From: Kenneth J Vollmer <vormooth@athena.mit.edu>
Subject: ENT: Boston VR event -- The Other Side review
Date: 17 Aug 1993 02:23:20 GMT
Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I've seen a few people mention the show, but no one's really reviewed
it, so I figured I'd throw in my two cents worth.

The show started with what was frighteningly reminiscent of a line for
a rock concert.  An hour after arrival, we were able to get our $7
entrance tickets a few $1 each coupons (each "ride" was three coupons,
but that's only a special this week -- after that they go from 3 to
six coupons each).  We went into the bubble/dome (which had holes in
the ceiling, surprisingly enough...  Hope it doesn't rain...) and were
immersed in, literally, smoke and mirrors.  The interior was a
dance-clubish swirling of colored lights, some laser beams, and the
audio track from a large theater played loud enough for it to be heard
from anywhere in the bubble.  There were two Dactyl Nightmare units
(four players, two on each network) and another set of Virtuality
games stuck in the back.  Lines inside were about an hour for the lame
stuff to an hour and a half for good stuff (ie, Dactyl Nightmare, or
the other "real" VR stuff).

What was most disappointing was the lack of virtual reality in this
virtual reality "arena".  The only stuff that really qualified was the
Virtuality stuff and a two-person at a time, G-force simulating
flight/racing sim called the Chameleon (which looks on the outside
like an insane mixture of an astronaut training unit and a carnival
ride).  Lines for these were the longest of all.  In addition to these
systems, there were two surround-and- jolt effect movies, a
blue-screen special effects system, an outrageously priced refreshment
stand/restaurant (but isn't "Laser Lemonade" worth $2 a glass?) and a
video arcade lacking many of the most VR-like games that are out right
now (There was no Mechwarrior unit, for example).

Those were the only attractions present.  Considering the lines and
cost of the entire ordeal, I was reminded of Disney World, but without
the really authentic-looking past Presidents and obnoxious costumed
cartoon characters.  Very disappointing overall, probably most
impressive to children or those not that familiar with virtual
reality.  I doubt anyone in the industry would find anything
worthwhile.  I really was hoping for more true, interactive VR stuff,
but apparently the show designers decided that a fancy light show,
movies, and arcade games would sufficiently convince those that didn't
really understand what they should have been getting for their money.

KV