Update 2:
https://twitter.com/mochi_wsj/status/898462385404379136
Update:
Trailer for VR Zone Shinjuku: https://youtu.be/PRv9GaEyFIc
More at the link: http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Trends/Bandai-Namco-brings-anime-to-life-with-virtual-reality-park
The 3500m² venue has 96 VR machines, Bandai Namco hopes it will generate revenue for its amusement parks.
Master the Kamehameha with Goku in 7 minutes, no really.
Or you can just ride a flying bicycle.
Approximately $39 for entry, Bandai Namco aims to have 1 million visitors to VR Zone Shinjuku by March 2019. Only four attractions to choose from currently.
Bandai Namco's virtual-reality entertainment facility "VR Zone Portal" is coming to London on Aug. 21. At Hollywood Bowl at The O2.
https://twitter.com/mochi_wsj/status/898462385404379136
Update:
Trailer for VR Zone Shinjuku: https://youtu.be/PRv9GaEyFIc
More at the link: http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Trends/Bandai-Namco-brings-anime-to-life-with-virtual-reality-park
A new virtual reality amusement center opened Friday in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. The operator, Bandai Namco Entertainment, has incorporated popular characters such as Goku of the "Dragon Ball" anime series and Mario from the "Mario Kart" video game into the center's attractions.
The 3500m² venue has 96 VR machines, Bandai Namco hopes it will generate revenue for its amusement parks.
For Bandai Namco, the goal is to generate revenue and give its amusement parks business a lift. Previously, it opened pop-up VR entertainment sites in Tokyo's Odaiba district and elsewhere. The permanent indoor park, VR Zone Shinjuku, is the largest of its kind in Japan.
On Wednesday, a private preview of the 3,500-sq.-meter space and its 96 VR machines was held.
Master the Kamehameha with Goku in 7 minutes, no really.
"Dragon Ball VR: Master the Kamehameha" drew particular attention from visitors. Players don headsets and headphones, beginning a journey in which they learn how to cast "Kamehamaha waves" -- a type of energy beam that Goku, the main character of "Dragon Ball," uses to attack his enemies.
Guided by Goku, players stand with feet apart, hands on hips. Flames leap from the players' palms. As tremors build, the players thrust their hands forward, shooting out the waves and shattering rocks in the distance.
Vibrations in the floor and sound from the headsets that respond to the players' actions enhance the sense of realism. The "Dragon Ball" adventure attraction lasts 7 around minutes, including the time needed to put on the VR gear. The park's other attractions run for about as long.
Or you can just ride a flying bicycle.
For the "Hanechari," or winged bicycle, attraction, Bandai Namco uses balloon-like equipment under the ride to enhance the sensation that the rider is on a flying bicycle. It also makes use of the standard VR headsets and headphones.
Approximately $39 for entry, Bandai Namco aims to have 1 million visitors to VR Zone Shinjuku by March 2019. Only four attractions to choose from currently.
...aiming to draw 1 million visitors to Shinjuku by March 2019. If it succeeds, it will buck the generally slumping trend for theme parks in Japan. Admission to VR Zone Shinjuku is 4,400 yen ($38.95) and includes access to four attractions.