BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY
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Immerse yourself in Virtual Reality A new virtual reality gaming venue has opened on Lagos marina which allows you to immerse yourself in a variety of driving, flying, firstperson shooter and other virtual experiences. Computer based games have changed immensely over the last 50 years. I remember at university in the 1970s playing a Star Wars based game on the mainframe computer with very simple graphics. Today’s virtual reality games are not just run on computer screens but via headsets/goggles which allow you to physically enter the game as never before. Lagos marina-based VR Katvision has invested in some of the most state-of-the-art virtual reality machines on the market. Have you ever imagined yourself on a battlefield or otherwise engaged in combat? VR Katvision has three Kat VR Mini self-contained machines which are perfect for this. Their omnidirectional treadmill lets you freely turn around, walk, run, crouch or even get down to take cover or pick items up. VR headsets/goggles replace screens so you see, hear and feel as if you are in a real virtual world. If you have ever wanted to immerse yourself in the world of Steve Speilberg’s film, Ready Player One then this is the set up for you.
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Similarly, VR Katvision has six Fasetech driving / flying simulators. These have seats mounted on motors which move to mimic the vehicle you are driving or flying. Once again VR headsets are used instead of screen to immerse you in the experience. The same machines also have a roller coaster simulation which mimics reality. Finally, four VR stations allow for a variety of physical interaction tennis like games once again with VR headsets. Costs are from 8€ for 15 minutes. Friends and family can share the experiences or there is a cocktail bar where they can enjoy a drink and tapas whilst waiting. VR Katvision caters for groups and companies, birthdays and other private events. The company was formed by Jean-Paul (João Paulo) Louçano who runs it with his wife and son. Formerly he worked in France for 33 years before moving back to Portugal to open a business where people could enjoy themselves. By Phil Egginton, who is a journalist and photographer and now lives in the Algarve.
+INFO: vr-katvision.com/en youtu.be/vEhwLRX4m2s Marina de Lagos (next door to the Museu de Cera dos Descobrimentos)
