VirtualTime is conquering the capital! After opening a virtual reality center in the 2nd arrondissement in 2017, the VR-specialized establishment opened a brand new spot in Paris's 11th arrondissement, on Boulevard Voltaire, in September 2018.
The idea? To offer " all audiences the chance to immerse themselves in the virtual world of their choice ", all with professional equipment, including the latest Oculus Quest 2 headset. The program includes a varied selection of games and experiences to explore VR from every angle. In all, the Voltaire center comprises seven individual standing areas, plus a VR Pod (a soundproofed space for enhanced immersion).
The facility opened its doors to us: we were able to test four games, namely Everest VR, The Blu, Superhot and Monsterplants vs Bowling. Games to suit all tastes and abilities: The Blu let us swim in the depths of the oceans for a purely contemplative experience, Everest VR put us in the shoes of a mountain climber, Superhot tested our speed and reflexes, while Monsterplants vs Bowling let us fight monsters in cooperation.
All extremely well-realized games, with no lag or glitches, that were a pleasure to play. Whether contemplative or more dynamic, the experience is always immersive, and wearing the headset, which usually weighs a little on the skull, is much more pleasant thanks to its configuration, which is a tad different from the other VR headsets we tested.
Special mention must go to The Blu, which impressed us with the beauty of its graphics. In terms of facilities, each VR space is fully walled, with a shock-absorbing mat on each wall, for greater immersion and peace of mind while remaining safe. In short, we can't wait to go back and try out other activities.
And among the experiences available are :
Google Earth lets you discover the entire planet from space and observe it from every angle. A virtual reality experience that lets you explore every corner of our beautiful planet in the most immersive way possible.
Fans of the game already know the principle: a katana, flying fruit and a fruit salad you won't soon forget. Slice and dice the fruit that jumps out at you in VR to score maximum points. Avoid bombs, of course...
Do you like escape games and VR? Escape First is the perfect solution, since this virtual reality experience lets you solve puzzles and get out of a room solo, in a team or against each other. A total of three rooms are available: Psycho Circus, where you're locked in a clown's dressing room; The Red Button, involving a room, a door, a bloody knife and, above all, a red button that must not be pressed; and Lost in Time, where you have to escape from a time bubble where past, present and future have merged.
Discover the world's highest mountain in 5 iconic scenes, and prepare for the expedition of a lifetime thanks to the path of 18 historic expeditions. A unique view of the Himalayas made possible by VR and without the fatigue of climbing.
Zombie fans will be able to kill the undead thanks to Arizona Sunshine, a VR game also offering the chance to wander the American canyons in search of survivors after the apocalypse. Sensitive souls please?
Heroic Fantasy fans of all ages will love this adventure: equipped with a VR headset, bow and sword, you'll have to fight a horde of orcs and live through magical adventures. The aim: to protect the kingdom in the middle of the skies and prevent the monsters from opening a portal to your home.
In a world where robots have taken the place of humans in the workplace, this experience puts you in the shoes of a job seeker in the middle of a job interview. It's an opportunity to relive " the glory days of work, simulating the ins and outs of being a gourmet chef, an office worker or a convenience store clerk ".
3D painting in VR? Tilt Brush lets you unleash your creativity with " three-dimensional brushstrokes, stars, light and even fire ". It's a way of developing your creativity that, in this case, has no limits...
This game puts you in the shoes of a TransCorp employee, doing your job by the book until you learn that you're going to be laid off for budget reasons. The aim is to hide and sneak out of the company without getting caught by the human resources robots. A highly entertaining concept that will put your nerves and agility to the test.
This is a chaotic cooperative VR experience. Play as two players to protect your garage from waves of mutant plants that come to devour you. Coordinate to defeat your enemies as you cooperate to customize your bowling balls and create powerful weapons!
The American Dream is a satirical virtual reality journey into the American universe through a 1950s world fair, where you learn to live your life with guns. Players travel through a vast complex built by a group of respected gun manufacturers aiming to show the world the virtues of firearms for all. With weapons ranging from pistols to rifles and shotguns, you'll learn how firearms will take care of all your day-to-day needs!
Set loose in an arena in ancient Rome, you take on the role of a gladiator desperate to survive. You'll wield a wide range of weapons in violent, exhilarating confrontations that will awaken your primal instincts.
IronWolf VR is an experience that plunges you into the heart of a submarine, playable solo or with up to 4 players. Fire your torpedoes at enemy ships, shoot down their fighters and bombers with anti-aircraft guns and try to survive against deadly destroyers. Each part of the submarine has been designed for the best possible VR experience, with modifiable difficulty levels making the experience suitable for everyone.
Sparc is a new, unique, physical virtual reality sport in which two players compete against each other. Competitors use their controllers to launch projectiles at their opponents from a distance, and defend themselves in turn by dodging, blocking or deflecting attacks. The software includes several two-player game modes, as well as single-player challenges and training modes, and a vast choice of cosmetic customizations.
You face opponents who advance more or less rapidly according to your own movements, and you have to block and destroy them to advance to the next level. Giving right hooks, dodging bullets, shooting your opponents... these are just some of the situations you'll have to deal with.
Immerse yourself in a world of relaxation! With Nature Treks VR, you're now free to explore magical worlds and shape your environment to your taste. Create a forest full of fireflies, a serene meadow, command the weather or take control of the night with simple, intuitive actions. Escape to a world of peace, calm and relaxation. Watch your surroundings react to the soundscape to experience the soothing sounds of nature all around you.
Shooty Fruity challenges players to scan, pack, serve and more while using your guns on tons of mutant fruit. With never-before-seen multitasking gameplay designed exclusively for virtual reality, shoot pineapples, use your grenades on lemons and much more while getting the job done! Find new weapons in the staff room, the central point of the game where players can also customize and test their equipment. You'll never see your supermarket in the same way again!
Do you dream of playing Serious Sam and fighting the hordes of aliens sent by Mental? With this action game, relive the missions that made Captain Sam Stone the most formidable fighter in the solar system. Prove your worth on 4 planets and equip yourself with increasingly powerful weapons to triumph over your enemies.
I Expect You To Die is a puzzle game that puts you in the polished shoes of an elite secret agent. You must try to survive deadly situations in dangerous locations. Complete each operation using your skills, wits and telekinetic abilities.
Shall we go, friends?
Location
VirtualTime Voltaire
72 Boulevard Voltaire
75011 Paris 11
Access
Metro line 8 "Saint-Ambroise" station
Prices
par séance, à partir de: €28
Recommended age
For all
Official website
virtualtime.com
More information
Open Monday 2pm-9pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 12pm-10pm, Thursday and Friday 12pm-midnight, Saturday 10am-midnight and Sunday 10am-10pm. Official opening on September 13, 2018.
