BOSS VR ARENA
Boss VR Arena was the first to break ground on Cleveland’s immersive entertainment scene — literally. After experiencing VR out of state with family, co-owner Brad Copley knew he had to bring it home to Cleveland. In March, the 1,512-square-foot arena featuring Zero Latency Technology’s system opened. By far, he says, the most popular game is Outbreak Origins. "Everybody loves to kill zombies," Copley laughs. “You always have fun when you scare yourself just a little bit." 1-8 players, $45, 18301 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, 216-938-6335, bossvrarena.com
SANDBOX VR
The graphics in Amber Sky 2088 are convincing. Just ask John Specht. By early November, Clevelanders will be able to don the haptic vests and trackers, which allowed Specht, Sandbox VR district leader of the eastern division, to be transported onto a stunningly realistic platform in space. "It wasn't the creatures, it was the height that got to me," he says. Afterward, players receive complimentary video of their antics. “This is more than just a niche,” Specht says. “This is going to be huge.” 2-6 players, $50-$55, 294 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, sandboxvr.com
SCENE75
For the newcomers and skeptics, consider Scene75’s residential HTC VIVE headsets and controllers on a pulley. Family and friends can watch players move within their own padded cubicle. Corporate director of marketing Maggie McCartney reassures the zombies are just as much an invasive nuisance, which is why she prefers the cheesy job simulator games. “It’s a really good introduction to VR because you’re getting these simple cutesy tasks," she says. 1 player, $10 for 15 minutes, 3688 Center Road, Brunswick, 234-803-1100, scene75.com/cleveland
VR isn’t just for gaming anymore, check out how it is being used across the city.
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