VIDEO GAMES on home systems are terrific, but there are bigger and badder thrills.
After jaunting around the country checking out theme park rides, I was glad to know that there are a lot of thrills to be had right here in the Bay Area. This week we'll look at three location-based interactive gaming experiences.
Magic Edge, 1625 North Shoreline, Mountain View. (415) 254-7300. ($12.75 to $14.75 for 12 minute experience, extended missions available). If you have ever played a PC-based flight simulator and thought that it just wasn't good enough, Magic Edge is the place for you. You sit in a cockpit that responds to your moves, so you really feel like you are flying the plane. And, you play against up to five other people whom you can talk to during the game. The graphics, sound and play ability is top notch.
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Magic Edge combines state-of-the-art Silicon Graphics powerhouse computer technology (providing some of the most realistic scenery and terrain ever seen) with the packed adrenaline of motion-based rides (except here you are totally in control).
The game plays in a standard flight-sim "dogfight" mode, which shouldn't be too hard for most players. The staff at the Magic Edge also gives expert instruction and allows you a practice run prior to the real game. The center's environment is pleasant, combining the best characteristics of military aviation and a civilian flight club, complete with a restaurant and bar. Weekdays are best if you want to avoid a crowd. Also, starting May 1, they will be offering some new combat scenarios.
Overall: ****
Virtual World, 1375 N. Main St., Walnut Creek. (510) 988-0700. ($7 to 9 for 10 minutes). For those who like their games a bit more strategic, Virtual World has two options. Currently they offer Battletech (a strategic eight-person mechanical warrior simulation) and Red Planet (an eight-person race through a Mars cavern). Both games offer fierce competitiveness, intricacy, and state-of-the-art graphics. Unfortunately, you won't break a sweat like in Magic Edge, but if you like your games a bit more strategic and complex then this is the game for you.
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The game itself takes a bit to get the hang of, but there is a wonderful instructional video shown prior to the game that stars a host of Hollywood celebrities (Judge Rheinhold, Cheech Marin). If you can pay attention to the information, you shouldn't have too much trouble.
The atmosphere of the Virtual World center is nice, kind of H.G. Wells meets Sports Bar. A definite recommendation is the "smart drink" bar located inside which serves a lot of green drinks with strange names that contrary to appearance, don't taste that bad. Week nights are probably a good time to stop by, weekends are a zoo.
Overall: *** 1/2
Q-Zar, The Cannery, 2801 Leavenworth St. (415) 775-6700. Other locations: San Mateo, San Jose, Dublin, Rohnert Park. ($6 to $8 for 15 minutes.) Ever just want to bypass high-technology and have a Doom-like experience? Then Q-Zar is for you. It's an update of the 1980's craze, Lazer Tag. You enter an arena and run around zapping members of another team to earn points. It's hectic, it's a lot of fun, and it's aerobic - a benefit certainly not associated with home video games.
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It's just like "capture the flag," only in Q-Zar, it is the other team's base you are trying to hit while dodging flying infrared shots. Afterwards, you get a printout of how many points you scored. The game is high on strategy, adrenaline and fun.
The atmosphere of Q-Zar is very cool, mixing an arcade experience with hip, futuristic design.
Overall: ***<