Ok, so its fair to say, I’m not a gamer. Yeah, I’ve played the odd game when I was a younger. I remember playing Disney Princess Games on my pink GameBoy. One Christmas I got a bright pink PS2. I still have it, and when I have nothing on, it occasionally comes out and I play a couple of my nostalgic games, my favourite being Simpsons Hit and Run. Currently, I don’t really play games. I do have the Sims 4 which I love, but does that count as a game? I think its more like a simulator than anything else (maybe thats why they call it Sims!). However, when I got the email asking if I wanted to try out Virtual Reality at Centre VR, I couldn’t turn it down!
I had no idea what to expect when it came to virtual reality. I have never done it before, and I always see it in those fail videos of people knocking over their TV screens as they get so involved in the game. It was I guess one of those things that I thought I would never do. I knew how expensive those VR masks were and I knew that I probably wouldn’t use one enough to warrant me ever getting my own! But, like I said, when I got the two emails from the Bournemouth Bloggers asking if I would like to go I knew I could not refuse both visits
On my first visit, I tagged along with some of Emma’s family for the soft launch of Centre VR. We had a go at a game of Tower Tag and we were terrible! I think we only managed to win like one or two rounds, but hey! It was fun and it brought out mine and Emma’s competitive side if nothing else! It took me a while to actually understand the game. As someone who has no real idea about gaming it was a little complex. However, in the end, I found out that the game was super simple, we just needed some better tactics!
On my second visit, I was with some of the Bournemouth Bloggers and it was so much fun. I said to Emma on our first visit that I really wanted another go at Tower Tag, but I really wanted to play against Harrison, as I wanted to win against him! Well, we had another try at Tower Tag and I never actually won a game against Harrison. Actually, I didn’t win a game all night! But, it was still so much fun!
Whilst we were there, we actually were able to play a few more games. I was able to fly a plane! I was ok at this one, however, this was the only game that made me feel funny! The only reason that I felt funny was because I decided to keep doing loop de loops in the sky which then made my head feel like it was all over the place and my head did not know how to cope!
The funniest game however, was one where you go up in a lift and have to walk a plank. You are like a 100 floors up in the air and looking down was not fun. This was one of the real games where you forget that you are in Bournemouth Town Centre. Deep down, I knew that I was on the ground in the centre of Bournemouth, but at the same time, I really did feel like I was up 100 floors on this tiny plank of wood! It’s fair to say that I don’t think I would chose this virtual reality game again!
The only reason that it was so fun was because I got to watch other people play it. It’s quite funny how ridiculous you look doing it. We watched Liz give this game a go and the amount of lunges she was doing because she didn’t want to leave the lift! It was just too funny. Harrison and I then thought that it would be hilarious if I went up and pushed her. Well Liz, if you are reading this then I am so sorry, but it was hilarious. (I also apologise as I feel like she was about to cry with fear! Love you!).
I also got to explore the Titanic which for me was the best thing that I did all night. If you know me well, you will know that I based my film coursework on the film Titanic. It fascinates me. So when I got to explore the Titanic in a submarine, I was sold! I really want to play this again as I would love to have some more time exploring. My task was to try and discover the Titanic under the water. At first, I wasn’t keen as it was pretty dark, but I went for it and all of a sudden, I saw the bow of the ship and I was in shock and unbelievably happy! I really felt like I was in the submarine seeing the Titanic in the flesh. I am 100% heading back to Centre VR just to play this game!
So, what is virtual reality like?
The only way that I can describe virtual reality is weird. It’s such a weird experience. As soon as you put on that mask its like you are transported into a different world. You feel like you are actually there, playing the game. I’m not sure how to describe it. It’s a weird experience, but one that I would definitely recommend. To begin with, the mask is a little weird and I understand how it could be quite nerve racking popping that mask on, however, it is so easy to whip off if you need to. The mask is also actually quite comfortable to wear. I really enjoyed the experience and would very much recommend that you try VR once as it is such a different experience.
There are a few Centre VR locations across the South Coast, with more opening up within the next few months. Currently, Bournemouth and Portsmouth are the only locations, however, there is going to be one in Southampton in West Quay soon and then also another one in Bournemouth that is going to offer a lot more choice of games than the Centre VR located in Bh2 Leisure.
I highly recommend that you give Virtual Reality a go, especially at Centre VR. There are so many games on offer and I really want to go back and try more. I definitely want to explore more of the Titanic experience, that was spectacular!
Ahh I wish there was somewhere like this near me, it sounds such an exciting adventure!! I really hope they come up north soon 😀 xx
elizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara
(I would love to follow each other on bloglovin if you like :D)
This is so cool! I love that something like this is in Bournemouth. Will have to visit!