The Void VR Experience Review: Star Wars Secrets of the Empire

aceattorney

TXB Join Date: 02/2002
Sep 11, 2013
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My wife and I got to check it out today and we both enjoyed it quite a bit. When we first walked in, I recognized none other than Sam Witwer in the lobby area. I went full on fanboy, calling him Starkiller and Maul. He smiled and waved - we were rushed to proceed to our VR experience. Sam would meet us again after our experience, but back to the review...

I own an Oculus and I thought their headset's visual quality was quite good.

The backpack/vest that contained the computer and haptic feedback does have some heft to it, but the weight is evenly distributed and easy to carry on your body.

The blaster rifle was surprisingly heavy. I grabbed two rifles and though it was fun to shoot with both, it would've been easier to wield just one throughout the entire experience. Aiming seemed perfectly fine.

It was a touch intimidating at first to walk around, considering you're only seeing the virtual world, but we started to develop a trust of the graphics, and then felt confident that we weren't going to run into a wall unintentionally. We did bump into each other once in an elevator scene though (we were under attack so it was pretty hectic).

I was surprised at the environmental effects, like heat, wind, and vibration. They add a lot to the experience. The vest's and rifle's feedback were also good. Oh and there's one spot on the floor that is supposed to be cooling lava, and when you step on it, it's a bit squishy. I got a big kick out of that for some reason.

We enjoyed the fact that you can take cover, feel blaster bolts, and see each other, but some of our own animations were a bit janky at times. Nothing that was absolutely horrible though.

There were two puzzle sequences (one was just pulling down a handle, and the other was to repeat a series of button presses), and we left wishing there were a lot more there.

The story was sufficient to make you feel like you're doing something for a reason, and there are some good cameos. It wraps up nicely, and there's a quick photo op before you remove your gear.

As we exited, The Void had a camera crew set up, and we agreed to be interviewed on camera. While we were giving our interview, Sam jumped into our interview, gave me a giant hug on camera, and started asking us how we liked the whole thing. I looked at the camera and said, "Are you seeing this?! This is Starkiller, AKA Darth Maul, AKA Bad Ass!" He laughed and shook his head asking us more questions about the VR stuff. Then he left after thanking us and I just stood there utterly startruck and speechless. The Void's camera crew were laughing and were just as amazed at what had just happened.

It was a remarkable morning that just could not have been any better.
 
Super jealous. That's sounds incredible. I'm still blown away everytime I play Star Wars VR mission on PSVR, can't imagine that.
 
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I really hope they bring it to England, I’ve read a lot of really positive reviews about Void VR. It sounds incredibly immersive. Thanks for sharing your experience. Don’t forget to link your interview if you come across it.