Atari renaissance continues with another fascinating retro release

While the company’s Warioware-inspired micro-game collection Atari Mania was probably better in theory than execution, Atari’s Recharged range of reimagined arcade hits have been largely superb, and the recently released Atari 50 is one of the best retro gaming compilations I’ve ever played. An interactive museum packed with videos, advertisements, stories and games, Atari 50 is a unique and fascinating collection of old-school classics that I can’t recommend highly enough. Continuing the company’s recent trend of interesting game releases, Atari has announced a brand new virtual reality title during this week’s Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco.

Launching later this summer, Pixel Ripped 1978 is the third game in the critically-acclaimed virtual reality series.

Unlike previous titles in the franchise (Pixel Ripped 1989 and Pixel Ripped 1995), the upcoming release will feature officially licensed retro games from Atari, instead of fictional titles inspired by the popular games of the time.

Players assume the role of a new Atari recruit named Barbara, whose job is to fix bugs using an inter-dimensional tool that allows her to journey within Atari game worlds.

Taking place in Sunnyvale, California circa 1978, you can even explore the fabled Atari headquarters at the height of the golden age of video games.

“In Pixel Ripped 1978, players will experience the magic and wonder of the blossoming video game industry during the golden age of home entertainment,” reads the official description.

“Through the eyes of the game’s protagonist, Dot, players will travel between dimensions as they play games within games; a multi-layered adventure full of retro classics, unreleased gems, and undiscovered easter eggs.

“The collaboration with Atari means even more retro gaming goodness, as players will even be able to explore the iconic Atari headquarters in Sunnyvale, California.”

Based on the gameplay trailer (above), featured Atari games include Fast Freddie, Crystal Castles and Yars’ Revenge.

Players will seemingly be able to sample authentic versions of the aforementioned games using an in-game console.

The twist, of course, is that you’ll also be able to experience brand new and wholly original 3D versions of the same games when you travel between dimensions.

It all plays into the wider Pixel Ripped story and characters established in the previous games.

Pixel Ripped 1978 is coming to PC, PSVR2, Meta Quest 2, and PlayStation 5 this summer.

PC, PS VR2, Meta Quest 2, and PlayStation 5 this summer.