London’s first and largest award-winning virtual reality arcade, DNA VR, recently opened the doors of its new Manchester venue. The centrally located venue provides visitors with a window into unimaginable virtual worlds spanning horror, fantasy and music, as well as a physical open space to free the users movement and add to the immersion.
The team at STYLEetc. were invited to try this exciting new concept and see how DNA VR fits into Manchester’s current entertainment landscape. For anyone considering a visit and wondering what to expect, read on to find out more.
The Venue
DNA VR is conveniently located on Brown Street, just off Market Street, in a sleek glass fronted spot opposite Spring Gardens Post Office. While it has no obvious signage on the exterior, the glowing neon interior should be enough to catch anyones attention from the street outside.
Players can relax in the futuristic foyer and enjoy a pre or post game tipple or snack from the minibar, while large screens display games in progress for spectators to enjoy. Space is provided to hang up coats and secure other valuables so they don’t interfere with the experience.
Beyond the lobby area is a corridor of doors reminiscent of the Matrix: Reloaded, perfectly fitting for the adventures that await on the other side. Most of these rooms feature 4 ‘pods’ which give players enough room to comfrotably stretch out both arms but the main attraction is the fully wireless free roam room.
Virtual Worlds
At the new Manchester venue there’s a game for everyone, whether that’s solving an escape room, exploring the depths of the deep blue ocean or even saving the Earth from an intergalactic disaster. Up to 15 people can be plugged into the VR pods and explore new worlds including Skyfront VR, Ragnarok, Elven Assassin and Arizona Sunshine. While the ‘Free Roam’ arcade offers longer-form escape rooms, explorative experiences and horror game modes for up to four players, such as Hospital Of Horror, Space Station Tiberia and Depths Of Osiris.
Game Types
DNA VR has a range of game styles including: free roaming games, arcade games and escape rooms. The games offer a wide variety from playing drums on a viking ship to what was best described by the team as ‘shooting each other in the air with guns’. The air guns one was particularly popular with guests on the day of our visit.
Verdict
We tried most of the games on offer and can vouch they are all good fun to play (although maybe avoid the zombie apocalypse one if horror isn’t your thing). We’re excited to see what develops with this venue and what more they have to bring to the Manchester location.
Tickets and further information can be found at DNA VR’s website.
