The day before yesterday, we introduced you to the VR Arena Zurich in more detail. Of course, we weren't just there to chat, but also to put the exclusive shooter game through its paces.
As we had already learnt a bit more about the game during the interview, we didn't need much of an introduction. We knew that we would be working semi-cooperatively. This means that we play together against the aliens who shoot us, but in the end it's also about who gets the better score or kills more aliens. In principle, everyone has an unlimited number of shots, but this only applies as long as you are still in the green zone, i.e. you have not been hit too often. In order to recharge yourself, you need the help of your fellow players. They have to heal you with a virtual beam on your back.
With equipment in the game in no time
After our names were entered, we were allowed to equip ourselves with the backpack and the VR headset including headphones. We were then directed to two marker points. What amazes me every time is the fact that no VR game supervisor has ever been able to say exactly whether spectacle wearers should leave their glasses on or take them off. In the VR Arena, too, the answer was a frowning: "Try it."
After my colleague had decided to leave the glasses on (note: they worked without starting or pressing), I was handed the prototype of the weapon. It looks like nothing in real life. But it's completely different in the game itself. The game started very quickly and we found ourselves in a spaceship. After our carers had made sure that we could see the surroundings and the other players, the game started.
No selfies in VR, but a beautiful environment
As stranded heroes, somewhat reminiscent of Ironman, we found ourselves alone or in pairs on a planet. Unfortunately, you couldn't see yourself as an avatar. So a selfie was impossible.
We were hidden behind a few metal barrels and objects, which probably came from our spaceship and gave us some protection. There was a huge chasm on one side. The graphics of the virtual world were immediately impressive. The sky was coloured a beautiful violet-blue and a rock towered on one side, with a moon hidden behind it. I thought the level of detail in the environmental graphics and the landscape was mega cool.
A nervous finger helps
I was able to have a quick look around and spot a few things here and there before the aliens launched their attack. Tens of UFOs came from far away and kept shooting towards us. The motto was to twitch our fingers quickly. Every now and then, one of us would call out for help: "You have to load me, I can't shoot anymore." If a colleague is in trouble, you do it immediately, of course, because seconds later you're dependent on him again. Dodging was rather difficult. Sometimes I tried to duck, but it wasn't entirely clear when I was hit and where. I also frequently bumped my weapon against the real wall, which felt a bit weird.
But we spent several minutes shooting at the UFOs raging around us. After a while, larger ships also appeared and then even a Big Boss turned up. I threw into the room: "Can he shoot too?" But no sooner had I asked the question than we were able to take him down and the shootout with the little savages continued. But one big boss is not enough. A dragon soon appeared and we had to take it down. It couldn't shoot, but it could spit fire. But we managed that too and were finally picked up by a spaceship. Not without shooting at it first, of course, because we didn't know if it was an enemy. Friendly Fire - Oops!
After 10 minutes the fun was already over and we were able to check the high score list to see who had eliminated more aliens. The game was definitely a lot of fun.
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