Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to travel to space and solve the mystery of the missing mining colony and maybe even save the day. This is “The Edge of Space”, a virtual reality adventure that you can embark on at The Edge VR. If you’re like me, you are not very familiar with virtual reality (VR). Virtual Reality is a simulated and sensory experience. Most people are probably somewhat familiar with the Oculus, an at-home VR system. The Edge VR takes this concept and brings it to the next level as a unique, fully-immersive, interactive experience.
BACKGROUND
Adam Anfiteatro is the Founder and CEO of The Edge VR. He worked extensively with a developer for three years to create The Edge of Space’s story line and experience. Debbie Johnson is the Director of Marketing & Communications. They, along with a small team run the venue.
THE LOCATION
The Edge VR is located at 33 North Riverside Avenue in Croton-on-Hudson. It has been open for eight months, serving as the only fully-immersive VR experience in the Hudson Valley. The space accommodates groups of 2-12. There are two platforms (rooms) that can accommodate up to three players at a time. Reservations for one hour time slots are required and a waiver for each player must be signed prior to participating.
THE EXPERIENCE
My family of four visited recently for the first time. Since each of the platforms can accommodate up to three players at a time, the girls (my daughter and I) teamed up to play together in one room and the guys (my husband and son) played together in the other.
The main room platform has a one-of-a-kind magnetized floor. This is the key element to creating a full-body immersive VR experience. Each player is suited up with ankle and leg sensors in addition to hand sleeves that connect to a spine sensor. The final piece is the headset that has a microphone and headphones, so you can talk to and hear your partner and your guide. According to The Edge VR’s website, this is the world’s first full-body magnetically-tracked VR system.
Once you are suited up and ready to go, a guide will help lead you through the suit calibration and instructions of the in-game mechanics. Before the actual experience begins though, you are directed to a virtual “mirror” to choose your avatar. Pick your favorite from eight different options.
Your guide gives you a short tutorial on how to access the player dashboard, using special hand movements, and you are given time to practice. My daughter picked it up super quickly, while it took me a few more tries to get the hang of it.
The actual virtual reality experience is approximately 25 minutes of playtime. You are led on a series of missions through several different environments. This interactive experience has you pulling levers, tapping buttons and sitting on benches in the real world for the tactile immersion. Virtually, you cross bridges, you ride in an elevator, and shoot your laser weapon to protect the generators from surprise enemies. It’s a social experience as well when you work together with your partner(s) to complete the missions. The graphics are amazing and this is truly a unique experience.
AFTER THE EXPERIENCE
Once you have finished the simulation, you will be emailed a short montage of the highlights of your experience. You are also given an avatar token. This token allows you to upload an interact your avatar image anywhere. Have fun taking pictures and videos with your avatar!
“The Edge of Space” is currently the only experience offered at The Edge VR. After experiencing it once, however, I find myself wanting to go back. Seeing as everything was new, I was more focused on listening to my guide helping me complete the individual tasks than on the actual story as whole. Plus, I want to try to beat my score!
We had a great time at The Edge VR. This is not only a fun family experience, but it makes for a unique date night as well!
The Details:
The Edge VR
33 North Riverside Avenue
Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
(914) 271-3343
website
Price: $29.95/player includes the virtual reality experience and the avatar token
Ages: Recommended for ages 10+
Parking: Free street parking
*Wear comfy clothes and sneakers.
*The VR headset fits over glasses!
*There are lockers to store your purse, phone, valuables, etc.
