For the last two weeks I've wanted to visit a
laser tag arena in Clifton Park that I stumbled upon while researching
tournaments online. It's a place called Spare Time and the facility had just
added laser tag a year ago, but somehow was not on my radar until recently. I
figured I'd show up early and check the place out. When I arrived I found they
were using Rift packs (not Nexus like I expected)...it feels like home already.
The staff let me take a tour of the arena while waiting for an appropriate
group to arrive and I got to tour a very artistically designed 2500 square foot
space with an ancient tomb theme.
There were laser lighting effects that were
very cool throughout the two base, single level maze.
Four guys in their 30s showed up and we went
in as a small group together (preferable to being lumped in with the birthday
party of kids waiting on deck). We watched a Sims-like instructional video
before being let into the vesting room. Since there were only five of us we
decided to play free for all. That's always fun. :)
This game played SMOOTH. The beams on these
phasers were vivid, fully visible and cut through the arena like butter with
every shot. Lol...is this how the equipment is supposed to work? Just
kidding...sort of. But it was a treat to play with a pack that worked so well
and connected with its target so cleanly. This was a nice gaming experience!
This was a good first round for trying out
the space. I have to wonder if this is a newer version of the system because
the bases were similar, yet ever so slightly different when it came to
deactivating. And the beams were as bright as Quest...only green. So it was both
very familiar and yet a fresh experience at the same time.
How'd I fare? First place as Predator...I
felt a little predator-like in the process.
The second game was a different climate. Some
kids went into this game, so I decided to team up with the kids to assist them
in playing against the other adults, which included random players, but also
their moms. I spent some time in the beginning giving the youngest ones a
tutorial in shooting the base...during which time I was an open target.
Astoundingly, it was the moms who were the ones opting to exploit that
vulnerability as I was teaching their kids what to do! Well, after the kids
were well on their way to base goals I went to make up for lost time and get
back some points. The other players who jumped in were quite good. I'd love to
play this arena on a busier night. But it was relatively quiet, likely because
of the earlier hour of the evening, so after two games I went on my way.
While this is a small space and not a
particularly competition-oriented arena (which is fine, it's not proclaiming to
be) it was a really enjoyable experience and would be well worth a detour or a
combined trip next time I play in the Albany area.
Next I went over to Zero Gravity. Now, here's
the irony. I really love to play in this arena. I showed up, there were 20
college aged, hyped and aggressive players ready to go (and yes, I did my Tivia
thing...was Leonardo the first game, even though I'm not wild about that pack).
But the Infusion equipment here, hate to say
it, feels so rickety compared to what I just played with. The smaller, less
competitive arena has way better packs. If only I could merge the best facets of my
favorite arenas. I'd love to use those packs from Spare Time in the arena at
Zero Gravity with the base structure and competitive atmosphere of Fun
Junction. Honestly, my hand hurt coming off of the first game at Zero Gravity.
And after that game I was immediately pegged as the one to beat as one player told his team
"everybody go after this girl" while pointing at me before the next
game. It's cool, I'm ready. This was actually the start of an undefeated streak
for me this night.
A few games in I had my best round of the
evening. Not only because it was my high score for the night (I won this round
as Dark Angel), but more because I enjoyed taking first in a game where each of
the game masters played on a team too. Sweet. The guys jumped into the game and
I always enjoy a higher level of competition, so garnering the top score in
this round meant a little bit more.
I played one more round before calling it a
night. This was an enjoyable evening from start to finish and, because there is
only a short drive between these two centers, when I am in the Albany area I
will try to plan my nights so that I can enjoy time at both laser tag
facilities. They are totally different experiences, but both offer a great
time!
Comments or questions?
Contact: tivia@tiviachickloveslasertag.com
