Free-roam virtual reality venue: Fun for all - test your skill at VR games at this open space in Leeds

The game is on: Enter the arena and put your skills to the test in this first-ever big group VR challenge

Nanoclash Focus promises to be “like nothing you’ve played before” says James Nye, Marketing Manager for The Park Playground.

The free-roam venue, at Kirkstall Road, is already a hit in the city but now it is about to unleash its latest creation – a VR experience ideal for groups of friends, corporate team-building events, big families, and other larger groups.

The Leeds venue has two main playing fields for its VR games – and most cater for up to six people. But Nanoclash Focus will take things to a whole new level because both fields will be in play and up to 16 people – two teams of 8 – will duel it out in a battle for supremacy.

Enter the arena

Park Playground is a Belgian company which has been offering virtual reality experiences since 2018 – it has 13 venues across Europe but the Leeds one is its first in the UK, and has just opened its first in Brisbane, Australia.

Futuristic laser shoot-out, Nanoclash Focus is a sequel of sorts to one of its earlier games, Nanoclash, and James says it’s the most competitive game they have.

If you were a fan of global Netflix hit Squid Game then you’re going to love this – although the outcome for losing will be less final, you’ll have plenty of extra lives. Once your headset is on, you and your team-mates will enter the space - and what a space it is.

To the victors the spoils: Take on your colleagues, friends or partners in the first-ever big group VR challenge at a brand new Leeds venue

The incredible graphics make you feel like you’ve stepped into a gigantic arena. You are on one platform and can see your opponents – the other team – on another platform on the other side of the arena. It’s a straightforward battle of skill and agility – hit them before they hit you.

You’ll have interchangeable weapons – laser guns and laser cannons – and various vantage points and hiding points from which to take cover, or set up your position and get the enemy in your sights. If you’re hit, you’ll be out of the game for a short time, then right back into the action.

The battle takes place over three rounds so there’s everything to play for right from the start.

Get together with your friends, family or colleagues and stand against each other in two opposing teams. This unique VR experience makes use of 2 of our free-roam fields, giving you and your team up to 160 square metres to battle it out!

You could be among the first to try out this brand new group VR game

Fields of play

Park Playground’s set up, with wireless headsets, allows all players to move around freely, with each open-plan playing field being 9m by 9m.

Nanoclash is the newest game but all their virtual gaming experiences have been designed exclusively for Park Playground. Most are suitable for couples, groups or families and involve some kind of collaboration – either working together to vanquish villains, zombies or aliens in a shoot-em-up scenario, or problem solving in games which have more “escape room” style puzzles get you through to the end.

Never done this before?

Don’t worry if you’re a novice, everything will be explained. The Park Playground uses an introductory scenario to get you used to the equipment – you’ll take a virtual lift to the top of a skyscraper and have to try to walk the plank – but will you dare? You’ll both ‘see’ and ‘feel’ the plank beneath your feet – you’ll need all your courage to step out and look down.

“Even though you know the floor is below you, you still feel like you are in mid air on that plank,” James says. “It was the same feeling with Nanoclash Focus – entering the arena was like being in the middle of a futuristic Wembley Stadium, even though you know you’re not. It’s just so real!”

How many can play the games?

Nanoclash can take up to 16 players but most games can be played by two to six people. And if there’s more of you, you can have two groups on the two fields – Nanoclash is the only one where you would be playing against each other though, usually you’re just playing with those on your own field.

It’s possible to accommodate groups of up to 100 – having different groups play at different times.

Is it very physical?

You do move about, but there’s no danger of crashing into each other anymore than in real life, as you can see yourself and your opponents and teammates – you can even reach out and touch them and you’ll see your arm as a ‘virtual’ arm in your headset.

What kind of games are available to play?

There is a wide range which are mainly suitable for everyone – some are recommended for over 12s if they are a little scarier.

If you like a thrilling, shoot-em-down, game there’s The Hallow, a zombie-hunting game set in the 19th Century or Planet X with Aliens. Escape-room style problem solving games include The Snitch and Don’t Scream and for full-on family fun enter the world of the ancient Egyptians and free the Professor trapped by an evil curse in Mask of the Pharaoh.

Eats and drinks?

There’s snacks and crisps and a fully-licenced bar. Catering can be arranged too for parties or corporate events so ask about it when you book. It’s a great place to meet friends before or after your session – and also great fun, watching other VR competitors get lost in their experience!

Book your fun experience

Park Playground is open every day, from 10am to 10pm. It’s easily accessible by bus from the city centre and there is some parking outside.

Check the website to read more about the different experiences, find out about any special offers, and to make a booking.