VR Gaming at Sega, Akihabara

Virtual Reality (VR) gaming is still a very new gaming medium.  Even at events such as Tokyo Game Show, VR is still in the minority, seen as an intriguing and exciting way to play and experience a game but not reaching its potential.  One of the barriers I can see right now for VR really taking off is the infrastructure required, and I don't meet just the electronics.  Just looking at some of the VR games in action from the outside, you realize that VR requires considerable real estate to work.  Whether it's a VR "vehicle" or one of the games where you walk around, more space is required than the console or even typical arcade game.  In today's world where the majority of our electronics are getting smaller, VR is a step in the different direction.

Still, the idea of getting immersed in the game environment is a new and exciting one.  So, early in 2018, several of us had our first experience with VR gaming at Sega, Akihabara.  The game was Mortal Blitz, set in outer space, and the objective of the game was to survive attacks from hostile, nasty looking aliens who'd invaded the space station.  The player is armed with an automatic rifle (equipped with a laser sight to ensure you get your target) and would need to gun down the attacking aliens, walk around the space station while opening doors and navigating the base order to reach your allies.

Your humble blogger, shooting at some virtual baddies

Unfortunately, it is a one player game.  Though you can play at the same time as others, you're each in your own game.  But that was the only bone I could pick with this game; it was truly fun, exciting, and definitely an experience I'd recommend to any gamer who'd never tried VR before... or even any non-gamer.

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It's also very cool/funny to observe your friends in battle from outside of the VR 

On another occasion, some of us tried Tower Tag, one of the other VR offerings at Sega Akihabara.  Unfortunately no photos from that experience, but it is a multi-player (2 or 4) shooting game where the objective is to eliminate other players while traversing towers.  Not too much walking here, as you'll be swinging from tower to tower, but some evasive maneuvers are needed to emerge victorious.

Without going too much into detail, (and believe me, any attempt to describe what we seen and experienced through those VR headsets is quite a challenge), for all of us the VR experience was totally fun and immersive, and highly recommended to gamers and non-gamers.



Recommendations:
- Wear clothes/shoes comfortable for walking (no high heels!)
- Make reservations online before going.  Walk-ins are okay, as they will take you in if there's a slot available, but if none are available soon be prepared to wait at least a couple of hours until you get your chance.
- Though Mortal Blitz is a one player game, go with a friend or more, so that you can have someone take the essential photo of you in the VR gaming gear.



Specifics:
VR Gaming at Sega Akihabara
Cost: 1500 yen per game, per person for Mortal Blitz, 1000 yen for Tower Tag