Pixel Ripped 1978 PSVR 2 Review

Game:	Pixel Ripped 1978
Publisher:	Atari
Developer:	ARVORE Immersive Experiences
Genre:	VR, Action, Adventure
Age Rating:	7+
Other Console/Handheld Formats:	Quest 2, Quest 3
Related Sites:	Atari

The Pixel Ripped series continues to impress, and Pixel Ripped 1978 is no exception. Following the success of its predecessor, Pixel Ripped 1995, the latest entry in the series brings the same captivating game-within-a-game concept. Fans of retro gaming and VR alike will find much to love in this charming Atari inspired journey.

Pixel Ripped 1978 follows Dot, the plucky video game heroine, as she faces off against the villainous Cyblin Lord once again. This time, she’s joined by Barbara ‘Bug’ Rivers, a fictional programmer at Atari, and clearly a workaholic. The inclusion of Atari branding provides an authentic touch that fans of classic gaming will appreciate.

The game doesn’t shy away from leaning into its retro roots. It has a great sense of humour, though some of the jokes do repeat a little too often, particularly from colleagues when working in Bug’s office. There are also clever references to significant moments in gaming history, such as the 1983 industry crash in the US and the infamous ET game flop—moments that are woven seamlessly into the narrative.

Thanks to its official Atari backing, Pixel Ripped 1978 includes several references to classic titles like Breakout, Crystal Castles, Fast Freddie, and Yars’ Revenge. These offer some fun times, and you’ll experience various 2D gameplay moments that hark back to the 1970s/early 80s. The game’s debugging mechanic, which brings to life short mini-games inspired by classics like Centipede, Missile Command, Asteroids, and Adventure, adds another fun layer of nostalgia.  Also, with appearances from actual Atari consoles like the iconic Atari 2600, the game serves as a fitting tribute to an important chapter in gaming history. This integration of classic hardware into the VR experience is both clever and heartfelt, making the game feel like a love letter to the past.

As expected from the Pixel Ripped series, the use of VR elevates the experience. While Dot embarks on her journey through 2D Atari games, she also explores voxel-style pixel worlds, transitioning between 2D and 3D gameplay seamlessly. This blend of retro and modern design keeps the game feeling fresh and engaging throughout, and also manages to combine them to great effect.

Once again, there’s optional gold cartridges scattered across both the 2D and 3D environments for you to find. These collectibles add a layer of replayability to the game, encouraging revisiting different sections in search of every hidden treasure.

The game packs plenty of ideas into its six-hour runtime. However, much like its predecessors, Pixel Ripped 1978 feels a little too short. While it’s clear that a lot of care has been placed into the game’s design, I can’t help but wish the adventure lasted a couple of hours longer. Still, for the time it does offer, the game delivers a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Pixel Ripped 1978 PSVR 2 Review Summary – A Charming VR Experience That Takes Us Back to Atari’s Golden Age

In short, Pixel Ripped 1978 is a nostalgic journey that taps into one of gaming’s most legendary eras, made all the better by VR. While it may be relatively brief and some humour quickly becomes old, it’s packed with creativity and references to classic gaming that will appeal to both retro enthusiasts and those looking for a unique VR adventure. Here’s hoping that we get to see more adventures from Dot and company in the future.