What
is Laser Skirmish?
Laser Skirmish is a high-tech sport where
players wearing computerised vests or packs and
handheld "phasers" attempt to achieve a winning
score by zapping opponent players, base
stations, and other targets within a playing
arena or maze.
How do you play Laser Skirmish?
After players put on their packs, the players
move into the arena and the mission is started
by the central computer. The packs will activate
allowing the player to fire their phaser at
opponent packs and arena devices such as base
stations. Each pack has sensors on the front,
back, shoulders and phaser. Zapping these areas
will award points while deactivating the tagged
opponent for a short time. At the end of the
mission, the packs shutdown automatically and
the players return to the kit-up room. Score
information is displayed on the scoreboard in
the foyer. You can even get a print-out your own
individual scorecard!
How long does it take to play a mission?
Each mission consists of 15 minutes of
actual arena time. We allow a 4 minute
change-over and kit-up time. For your first
mission, there will also be a 4 minute briefing
where staff will explain the operation of the
packs and arena devices as well as outlining the
safety rules.
When you
play more than one mission, you will have a 20
minute rest between your missions. There are
many other rides and games for you to enjoy
whilst cooling down before your next
mission.
How many people can play Laser Tag at one
time?
We can accomodate up to 24 players.
The minimum number of players is two.
Are there any age restrictions on playing
Laser Tag?
We recommend a minimum age of 6 years for
players. This is due to the weight of the pack
that younger children have difficulty carrying
for a full length game. There is no maximum age
to play the game - Bring the entire family!
Do you need to be physically fit to play
Laser Tag?
Laser Tag can be played at your own pace.
There is no reason to be rushing around the
arena (we actively discourage this!), so as long
as you are comfortable doing some quiet walking
for 15 minutes, which may involve going up some
ramps, then you are probably fit enough to
play!
Of course, as only you can be a judge of whether
you are up to the game, the final responsibility
rests with you.
Isn't Laser Skirmish played in the
dark?
Laser Skirmish is played in a darkened
environment, but it is not pitch black! The
arena is well lit with blacklights which causes
the abundant use of fluorescent paints and
materials in the arena to glow brightly. In
addition, the arena is also lit by coloured
spotlights and floodlights, as well as other
lighting effects. After a couple of seconds,
your eyes will have adjusted to the light level
and you will generally be able to see quite
well.
Are protective glasses required to play?
No. The lasers used in the game are very low
power (a fraction of the power hand-held laser
pointers use) and are computer controlled to
only flash on for a very brief time. It is a
natural reflex that the eye will blink when
presented with any intense light (for example, a
photographic flash) and this reflex adds to the
protection of the eyes.
The
equipment used has been tested to meet
appropriate standards of safety for lasers
around the world.
What other protective clothing is
required?
We recommend that players wear a shirt with
sleeves (that is, not a singlet) and we insist
on players having footwear on and bare feet are
not permitted.
No other
padding or special clothing is needed as Laser
Tag is a non-contact sport.
I have
played Paintball - does Laser Skirmish hurt when
you are tagged by another player?
Absolutely not! You know if you have been
tagged when your pack shuts down. Your pack lets
you know this has happened in three ways using
three of your senses: sound, sight, and touch.
Firstly, the pack will play a sound that
indicates you have been zapped. Secondly, the
front of your pack contains a buzzer, so you
will feel the pack vibrate. And thirdly, the
pack will flash bright orange.
Can
we play Laser Skirmish as a team?
Yes. Laser Skirmish can be played as either an
individual (solo) or team game. We are unusual
as a team sport because we have a three team
format: we have red, blue, and yellow teams
competing at the same time within the arena.
This gives players some interesting new ways to
think about tactics and teamwork while providing
for more "targets" for each player.
