Introduction to the Void
I felt like I had stepped directly into Ready Player One because the staff on the Void strapped me right into a virtual reality suit for what would quickly change into my favorite experience on the Mall of America. The VR suit I strapped into had some heft to it—not too heavy, but heavy enough to make me feel like I used to be wearing armor. This was fitting on condition that I used to be about to virtually placed on Stormtrooper armor and immerse myself in Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire developed by the Void, ILMxLab, and Lucasfilm.
First Impressions
I didn’t know what to anticipate once I pulled as much as the Mall of America and walked over to a modern-looking shop across from the North Food Court. I first noticed the staff acting as brand ambassadors, attempting to coach and wrangle the casual mall-walking audience into the Void experience. I didn’t really realize how immersive the experience would actually be; I expected to be hooked right into a static suit inside a small room that restricted my movement, an idea reinforced by the series of VR suits hanging indiscriminately on the partitions as I entered.
The Experience
This impression was immediately shattered, nevertheless, as I suited up and entered the physical environment completely untethered to any computer or video-game set. The suit felt snug in a very good way and the headset was comfortable on my face, which is something the VR industry tends to struggle with. Before entering the experience, I used to be given a briefing by Cassian Andor, the spy hero from Rogue One, who instructed me that I can be going undercover as a Stormtrooper on a reconnaissance mission gathering intelligence on a special crate for the Rebellion. Secrets of the Empire not only left me wanting to return to the Void with a gaggle of my closest friends but additionally made me want more Star Wars experiences from the venue.
Immersive Elements
What’s incredible about this experience is the combo of VR with physical sensations. In one sequence, I needed to enter the key base by happening an elevator shaft, and I walked over to a Star Wars lift and pressed an actual lever to drop me down; I physically pulled the lever down, and I physically felt like I used to be happening. I felt like I used to be accompanying Chewbacca when Luke and Han try and sneak into the cell block to rescue the princess in A New Hope. There were also other moments of physical sensation, like standing on a moving platform that made me feel that I needed to watch out in order to not fall off and a blast of pure heat as I got near lava in a single sequence, a fairly amazing experience.
Combat and Interaction
I used to be just about done with all this sneaking around once I got to a small room complete with two blaster rifles for my partner and me. It felt exactly like I used to be carrying the Stormtroopers’ standard-issue blaster rifle, and I couldn’t wait to make use of it. Luckily, I didn’t should wait too long, as my partner unintentionally discharged their rifle, setting off a series of alarms complete with waves of Stormtroopers charging toward us. I needed to fight my inner urge to take off running Han Solo style after the enemies and as an alternative fastidiously walked through the corridors, blasting Stormtroopers as I went. The very best a part of the experience, though, is the haptic vest that you just’re wearing. When you get shot, the suit vibrates and heats up, making you are feeling such as you took a blaster bolt to the left side of your stomach.
Behind the Scenes
Afterward, I asked a number of questions of Taylor Thompson, general manager of the Void’s Mall of America location. He explained to me that the majority of his clientele are available in specifically for Star Wars and enter with the identical static VR expectations I’d had. Thompson explained that the brand ambassadors outside the door help dispel this stereotype as they recruit customers to this very unique experience. He also echoed my sentiments in regards to the technology as we focused our conversation on the incredible haptic suit, which was inbuilt partnership with Oculus.
Conclusion
As I left the venue, I began texting my closest friends and attempting to coordinate our next joint event on the Void. Thompson also noted there’s rather more to come back when it comes to unique VR experiences: a brand new one is coming in December, and while he didn’t reveal the main points, he feels it’s going to blow people away. I used to be impressed with the experience and would recommend that everybody within the Twin Cities go and take a look at the Void. I promise the experience is definitely worth the visit. With its immersive gameplay, interactive elements, and realistic sensations, the Void is an experience unlike another, and it’s definitely a must-visit for any fan of Star Wars or virtual reality.
