1976 - Back to midway

With this game and 'Operation Warcade' Ivanovich games have a winning formula that should be baked into all of their games: > Take an old arcade game. > Put the player in the cabinet and in front of a screen - But *make that screen 3D* > Then have moments where the game goes into full immersive VR. > Don't take yourself too seriously and make a gaming experience that is just fun, and addictive. After playing the demo over and over and after a short session with the full game, I can see that all of these juicy currents are there in the bun. It takes all of what made Warcade work and improves significantly on it. Basically, any game these guys make with that formula intact - I will buy. Wouldn't a Golden Axe game be fun? Huh? One day, the devs will (I hope) have built up and entire arcade of classics - and string them all together (i.e., don't waste your time on that other stuff you do!) This is simple, old school arcade fun. In a world that is crazy over-stressed, 1976 takes me back to that more simple, fun time.

I heard about this game a couple of weeks ago and the game intrigued me. I'm not a hard core gamer; I love the games from the 80s where there isn't a huge learning curve, you don't need to worry about constantly swapping out weapons, you don't need to figure out complex rules, you just need to click that start button and play. If you love those type of games that are fun with incremental waves that add challenge, you need to get this game. This is one of the few games I've purchased on its launch day and it did not disappoint. As soon as I was done with work for the day, I dove into it and played for 90 minutes (until my wife got home from work). I see many, many hours of playtime in the future. My only suggestion is that when using the VR controller to steer the plane in immersion mode, it would be nice to have an inverted controller option (I am not great at pushing forward to dive).

This game has full VR support. But it is hardly a VR title. It’s an arcade classic that I imagine some might find fun. But the Birds Eye view of the plane is not that much fun. This game also randomly has Yaw VR Motion Simulator support, which is sort of weird because of the non immersive plane flying you do. Occasionally you will enter first person mode and it actually is cool. But it mostly is just a bad game. Can’t professionally recommend for anything over $5

Ivanovich Games has done it again! While not their best VR game (Operation Warcade is an unrivaled masterpiece), this game 1976 - Back to Midway is still an exceptional game. It's basically part modernized arcade game 1942 and part first/third person vr shooter in game parts called Immersion Zones. These immersion zones are ok, but are by far the weakest part of the game. But they do serve well as a break time for the arcade part and offer something special for VR players. The game also includes ways to spend coins obtained in the game to buy things that make your plane more powerful, etc. This is a nice touch.. Overall, like any Ivanovich game, you can tell a lot of care was taken to make the game as good as it could be. There are tons of great in game artwork and voice overs that explains what your doing, your VR sitting area is well designed to make you feel like you are "there" in VR. Even the wonderful ending, caters to this being a VR game. It's a well done game and continues to make me an Ivanovich games fan. And if your up to more action, there is a sequel game that ups the action even more!

I think i really needed a game like this, because ive been playing this non stop all day (christmas 2020 lol). As a "Bullet hell" game with 1st person sections while not perfect, it feels polished, and is really fun. Gameplay is simple, the "2d" part is like similar games, enemies come, you avoid their bullets, you shoot them down. There are no "bombs" and only 4 powerups (shield, helper planes, max weapons power and extra life, that makes your plane super big, but will go back to normal after 1 hit), In my opinion the powerups are a lackluster. The coolest part is the "immersion" sublevels, there are 2 per level, where you get into a 1st or 3rd person view kinda on rails, as in you can move around but not control the speed. When in the cockpit view, you can see a working radar and other little details that are very nice. I found it cool that the immersive missions arent all a "repeat" of the same mission, they try to change things up a little bit each mission, but like one time you are inside the cockpit, then you are outside the plane, then you are in a fixed turret... not huge changes, but im ok because that way its not overwhelming. My only complaint is that for some reason my weapons powerups dont translate to this immersive parts, and im always stuck with this lame slow machine gun. For progression, aside from the story missions, You grab coins during the missions, that you can then use to buy improvements to your ship weapons and defenses. (i LOVED that its not a 1hit death, your ship gradually starts to break down the more hits you get, and slowly regenerates after a bit) I felt the progression was on spot, like i started upgrading depending on what i think i needed help with. (but upgrading into the coin multiplier as soon as possible is a good idea) I think it should take like 1.5~2hrs to finish the game just playing each mission once, which i think its a really really good for the price. Im not really sure about the time, because i went back and replayed a LOT of levels again and again, repeating levels i found particularly fun, and... honestly to grind levels that give tons of coins. so i could improve my ship faster. Instead of focusing on finishing the story... by the time i did that... i was pretty upgraded so it wasnt hard... But make no mistake, the game is NOT an easy game, later levels really get hectic. I even started going for the highscores, im not made for them, but im not too shabby :) Definitively not a purchase i regret, i got it in the Nostalgia VR bundle and i think it was a bargain. Totally recommended.

This game is FUN!!! X-Large screen for old school play is very well implemented and I love transitioning to immersive 1st person. Not stingy on power-ups or upgrades. Can take upgrade back to levels you had trouble on at any time. Very cool how this is presented in VR! Really enjoyed my 1st few hours on demo and decided to purchase.

It was quite fantastic to do 1976 in 3D view But I see several limitations, 1) It is very difficult to control the plane, which is not a very fun, but just annoying way. 2) It frequently changes between two view modes (3rd person's view, 1st person's view) It gives fruitful experience, but disturbing integrative game play and I feels just like some combination of mini game. + Actually I was using VR Controller(HTC Vive), it might have been much better with a classic controllers.

Wow !! Ivanovich nails the genre !! Great old school arcade feeling transcribed on modern VR technology ! Good visuals and music & sounds, a solid gameplay, a progression system well balanced ! Bravo to the devs, you make fantastic games, totally rock !! Big YES !!

Wonderful fun game for when your in the mood for just shooting stuff, Love the retro feel "i remember playing the original 1942 in the arcades" yes im ancient, Works great "no bugs yet". We need more of these retro games. Keep up the good work. Ps i love "Time Pilot" if your looking for ideas ;D

Very fun. I refer to this kind of title as "Modern Retro". Classic retro gameplay, with modern aesthetics and tweaks. I really believe the best modern retro experiences, can be realized in VR, this being a great example. VR can add to the classic concepts, in ways that no other approach can. Rock on!

Awesome game with a 1943 and Sky Force Anniversary/Reloaded vibe, but in VR! Definitely hoping to see more VR games like this in the future. That said, adding remote and local coop would be a welcomed addition.

This is a neutral review. 1976 is an old school top-down shooter in VR arcade cabinet. It is fun for a while, but lacks variety. And 1st/3rd person minigames suck ass. 1976 uses VR mostly for visual flair, most of the gameplay is classic 2D arcade. There is an option to control the plane with virtual stick, but touchpad is way more precise and reliable. As a top-down shooter it is ok: action is frantic and fun. But enemies, environments and especially bosses lack variety. On most levels there are 2 optional minigames that change perspective to 1st or 3rd person for a short mission. This feels terrible, arcade controls make no sense in an actual 3D: the plane strafes around instead of turning. And visuals while looking fine from top-down far away POV, are quite ugly from 1st person perspective. Sadly, despite those minigames being technically optional, they are usually needed to be beaten to get enough stars to unlock the next part of the game. I had some issues with game performance on my system (Radeon RX 6800XT and Reverb G2), but no one else seems to report it, so it might be something on my side. Works on Reverb G2 with XBox or native motion controllers

Fun little blast from the past if you remember the old Capcom 1940s games from the 80s its the same thing except in VR if you remember those games then there isnt much more i can tell you otherwise if not its basically shoot every thing that moves and dodge the bullets pretty simple Its about 3 hrs long, runs smooth, i did have one glitch where my plane wouldnt appear on screen other then that played great.

Very fun & comfortable VR game to play! It gives you that old school shoot em up vibes you grew up on. I like how Ivanovich Games incorporated the old school top down view with some 3D bonus segments throughout each level. I will say that my favorite bonus segment is when you control the airplane in 3rd person mode. It looks so GOOD! I could play an entire game from this point of view. This game worked great in the Valve index AND the Pimax Crystal. Because of the Crystal's high resolution and local dimming panel, the colors look very nice. I recommend this game for anyone who likes classic shoot em up games. My few critiques would be - -I wish the game had more levels and bosses to fight. -I wish there was more variety in the boss fights. Alot of the boss fights were pretty similar. -Adding more 3D popout to the background scenery. It would make the game feel even more immersive. It did feel a little flat. The biggest moment you feel the 3D popout effect is when fighting the end stage bosses. They leap out from the background more. I also recommend 2076 by the same developer, Ivanovich Games!

it is a lot of fun. For less than the price of a hamburger, I'm getting a lot of enjoyment out of this game. you really can't go wrong. very good value!

Its a lot of fun. Plane is alway calibrated a bit to near to the face. Would really like to be able to also progress in 2D on SteamDeck. No Elements of this really require it to be in VR. The "story" elements should be easier to skip. I'd almost put 4 hours into this on the first time firing it up. It's one of these, just one more level, just one more upgrade-games. Now my face hurts, but i'm smiling.

Arcade Classic IN VR - 1976 - Back to Midway 1976 - Back to Midway has taken an arcade classic game series and performed VR magic on it. Where to start. The game has multiple views of VR play style. You start immersed into a VR arcade / time machine looking at a 3D flat screen, where planes will fly over your shoulders into the battle. As you are blown away by that, you fly into an immersion icon. BAM, you are now in a VR cockpit of a plane, flying the level. Also it has a immersion mode where you are behind the plane in VR. It feels like you are flying a toy plane through the level. The game will blow you away with its VR effects. So many WOW moments. There are many different modes of control. You can even use a game controller if you want. You can play it in an easy arcade style, or more immersive sim mode, or a mix of both. You will find a control method that works for you. The classic gameplay remains intact, but with amazing VR visuals. You will remember those old arcade days, but in new VR ways. The game has tons of missions and loads of upgrades for your plane, giving you lots of play time and pimping out your plane on the way. This game is perfect for any of the arcade 1940 series fans, you owe it to yourself to play this. If you are into bullet hell game play, this is a title for you. Looking for new and exciting VR experiences, this game covers it as well. Just download the demo, and you will be hooked. Watch my preview here, https://youtu.be/eN6APj5DTrw

Fun, fast paced action that rewards you with power ups and gadgets to get from barely to the level through you're invicible. The immersion zones lack details and sag in comparison to the regular game, its controls are by default different to the rest of the game but redefinable. Not sure this needs to be a VR title but if you have a VR set and like to simple shoot up some planes and stuff with a retro feeling for the 80s - don't hesitate. Get in the cockpit and give it a spin.

This is still just a vertical scrolling shoot 'em up, but implements some fun quirks owing to the VR platform. Fun from a viewpoint of nostalgia of the classic arcade games. Still a simple game, but amusing experience for those that remember the old.

Sometimes things on paper just should not work. What good is a 2d scroller in VR Those were my thoughts when purchasing this game. It turns out it brings a whole new amazing experience to retro style classics and this has been done exceptionally well. I have no negative comments about this game as its just a good fun blaster and the visuals are amazing. Just as addictive as the old 1942 arcade classics and you will find time flying by with its addictive playability.

Wow fun game! Definitely worth the 5 bucks when it is on sale. I love this for the VR support. Immersion mode needs some work as the controls feel a little clunky (using a DS4), but other than that I am having a blast!

I just got done playing the first 2 levels and this game is a hella lot of fun! It looks great imo and the levels are fun! The developers did a really good job on this one. Can't wait to hear what the scientist has to say next (I forgot his name haha) If you like this then you should also check out Operation warcade!!

This is a very charming little game. The way it changes up perspective from arcade overhead into first person in the cockpit of a plane (and sometimes 3rd person) is really cool. I was shocked to find my VKB Gladiator hotas and almost every controller I own works perfectly with this game. It's a very fun game and the price is reasonable. I really have no complaints, the game was more than I expected it to be. Games like this deserve more recognition.

A re-imagining / sequel of an old school classic shooter with a VR face lift. It's fun and challenging. There is a great amount of variety and an upgrade system. Highly recommend!

Really neat concept. Good graphics. Unfortunately, too cumbersome with the controls. Too much going on in the screen at times. I really wanted to like this game and have given it several chances. But, just don't find it that enjoyable to play anymore. After playing a little bit more and getting more comfortable with the game, I have to admit I may have been a little too critical in my initial review. It does take a little getting used to. But after that it is a pretty neat arcade-style game which is good to play when you have a little bit of time to escape in VR.

This game is awesome! Well done! I loved the arcade games and was definitely curious to see if it could live up to those and it did. Will be playing this game for a long time.

Great game, really enjoyable. Only 2 things I would change: Firstly lower the power of the guns but make them fire faster to up the pace of gameplay. Secondly, make the aircraft bank in the immersion sections. Doesn't have to be realistic but as it is it lacks feeling and kind of chucks you back out of the moment.

Another great Nostalgia / VR mix from Ivanovich Games, I love both this and Operation Warcade. These games have great graphics and sound, and combine old school classic games with "new school" VR immersion. Really clever ways of bringing VR and traditional arcade gaming together. I love it, fast paced action, good challenges and online leaderboards. This feels as cool as the first arcade machines I played, in the same "wow this is the future" way, not in a nostalgia way. 9/10 Seriously good value, would feel like a child of the 80s, in an arcade for the first time, again.

Wow....another great game by these developers! Can't wait for more. I like the fact that you basically have unlimited lives, but you need to earn stars to advance very far. The Stars are quite challenging to obtain, so I will need to just keep trying, I guess. It is somewhat difficult to control your Plane, and get a good shot at the enemy planes, while both are moving at the same time, but that is what real combat is like up in the air. Great job, guys! Keep 'em coming.

Great retro VR game that captures the feel of the old arcade shooter with great graphics and for the price its definitely worth it. Positives: - Great graphics and effects - Great Gameplay - Good level up system - Decent amount of content Negatives: - Lack of variety in enviroments and bosses - The plane doesnt carry bombs

I absolutely love this game. I was skeptical going in because I wasn’t really sure how I felt about the idea of mixing this classic game in with modern VR, but the developers have managed to leverage the power of VR to enhance the original game play with a theater style environment while also adding new “immersion zone” elements that help to change things up and keep it interesting. Great work!

I always have a blast with Operation Warcade but I did not even know this game existed until the day it released. Once I saw it was from the same devs I purchased it immediately (I didn't even bother with the demo). This game is really fun and definitely holds up to my expectation from this developer. Not only is it a great game to show to non-VR people (no vr legs required) but the retro feel and gameplay are going to keep me jumping back in anytime I want to just sit back, chill and play some VR.

Not bad but not as great as I was expecting, or maybe not even good? Okay? Fine? Passable? First, I wish there were more planes. Second, I wish there was more variety for weapon customization. Third, immersion mode on the Quest 2 PCVR is wonky... Maybe I'm doing something wrong here but I've tried all the VR controller options, and on the immersive bomber I cannot maintain the sights in front of me as they swing hard left and right ( it worked properly once). ::Edit:: Immersion mode just blows. Like others have said, a flip and dive would be awesome and helpful. Where's my Super Bombs? I could use the top-down screen being situated lower and further away. And the "cut scenes" need to be situated lower so I'm not straining my neck up to see the images. Have had moments of lag. Caused me to check if I was still rocking a 3080. Good things. At half off, it's a decent experience. The jokes are funny at first but get tedious quick. The story is okay for the first few missions. Turns obnoxious quick. I like the insertion of Leaderboards for each level. Adds competition. Also, forces you to memorize and figure out the puzzle. Granted leaderboards do expose the truth that many people have gotten bored or quit the game after a few missions. I can suck on my first play through and end up in the single Benny's. Eh, it is what it is, and you know what it is. It's 1942 VR. The same game that's always pissed me off. I'm probably only playing b/c there is a leaderboard. It's really the only reason I'd recommend this game.

Fun little game that just goes to show that not everything VR related needs to be a first person room scale experience. I wish more VR games like this would start popping up.

I like the main gameplay asthetics but controls in the immersion zones are beyond clunky. If it wasn't for the immersion issues I'd thumbs up.

I think this game has some interesting ideas in terms of how they want to incorporate VR into this genre, but the core bullet hell shooter mechanics and feelings just fall short of existing bullet hell/ top down shooters that have come before it. I have a full review at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZdQGfAGSqw I'm open for discussion, I think there are many areas this game can improve in!

Very cute idea and works well in theory. In practice (on Oculus Quest 2 - perhaps other headsets) there is an issue where you continuously get closer to the screen until you can't see anything or reach the controls. I would have stuck with it if this issue didn't make it unplayable.

Excellent concept. Terrible execution. Wrought with problems. There is only one level. The whole game is just the one level over and over. I would love to see this concept materialize into something worthwhile. This just ain't it.

Played it in VR and it just felt bad, cheap and unsatisfying while having slowdowns on my 3090 when many particles were on the screen.

Totally unfair that this game is So Freakin kool spend your money and be overjoyed by a well made remake! Itsa Spicey metaball and 100% fun!!

A cool concept with inconsistent delivery. Some of it is great and other parts feel rather janky and gimmicky. I feel like it would thrive with some small tweaks and quality of life focus. Consider this close to neutral in terms of recommendation.

A LOT OF FUN! I got it on sale, and it was definitely worth it. Super addictive actually. I played this dev's other game Operation Warcade and loved it and this is along the same lines, but with an airplane. Retro meets VR. Love it. (by the way, these people also make the mariokart-esque game Touring Karts, which is also a lot of fun). Actually found this game when I played the demo for their other game 2076, which seems to take everything in this game and make it even better. Super psyched about that one! My only gripe is there are some audio issues where sometimes the sound gets much louder for some reason. Just a minor issue, but still wish they would fix it. Anyways, keep it up devs!

It's a nicely done arcadey style shooter made for VR. I feel a little guilty for getting it at a sale price. It is an easy recommend. I won't hesitate to buy from this developer again.

Great game, easy to learn, hard to master. Quick fix for your gaming fun.

This is an excellent arcade game. True VR/ topdown shooter! I jump in the game when I try and figure out what VR to game.

Very funny arcade game, it is like to play an arcade machine on a cinema screen. Recommended!

Most of the review hours tell the story. Whilst it's a cool idea, controlling the plane is horrible. Might of been a hesitant yes years ago when vr first came in, but these days just pass.

If you fed the old arcade game quarters...You're gonna want to pick this up. It will put a big ole nostalgic grin on your face.

Graphically very polished looking game, lots of fun!!!

On Oculus Quest 2 via air link and it works really well. Awesome idea for a game.