The advent of VR is one that is continuing to develop year after year. Headsets alone have gone from clunky bits of kit connected to a computer by a dozen cables to just a slightly big pair of goggles.
While the idea of forking out hundreds for a home headset is enough to put anyone off, there’s a much better, more expansive and more social way to try virtual reality. Step up, MeetspaceVR featuring Zero Latency.
Even for anyone who thinks they know VR, think again. After visiting ourselves and expecting to be stood in one spot turning our heads and waving our arms in the air, we weren’t prepared for the truly impressive set-up Meetspace have going on in Manchester.
Free-roam VR
Unlike virtual reality experiences you may have tried before, thanks to fully-fledged scenarios from developers Zero Latency, MeetspaceVR delivers a number of thrilling digital situations across two free-roam arenas that are larger than a tennis court.
That’s right, groups of up to eight of you can navigate a digitally reimagined space in their North3 warehouse unit near Trafford Park, living out scenarios such as a zombie apocalypse, traversing an alien landscape or fighting mythical creatures in a medieval fantasy world.
ADVERTISEMENT
This is much more than a game and you certainly don’t need to be a gamer to enjoy it. Who knew you could visit space from the comfort of a Manchester postcode?
Top-of-the-range tech and team
We played all of the above, utilising everything from a VR rifle (basically a high-tech Laser Quest gun) to individual handheld controllers that allow you to move fingers and thumbs independently, and it genuinely blew our minds.
ADVERTISEMENT
Credit: Supplied (MeetspaceVR)
Rather than being stood in one place, at MeetspaceVR your body becomes the controller and the entire experience turns what can often be a very anti-social pastime into a team effort, providing full communications in your headset and, of course, a scoreboard for those who love to keep it competitive.
That goes for the staff too. Throughout your sessions which can run anywhere between half an hour to 45 minutes at a time, not only do they make sure to monitor all of the start-of-the-art tech bringing these scenarios to life, but they also keep you updated on your objectives via your radio comms.
Because they’re always on the ball to make sure everything’s running smoothly, the entire thing feels really intuitive and don’t worry, you never have to worry about bumping into walls or each other — there a virtual markers for all that stuff.
ADVERTISEMENT
Credit: Supplied
Digital arcade, virtual escape rooms and more
As well as familiar titles like Far Cry (based around third game), you can also do VR escape rooms and even just play mini arcade games like practising your basketball skills while you’re waiting in the lobby.
One of their many mottos is “off-sites done right” and we can see why. We’re already looking for our next opportunity to go on a works do and kill our co-workers in VR. Everybody needs to vent from time to time and this way you can do some team-building at the same time.
To think they transformed what was previously nothing more than a big empty warehouse into a fully-fledged virtual reality arena complete with briefing areas and areas to just chill out and play some console classics after you’re knackered from running around is quite something.
You can even drink while you’re there guys. You can only imagine the kind of carnage people can get up to when shooting zombies and having a pint.
Better still, MeetspaceVR is the only place where you can play theexclusive Zero Latency games catalogue in the UK, including Far Cry VR, Sol Raiders, Outbreak Origins and many more. You’ll love to feel the freedom of their gameplay.
Located upstairs in North3 Stretford (M32 0TB) next to Trafford Park and just a five-minute drive from the Trafford Centre, or 25 minutes from the city centre, you don’t have to travel far at all to be transported to an entirely different world thanks to the power of virtual reality.
Free-roam VR sessions start from just £24.95 per person and you can see all their various other packages on their website.
They even have gift cards that will make for a perfect Christmas or birthday gift, including their current Black Friday Offer, offering you 30% off until 28 November and also registering you as a Black Card member which grants you a 20% discount off all future bookings.
Get yourselves down there, folks. We promise it won’t disappoint. This place is only going to keep getting bigger and we can’t wait to see what they have in store.
Featured Image — MeetspaceVR featuring Zero Latency (Supplied)
Sponsored
Smirnoff teams up with Co-op Live for new Summer Series
Danny Jones
Smirnoff, the world’s number-one vodka brand not to mention a leading force in wider music culture, has officially partnered with Co-op Live to mark the opening of the new state-of-the-art venue and its debut calendar.
The partnership will see the new ‘Co-op Live Summer Series presented by Smirnoff‘ run until 13 September 2024. As part of the collaboration, the vodka brand will surprise and delight guests visiting the venue with great-tasting drinks and the ultimate night out, with VIP packages and more.
Co-op Live has curated a stacked lineup of popular bands, singers and entertainers, including some of the biggest names in music, who are set to perform at Europe’s largest indoor entertainment venue.
Starting the Summer Series off with a bang presented by Smirnoff celebrations, the brand is offering friends a chance to win tickets to see their favourite stars perform live, hosted by celebrities including TV favourite Callum Jones, as well as social media and makeup virtuoso Mitchell Halliday.
Alongside their hosts, winners will enjoy access to the exclusive Decibel Club and enjoy the concert from a private suite hosted by Smirnoff, fully immersing themselves in the ultimate venue experience. Competition details (18+ only) can be found on Smirnoff’s Instagram page.
Attendees at the 23,500 capacity Co-op Live arena will have the opportunity to choose from a range of Smirnoff favourites, including Smirnoff Raspberry Crush, Smirnoff Mango and Passionfruit Twist, Smirnoff No.21 and more.
These drinks will be available to guests over 18 at bars and grab-and-go stations throughout the venue, including the Smirnoff Founders Bar. Guests can also try the newest addition to the range, Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, at the bar located on the concourse – fingers crossed there’ll be plenty of sun too.
There is a unique must-try experience for all gig attendees: a 360-photo booth on Level 3, where guests can use fun props to snap the best and most high-end selfies they’ve ever taken, and have a chance to get their tickets upgraded that evening.
Operated by holding group Diaego, the aim of Smirnoff’s Co-op Live Summer Series is to reflect the vodka brand’s ongoing commitment to making music more accessible to everyone.
Smirnoff recently rolled out its ‘WE DO US’ campaign, activated through a series of initiatives that aim to reignite social connections and lower barriers to socialising.
Tyler Monk, Smirnoff Brand Manager at Diageo Great Britain, said: “Smirnoff is on a mission to make music more accessible and create unforgettable experiences that bring people together through live music. We’re proud to partner with Co-op Live and be part of Manchester’s vibrant music scene, offering great-tasting Smirnoff drinks, music, and unique experiences to a wider audience.”
Check the website for the full schedule of events at Co-op Live HERE.
Featured Images — Smirnoff (supplied)/The Manc Group
Sponsored
Printworks adds running track, Sir Mo Farah waxwork and more for Summer of Sport
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary entertainment complex, Printworks, has unveiled a packed programme of events to celebrate a Summer of Sport.
The popular city centre destination, which recently completed a staggering transformation including installing the biggest digital ceiling in Europe, has created a series of events celebrating the return of the Olympics.
Sir Mo Farah’s lifelike wax figure will be on display from Madame Tussauds in Blackpool, inviting visitors to do the Mobot and snap a selfie with the sporting great.
You’ll also be able to watch the Olympics opening ceremony live at Printworks, underneath that incredible ceiling and from the terraces of Tank & Paddle and Chiquito.
You can even play multi-player games on the big screen inside, hosted by a BBC Radio Manchester presenter.
It all kicks off this week with the Opening Ceremony Party on Friday, with free candy floss and Team GB face painting for the first 250 visitors.
Any children with Team GB face paint on will be able to get a free hot fudge sundae from Hard Rock Cafe with the purchase of a kids’ meal.
Other free events will include weekly gaming sessions, a basketball tournament, a kids’ archery class, and appearances from famous faces.
Printworks will even have a running track lined up all summer.
The digital ceiling will join in on the sporting action, dazzling visitors with animations of synchronised swimmers, athletes, cyclists and divers.
Throughout August, BBC Radio Manchester’s Remmel Dawodu will return to host free weekly interactive gaming sessions on the 1, 8 and 15 August.
You’ll also be able to witness an artist live at work, as they create a mural of an iconic sports person on 1 August.
Slam Dunk-a-Basketball will take place on the 8 August, with archery on 15 August.
The Printworks Opening Ceremony Party will take place between 3.30pm and 6pm on Friday 26 July.
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “We are thrilled to offer a vibrant and engaging summer of sports for families at Printworks. Our diverse line-up of free events is designed to bring people together, celebrate athleticism and create unforgettable memories over the summer holidays.”
For more information on a Summer of Sport at Printworks, head here.