Sandbox VR is a well-established VR attraction chain known for its unique VR experiences that can accommodate up to six players in a spacious shared playspace. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit one of Sandbox VR’s newest locations and try out two of their latest experiences—Squid Game Virtuals and Deadwood Phobia.
Despite facing challenges during the Covid-19 lockdowns, Sandbox VR has managed to bounce back and now operates close to 60 locations globally, surpassing $200 million in lifetime revenue. Their success is attributed to their focus on high-quality first-party content like Deadwood and partnerships with popular IPs from platforms like Netflix, including Squid Game Virtuals, Rebel Moon the Descent, and an upcoming Stranger Things experience.
During my visit to the new Philadelphia location, I brought along three friends who were not familiar with VR to see their reactions. The four of us engaged in two of Sandbox VR’s latest experiences: Squid Game Virtuals followed by Deadwood Phobia.
Immersive Gameplay Experience
One common thread that stood out for all of us, regardless of VR experience level, was the enjoyment derived from gameplay interactions among real players. This aspect added a fun and memorable dimension to the overall experience.
Squid Game Virtuals
Inspired by the popular TV series, Squid Game Virtuals pits players against each other in various mini-games. The interactions between players in the games created a sense of camaraderie and shared experience, enhancing the enjoyment of the virtual world.
The gameplay scenarios, such as deciphering safe platforms and avoiding pitfalls, fostered a sense of collaboration and competition among players, leading to exciting and engaging moments. The shared knowledge dynamics added an element of strategy and suspense to the gameplay.
Deadwood Phobia
Unlike Squid Game Virtuals, Deadwood Phobia involved using VR gun controllers to combat hordes of zombies. While the action-packed horror experience provided intense moments, the lack of direct player-to-player interactions was noted by all of us.
Despite the visually stunning graphics and immersive gameplay, we felt that incorporating more opportunities for players to engage with each other beyond shooting targets would enhance the overall experience.
Post-Experience Reflection
After trying out both experiences, we unanimously agreed that Squid Game Virtuals resonated more with us due to its emphasis on player-to-player interactions. We expressed interest in revisiting Sandbox VR for more interactive experiences akin to an escape room rather than solely focusing on shooting elements.
Overall, Sandbox VR offers a diverse range of experiences, allowing visitors to choose based on their preferences. The flexibility in selecting different adventures within a single location provides a variety of options for VR enthusiasts.
Reflecting on our visit, we are eager to return to Sandbox VR for more immersive experiences that foster social interaction and teamwork, creating lasting memories beyond the virtual realm.
Disclosure: This article was based on a visit to the Philadelphia Sandbox VR location, with the cost of admission covered by Sandbox VR. The experience was standard without any additional perks.
