 hours limits its overall replay value. Overall, it may be worth a few plays but lacks significant depth for extended engagement.
“This game is not just one and done either; it has replay value in the form of things to collect in the levels you play and achievements to accomplish in the levels as well.”
“It's not too long and there isn't much replay value, but overall I would say it's worth a few bucks.”
“Great game, but it lasts only 3-4 hours and has no replay value.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report that the game evokes strong emotions, with many experiencing tears multiple times due to its heartfelt story and relatable characters. The humor and wholesome narrative, particularly the dynamic with the main character Dot, enhance the emotional impact, making for a memorable experience.
“This game made me cry four times.”
“The characters are funny, the story is wholesome, and the main character Dot is a great co-protagonist.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is praised for its nostalgic immersion, effectively transporting players back to the 90s through its diverse and improved pixel art design. The incorporation of arcade elements in VR enhances this experience, making it a standout sequel that captures the essence of the era.
“Best type of sequel: diversified and improved, with all-new time periods and a similar nostalgic atmosphere.”
“There are parts of the game where you’re just playing an arcade game in VR, but the atmosphere in VR very effectively transports you back to that time in the 90s.”
“The atmosphere in VR very effectively transports you back to the 90s, but there are parts of the game where you’re just playing an arcade game in VR.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is significantly enhanced compared to its predecessor, featuring a more intricate narrative and deeper character arcs that contribute to a longer and more engaging adventure filled with innovative VR elements.
“The character development is significantly more involved than in the first game, enhancing the overall narrative and making for a longer adventure filled with great ideas and cool surprises.”
“The depth of character development truly elevates the storytelling, making each character feel more relatable and integral to the journey.”
“I was impressed by how the character arcs evolved throughout the game, providing a richer and more immersive experience than I expected.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks the depth needed to truly engage players.”
“I was disappointed by the lack of meaningful choices in character development; it felt like my decisions didn't matter.”
“The characters are one-dimensional and fail to evolve throughout the game, making it hard to connect with them.”
Critic Reviews
Pixel Ripped 1995 review --- A lovingly crafted VR homage to the 90's
Pixel Ripped 1995 is a fantastic game which expertly combines well-crafted game homages and VR features to provide an enthralling, albeit short but well-paced, adventure. DOT’s never-ending battle against the evil Cyblin Lord provides the perfect backdrop for this adventure, and the surprisingly heartfelt story about family adds an extra layer to an already impressive game. Those looking for a hit of nostalgia or just a well-rounded VR game need look no further.
90%Pixel Ripped 1995
A quick jaunt through nostalgic gaming history that is remarkably fun and packed full of pop culture references from the early to mid 90's. +A fun gameplay loop that doesn't get stale thanks to alternating perspectives. +Playing games within the game is front and center as a prime feature +Only those extremely sensitive to it will experience motion sickness due to the lack of locomotion -Awkward controls while using the Dual Shock and while using the motion controllers was a big hindrance. (Reviewed using PSVR on the PS4 Pro, also available on Windows using the Oculus Quest)
80%Pixel Ripped 1995 PSVR Review
Pixel Ripped 1995 pulls off a remarkable magic trick, slamming players back in time to the gaming days of the mid-90s. With brain-twisting challenges and a solid dose of nostalgic delight, Pixel Ripped 1995 is an amazing romp through the games of yesteryear, combined with amazing modern mechanics. Highly recommended.
90%
