A virtual-reality birthday treat

We can't believe it. Amiri is twelve. Almost a teen. Both boys are growing up so quickly. 

This year, for a birthday treat, Amiri wanted virtual reality fun. I had taken the boys several times to a place I knew of in Newmarket, but it had closed down some time ago. Well, Allie found an even better place in Takapuna, which is on the north side of Auckland. Sunday afternoon we piled into the car and went in search of it.

 Here we are in beautiful downtown Takapuna. Allie found a perfect parking spot. That's our Outlander behind the red car. 

 Okay, we only have about 10 minutes to find the place. 

 Down this way now and take a right.

 Up those stairs by the flowers. 

 What, these flowers?  

 Yes, these big yellow ones.  

 You're right. There it is. 

 Okay, so what worlds do the boys visit in this virtual reality universe? 

Well, Amiri is smiling because he is in one of his favourites. And according to the operator that set up the boys, it is very popular with most kids. It is a job simulator. The kids can choose from a number of service-related sorts of jobs. I think they like the fact that if they want to, they can throw doughnuts or hamburgers around the business.

Next, they both chose to practise ninja sword play by splitting pieces of fruit that fly at them. Finally, they fought monsters, flying balls of fire and other bizarre hazards armed with bows and arrows.  

 The screens above them show us the action they are seeing. They can turn 360 degrees. They can even be in the same world, see, and interact with each other. They were together in this game, and kept a conversation going between them during the monster attacks as they warned one another of incoming threats or congratulated each other on good shots and narrow escapes.  

The hour that Allie had reserved for them was over all too quickly. 

You may have noticed a 'Walk the Plank' ad on the sign for The VR Club. Anyone who wants to can try 5 minutes for free on the plank. The scene inside the headset places the viewer inside a elevator on the very top floor of a sky-scraper. You must walk out the door and cross a plank of the width you see on the floor.  Below you is nothing but air. On the other side is a cake and you must bend over far enough to pick up a piece of cake while maintaining your balance. (good thing there is no wind up there.)  

The boys both had a go and you see Allie trying it. All three were successful in crossing the abyss for the treat.  In fact, both boys 'ate' the whole cake. Then all three stepped off the plank and experienced what it would look like to fall a hundred stories. You can see yourself speed up as you fall. Splat! The screen goes to white.      -djf