That’s what we did at Sandbox, a new high-tech VR experience in Holborn that gives a whole new spin on a works team outing, or family day out.
It’s the first UK site for a brand that has taken US by storm as the next level in ‘competitive socialising.’
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Except this isn’t darts or crazy golf. Toting headsets, vibrating ‘haptic’ vests, Hollywood-style body tracking technology, and hand-held weapons, you are fully immersed in a virtual world, be it post apocalypse, swashbuckling pirates, Star Trek, or androids defending earth from an alien swarm.
Obsessed with HBO’s The Last of Us, we chose as a family to go the full Joel and Ellie in Deadwood Valley – staving off hordes of infected so brave scientists could flee with a cure.
The venue itself is gleaming and futuristic with separate gaming zones for groups of up to six, and post-play pods where you can relax with a drink while comparing scores and watching your highlights reel.
Gaming might only use your thumbs, but VR is like a mini workout. Not only is the kit weighty, but the adrenaline really pumps as you touch down in a town over-run by zombies, then transfer to the back of slaloming truck, and then into Deadwood Valley itself.
In the game you are a buff armoured soldier interacting with your team mates – if you die they touch your shoulder to revive you. But that won’t stop you screaming as the bats, dogs and zombies swarm at you.
Exhausted and exhilirated, at the end you are asked to dance for a video that you watch post-play – then it’s emailed to you for embarrasing repeat viewing.
We loved ‘Toni’ the robot bar tender, created by Makr Shakr, who poured cocktails and mocktails in vivid futuristic hues.
It can muddle, dance, and serve up to 80 drinks an hour.
Like the VR experience it left us shaken and stirred.
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Prices start from £35 per person and watch out for a much-anticipated Netflix Squid Games experience launching in late 2023.
Address: The Post Building, Museum Street, Holborn WC1A 1PB
Website: sandboxvr.com
