Wild slopes with Mario and Peach, horror hospitals, and close-quarters shootouts up close. In the last part of our Japan trip, we head into virtual reality, specifically: the VR Zone Shinjuku. The highlight there is “Ghost in the Shell: Arise Stealth Hounds.” Our author Benedict would have given his last yen to keep diving into virtual reality there.
In a country where franchises of mangas and video games are on every corner, the future is just a step away. Between traditional arcades and contemporary nerd shops, VR centers are often found.
The largest of these virtual reality centers is the “VR Zone Shinjuku” in the same-named district of Tokyo. Located right on the edge of the entertainment district Kabukicho, it houses the largest VR facility in Japan.
Our author Benedict visited the VR temple on his journey and got a firsthand look at the technological achievements of our time. They bring the future a little closer.
VR? What is it?
VR, or virtual reality, is a fictional reality designed specifically for the respective program, a universe in which the user can immerse themselves. The special thing about it and the difference from video games is that the corresponding world is simulated directly around us.
To enable this, VR glasses are worn, which project the image of the surroundings directly onto our eyes through special lenses and rotate with our heads. The movements adapt to the body, and with very advanced programs, even the user’s body and thereby the spatial movement are simulated. Controllers are then no longer needed.
The technology is relatively new and is used for many things, most commonly for games in the broad masses. It differs from Augmented Reality (AR), where the existing world is used and extended through digitization.
The VR Zone: A real virtual playground
While VR technology is also available for home use (for PS4, PC, and even for smartphones), it is very expensive. Therefore, not every gamer can afford their own virtual reality at home. In Japan, VR centers are available where you can experience VR like in an arcade.
For a fee, you can dive into all sorts of virtual worlds where you can choose to control a giant mech, race, or simply climb. The limit is the developers’ imagination.
Some of these machines are also found in regular arcades. The VR Zones, however, offer exclusively such experiences, some even feature VR movies. Anyone wanting to experience something they wouldn’t dare otherwise or what would otherwise be impossible can visit a VR center.
How much does an entire world cost?
On my journey through Japan, I couldn’t miss visiting such a center. And of course, nothing else would do but the largest in Japan. Here are some facts in advance:
- The games are divided into colors that group them
- Tickets can be obtained for the respective colors or the games directly and can then be redeemed at the corresponding games
- Entry is paid separately
- The special attraction, the “Ghost in the Shell: Arise Stealth Hounds” shooter must be paid extra and requires registration
With 4,400 yen (about 33 euros) for the entry including a ticket for each color, you’re in. An additional 3,600 yen (about 27 euros) is charged for access to the VR Field Shooter “Ghost in the Shell.” In my opinion, a good price for what is offered.
From fishing to shooting in VR Zone Shinjuku
The games offered in the VR Zone Shinjuku should cover every taste. For me, it was too much to play them all in one day, and some required a group of people to sign up together.
From a fishing simulation to a test of courage, a climbing wall (with a real climbing wall) to the pilot seat of a huge robot, there was a wide range of virtual realities to discover. Some stood out particularly:
- Mario Kart Arcade GP VR: Anyone who wants to play Mario Kart on colorful tracks in a real kart must bring friends. The game simulates the popular console version but can only be played by groups.
- Dragon Ball VR Master the Kamehameha: A treat for all nerds and Dragon Ball fans. In the simulation, Son Goku explains how the famous Kamehameha technique works – and we get to learn it!
- Immersive Horror Room Hospital Escape Terror: A special mention goes to the horror game of the VR Zone – simply because you can hear the screams of the players at the entrance. The goal is to escape from a grotesque hospital. The fact that you sit is cleverly solved: players sit in a virtual wheelchair, which only heightens the helplessness…
You can find a complete list of the games on the English website of the VR Zone.
Games are always played for one round – which usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes. The waiting time, on the other hand, is often at least 30 minutes.
Ghost in the Shell: VR against other players!
A game well worth the wait is “Ghost in the Shell: Arise Stealth Hounds,” which is played in the “Futuristic Warfare Arena.” To play, I had to sign up – and wait four hours, as there was no slot available beforehand.
Arise Stealth Hounds is played in a VR Field – meaning in an entire room dedicated solely for the game. The area is about half the size of a soccer field, and you can move freely there – in a fully simulated environment!
Teams are formed: the terrorists against the agents. You are always an agent, while the opponents are always terrorists. The teams are (if possible) of equal size, and real players compete against each other – only in VR!
The full equipment – with virtual weapon
When I saw how it all worked, I was already incredibly excited before playing. Ghost in the Shell is already a cool setting in itself, but as a VR shooter? Top-notch!
When I finally got my turn, I met my teammates: a family (parents with son and daughter) and a friend of theirs. In broken English, we agreed: women against men.
A short explanation followed on how the game generally works. A white fabric mask is placed over the face to protect the glasses from sweat. Then we all get sensors on our waist, arms, and legs that simulate our bodies in VR. Finally, a computer is placed on our back, which runs the game – and we receive a gun in our hand.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t take any more photos once I entered the game room – as all electronic devices, including phones, were required to be placed in a locker.
An agent briefing as preparation
Right afterward, a proper briefing – in Japanese, for me with an English manual. We are told that we are in a facility that has been attacked by terrorists. Our task is now to drive them out while simultaneously retrieving important data.
We listen to the mission briefing and then head into battle. On the VR field, we face off against each other, two teams of three. The glasses are put on us, and we only see a huge white room and two wire figures of the other players in the team – as well as our own wireframe and the weapons.
Hacking, shooting, sneaking
After we were initialized and introduced to the controls by our team captain (aiming, shooting, reloading), it finally began. The white room turns into a burning laboratory with steel walls and debris everywhere.
If we try to run through the (virtual) walls, there are penalties. We must be careful – moving too quickly will expose us to the opponents. Suitcases appear repeatedly that contain data, which I can hack for points – as long as I don’t get shot in the process.
For the next minutes, which felt way too short to me, I thus sneak through the facility, shoot at the terrorists, and gather data from the enemies. After the victory, it was enough for 2nd place in the round and 263rd place on the leaderboard.
My conclusion: I would have loved to spend all my money on Ghost in the Shell!
The game runs smoothly; I didn’t experience any motion sickness, even though I am very susceptible to it. You don’t forget that you’re competing against other people, but the world also constantly reminds you that it’s a game.
Although a round only lasts a few minutes and a decent price is charged for it, I would do it again anytime. If I had had the opportunity (and if I could sign up for several sessions), I would have spent my travel budget solely on Ghost in the Shell.
For me, VR brings a piece of the future into the present. Especially games in the style of Ghost in the Shell should claim a larger part of the market; I have never had such a good gaming experience. I can only recommend everyone to try something like this when they have the chance.
This was the last article of our special series on the history of gaming in Japan. I hope I was able to convey my enthusiasm for engaging with geek culture well and let you share in the experiences. Japan may not be paradise – but it is damn cool to be a nerd there!
