A primary function of virtual reality (VR) is to immerse the user and simulate a realistic audiovisual experience.
But what happens when you mix unrealistic retro 8-bit flat gaming with VR?
You get Pixel Ripped, a VR homage to the days when classic gaming was still young.
The retro-inspired VR game franchise launched in 2018 with its first title, Pixel Ripped 1989.
In the game, the player assumes the role of a second-grade student and video game fan named Nicola.
And even though Nicola isn’t allowed to take her portable gaming system with her to school, she does anyway.
Nicola embarks on a VR-enhanced 8-bit quest to defeat the Cyblin Lord, who has torn Dot’s world apart.
He can break through the video game screen to invade the real world, which is a problem.
Nicola must help Dot save both realities by overcoming challenges in the game.
After the events of the first game, Dot returned in the sequel, Pixel Ripped 1995, in 2020.
The sequel saw Dot enter the world of 16-bit and 32-bit consoles, enlisting the help of nine-year-old David to balance multiple dimensions.
Now, developer ARVORE is preparing to release the franchise’s third title, Pixel Ripped 1978, later this year.
Modern Tech, Retro Gaming
ARVORE collaborated with Atari on the new game to make an incomparably authentic retro experience using modern gaming technology.
Art of Atari author Tim Lapetino directed the game art for Pixel Ripped 1978, and comic book artist Phil Noto designed the artwork.
Lapetino notes how Atari used dynamic artwork to convey the excitement of home video games in the 1970s and 1980s.
“Each Atari title came wrapped ina beautiful, hand-drawn bit of storytelling that bridged the gap between joystick reality and the electronic worlds within,” says Lapetino. “That artwork still resides in our pop culture consciousness, and we thought it would be quite appropriate to tap into that style for Pixel Ripped 1978. I considered quite a few artists for this game release, but at the end of the day, Phil Noto was the clear choice to capture that classic Atari Montage style.”
Pixel Ripped 1978 will take players through multiple dimensions as they take Dot and Pixel Ripped developer Bug on a new adventure.
In reality, Pixel Ripped is game designer Ana Ribeiro’s brainchild, born from her love of games and futurism.
Together with her Pixel Stone guardian, Dot travels through time and space to find the Cyblin Lord.
The Cyblin Lord wants to change the past and become the protagonist of the Pixel Ripped series.
But he’s willing to alter Bug’s past to carry out his plan, which still makes him the villain.
During the game, players will reconnect with familiar characters and meet new ones as they continue their quest.
According to the developer, “As you travel through two dimensions, you change the games within the game.”
At its core, Pixel Ripped is quite meta.
Among the game’s features are retro classics, unreleased betas, Easter eggs, and behind-the-scenes access to Atari’s iconic Sunnyvale studio.
Pixel Ripped 1978 will become available for PCVR, PS5, PSVR2, and Meta Quest 2 during summer of 2023.