The reason I chose Lazer X in Longview, Texas is because
of the current rarity of being able to play using their system. Lazer X is one
of the last three laser tag centers in the United States where you can still go
to play Intersphere and that made this site a MUST for me to visit.
As soon as I arrived I was greeted by owner Bill and his
wife Cindy. A short time later I met game master Kathy and Bill took me for a
tour of the equipment and gave me some history of the business and the
Intersphere equipment that they have been using since they opened in 1999.
Originally this business was located in Tyler, TX and
there was a different Laser X location established in Longview. The first
Longview site opened in 1998 using the version 6 packs (O packs) which were
made with a harder plastic. Later on some of the version 6 packs had plastics
with a tendency towards breaking at the joints. However, by the time Lazer X in
Tyler opened in 1999 there had been a change in EPA regulations that resulted
in a change in the plastic formula they used on the subsequent Beta packs used a
softer plastic. They have a Y front pod and the O design style and when
compared side by side (Beta on the left, version 6 on the right) you can see
some of the subtle differences.
The fact that these packs are still holding up speaks
well to the quality. Today Lazer X has packs with the original yoke and
only the inner shell removed.
A later generation, the version 7 packs had a
distinctively different design with the square front featuring the X that were
manufactured in Des Moines, Iowa, circa 2000.
These packs also featured a double strap on the sides, while
the earlier version only buckled with a single strap.
Here’s a better look at the single strap Beta…
…and the double strap version 7.
There was also a change in battery between the two.
The differences between the Beta (left) and the version 7
(right) are much more apparent.
The phasers have a comfortable, ergonomic design.
And the screen on the back of the phaser has pertinent in-game
info including credits, points and rank.
Lazer X moved from Tyler to Longview in November of 2004.
Here they are able to run up to 30 packs in the games played inside their over 6000
square foot double level arena with six wall unit targets and two switch back
ramps leading to the upper level.
My first peek at the arena came when I was able to join
the local venture crew who came out to play a few games. We watched a video briefing before entering the briefing
area and being assigned packs for the game.
The public games were all Solo Invis (basically stealth)
and when you successfully tag an opponent you earn 20 points, meanwhile the
tagged player loses 2 points. We entered the arena passing by Mike and Jerry…
…and I got my first peek of the spacious playing field. The
lower level is more your typical maze while the upper level (which everyone
gravitated to) featured more obstacles like barrels and separated “rooms”.
I didn’t immediately notice the gem style wall units that
count down and fire back during the game, very similar to those used in
Darklight.
Actually, during the first games I was just shooting at
everything, so although I took first in every game I was accomplishing that
with ridiculously low accuracy.
It wasn’t until Bill gave me some guidance about
targeting the shoulder sensors (they would stay off until hit and then would
flash to indicate the tag had been made) and showed me how accuracy factors
into the scoring with this game that I made strides towards really developing
some skill for this system. He explained to me that the accuracy is multiplied
by the enemy score to give you what is called a “sniper bonus” so higher
accuracy really does matter in this game (unlike in many others). So in the
next couple of games I played I made a concerted effort towards getting my
accuracy up and it jumped significantly.
Bill indicated this poster on the wall for a reference on
how to read the scorecards.
After about five games in the arena with the venture crew
we took a break and had a second night of celebration with party snacks and
cake.
And before too long I had a chance to play with a few of
the center’s more experienced players for an “Owner’s Game” which means that Bill
got to join in the fun too!
Here’s a look at how that went with a GoPro view of a
game of Intersphere at Lazer X Texas!
I had such a great time here! By the end of the night I
really felt like I was getting some skill with the game and I had to lament
that unfortunately there is nowhere I can go to practice this system. However,
I am so glad that I got to really play this system properly and learn so much
more about it in the process. It was a fantastic evening of laser tag and I
want to thank Lazer X Texas for hosting me and becoming my 250th
laser tag site. Whenever I make it back to Texas I would definitely like to
play here again!
Comments or Questions?
Contact: Tivia@tiviachickloveslasertag.com
Websites: www.tiviachickloveslasertag.com
and www.photonforever.com
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