Pixel Ripped 1995 PSVR 2 Review
| Game: | Pixel Ripped 1995 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | ARVORE |
| Developer: |
Before trying Pixel Ripped 1995 on the PSVR2, I had heard of the Pixel Ripped series, but it wasn’t until I played it that I truly understood what I had been missing out on. These games offer a genuinely unique experience that are made even more remarkable due to the magic of modern day VR.
Pixel Ripped 1995 immerses you in the role of Dot, a video game character who teams up with David, a skilled young gamer in the real world. Together, they embark on a mission to save both the physical and virtual dimensions from the clutches of the Cyblin Lord. This ingenious game-within-a-game concept seamlessly comes to life in VR and also proves to be a source of nostalgia with its nod towards a number of beloved gaming classics.
In the game’s opening scenes, you’ll find yourself inside David’s living room. It’s as straightforward as grabbing the iconic Pixel Ripped cartridge, inserting it into the console, and hitting the power switch. The true magic unfolds as you shift your gaze toward David’s TV, instantly immersing yourself in a game within a virtual version of the real world. The sensation of playing a game within this digital realm is genuinely enchanting. Before you know it, virtual characters start escaping from the game, turning things on their head as Dot and David form an alliance. You’ll control Dot from a third-person perspective through David’s eyes and take charge of David through a first-person view, with a controller visible in his hands.
The game’s diversity shines through in various ways. You’ll need to employ tactics to distract David’s videogame disapproving mother for example, whether it’s using items like a foam gun or stealthily turning off the TV when she investigates in-game noise when David should be sleeping. Furthermore, there are segments where Dot and David join forces (including in some memorable boss fights), enabling David to utilize real-world objects in specific sections of the game. The incorporation of little games inspired by classics like Super Metroid, Sonic, Donkey Kong, Castlevania, Streets of Rage, Starfox, Road Rash, and Zelda adds an extra layer of diversity to the experience.
Revisiting levels holds an incentive, as you have the opportunity to discover gold cartridges in every stage. This is welcome, especially since you might find certain games more appealing than others. However, with a relatively brief playtime of 5 to 6 hours, you do transition from one game to the next quite swiftly, which of course aligns with the game’s nature.
The game’s cartoonish presentation is very likeable, and the enhanced visual fidelity that the PSVR2 offers undoubtedly makes it one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the game. In the audio department, Pixel Ripped 1995 treats you to some fantastic chiptune music and well-crafted sound effects, fully immersing you in its retro world. However, the somewhat repetitive voice acting, while serviceable, can occasionally become a tad grating due to hearing certain lines over and over again, particularly from David’s nagging mother.
Pixel Ripped 1995 is a magical, unforgettable, and clever VR game. It’s always fascinating to see where the game takes you next with its nostalgia. However, it’s also a game that left me yearning for more, as its relatively short playtime of 5 to 6 hours pulled me swiftly from one gaming experience to another. I’m eagerly looking forward to future Pixel Ripped games, but in the meantime, I’m eager to explore what I may have missed in Pixel Ripped 1989. I also hear that there’s a Pixel Ripped 1978, which was released this past summer.
