VR is here to stay. Better to embrace it than to fear it, I always say.
It's not all Black Mirror Bad. These VR experiences are filled with fun. When we were kids, we needed movies to imagine other worlds, now we have the tech to step foot in one. It'd be a shame not to make the most of the world's latest creations.
Besides, we're not robots...yet. But one of these spots does feature the first robot bartender in London. You'll have to read on to find out which one.
See you in the future.
VR in London: the best experiences
Otherworld VR
Otherworld is all about immersion. This VR experience is one that you don’t just see, but feel. Their immersion pods add extra sensory experiences to the mix. I’m talking temperature, wind and rumble. They can host up to fourteen players at a time - so next time you’re looking for a place to bring the crew, look no further. You can play games like fruit ninja, face your fears in a zombie apocalypse, or just explore virtual worlds with friends. The more you play, the more coins you earn. Those virtual coins, turn into real life coins that you can put towards drinks at the bar. We like their style. Just prepare yourself - it feels like stepping into the future. They have a location in Hackney and Victoria.
Cost
Prices range from £14-48 per person.
OTHERWORLD Hackney: 336 Acton Mews, Haggerston, Hackney E8 4EA; Otherworld
DNA VR
The perfect virtual reality arcade brought to life. DNA is all about games, and they have a lot of them. Sessions usually last an hour, although you can always extend or get a longer pass. They have all the things you’d hope for. Zombies, oceans, and aliens. Plus - they feature virtual reality escape rooms. DNA suits a fun couples night out for two, or a group adventure for six. It doesn’t disappoint, and there’s always new things to try. They have locations in Camden, Hammersmith, and Battersea.
Cost
Prices range from £22-40 per person
Units 1&2, 400-404 York Way, N7 9LR, London; DNA VR
Sandbox VR
Inspired by Star Trek’s Holodeck, Sandbox uses the same tech that the stars do. Perhaps thats why they’re backed by Katy Perry, Kevin Durant, and Justin Timberlake. This isn’t picking up sticks and playing a game, not even close. This is the “full body experience.” With haptic suits and 3D sensors, you transform with the game. While your friends duke it out in the VR studio, you can sip and watch them fight on the screens. They can fit groups up to 6. But here’s the real kicker. They have a robot bartender. Yup. Her name is Toni and she can make just about anything you like. I’d like to take Toni home with me, but until then, I’ll be frequenting Sandbox.
Cost
Prices range from £30-50 per person
The Post Building, High Holborn, London WC1A 1PB; SandBox VR
Navrtar VR
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Navrtar is for those that need more than just VR. They need options. They’ve got a big free roaming space so you can actually move while you play your favorite arcade games. But they also have augmented reality dart games. It’s basically just a whole playhouse of tech, but with alcohol and for adults. It’s easy to learn, and there’s plenty of things to do to make a night of it. VR sessions are 30 minutes, darts can go up to 60. Navrtar is built for groups. So get a couple friends together and make the most of this modern world!
Cost
Prices range from £24-35 per person
Dickens Yard, Longfield Avenue, Ealing, W5 2UQ; Navrtar VR
IFly Indoor Skydiving and VR flight
Let’s be honest: flying to America is expensive. Skydiving in America through VR technology? Do-able. This is perhaps one of the coolest of the new VR experiences. IFly figured out how to simulate the feel of free floating in the air. Now, you can see it too. I don’t know about you but this seems like the perfect practice test before going up in that plane. Why not make a day of it? Go to the stadium to fly, and then finish the night with a fight or a concert. Birthday itinerary? Check.
Cost
Prices start at £99.99 per person
iFLY UK Indoor Skydiving at The O2, 02 Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX; IFly
VR gambling
This is one you don't even have to leave home for. (As long as you have an Oculus Quest or HTC Vive, that is.)
Virtual reality (VR) gambling combines immersive technology with traditional gambling experiences, allowing players to engage in casino games in a 3D environment. Here’s how it works and what makes it unique. Players wear VR headsets and enter a virtual casino, where they can interact with realistic 3D graphics, sounds, and animations. VR gambling includes various games such as poker, blackjack, roulette, and slot machines, often enhanced with unique features not found in traditional online bingo games.
The immersive nature of VR can increase engagement, making players feel as if they are genuinely part of the game, which can lead to longer play sessions.
