Have you heard about ObliViaR? It’s a new VR experience spot opened in the old Frankie and Benny’s restaurant building up at Clifton Moor. We got to have a sneak peak at a press open event recently. Now, I will say off the bat that I thought it was an incredible experience, but let me talk you through it first (I just wish I could show you photographs of what we actually experienced, but I can’t!)
You’ve probably seen VR headsets in the past. They are placed over your eyes so that you feel completely immersed in the digital world it shows you. The headsets also come with built in speakers to add to the atmosphere. (Tip: wear contacts if you have them, you can wear glasses with them but I find contacts more comfortable). You also hold hand controllers that allow you to use your hands to pick things up (or shoot zombies!).
You can then choose what game you would like to play. We tried out ‘Chronosphere’ a virtual escape room (we do love an escape room!). The four of us were placed in a huge room (‘arena’), and could see and interact with each other during the game. The graphics are so realistic, you absolutely feel like you are in a different world. In this game, we needed to solve puzzles to progress around a dungeon like space.
ObliViaR has three large ‘free roam’ arenas that can accommodate 6-8 players. What this means is that you are not wired to the ceiling and can move freely around the space. You don’t need to worry about bumping into the other players as you can ‘see’ them in the digital space and if you come too close to the walls, you are also warned, so no fear there.
There are also some individual spaces if you are not playing as part of a group.
The screens that you can see in the photo above are not for you, they are for anyone accompanying you to get an idea of what you are seeing.
It’s good to know that the building and equipment is also very accessible for wheelchair users. Oh, and the staff were lovely, friendly and helpful too!
More practical stuff – there is a small cafe with tables at ObliViaR where you can buy drinks and snacks while you wait or after a session. I have taken photographs of the menus for you (I always like to see these).
I wholeheartedly recommend that you give it a go, I think you (like me) will be amazed!
