Taking Aim Live-Action Game Draws Teen Fans For Fast-Paced Thrills And Chills

Everyone says there’s nothing cheap to do in Spokane, and with the arrival of Laser Quest, there still isn’t. But if you’re willing to put up $6, Laser Quest does give area teens something fun to do.

Located on Second Avenue in the old Amory Building, Laser Quest had its grand opening last December. Business has been booming ever since.

Laser Quest is like a big video game, but you don’t just play it - you’re in it. Unfortunately, you could play almost any video game 24 times for the price it costs to play one game of Laser Quest. For one game, which lasts about 20 minutes, it’ll cost you 6 bucks, which doesn’t hurt your head as much if you figure you’re only paying 30 cents a minute.

After emptying your wallet, you will be led into an imaginary airlock along with about 25 other people. You will be given a vest with a laser gun attached to it. The vest has lights on the front, back and shoulders which sense the laser beams from the gun. You will then be given 30 seconds to scatter into the dark maze before the guns are able to fire.

The next 20 minutes are an absolute war. Points are accumulated by hitting opponents’ sensors while trying not to get hit yourself. If you suddenly feel a vibration on your chest, it means you are toast and your gun will be de-activated for a few seconds. If you look on the back of your gun, it will tell you who hit you and what your rank is among the others in your game.

When the game is over, you check out how you placed on a TV monitor in the lounge. You’ll also get a printout of almost every statistic imaginable, including shots fired, rank and total points.

After playing Laser Quest a few times, it was obvious to me why this game has become so popular. Some people actually form an addiction to this game. They love to compete against each other and fight for the coveted No. 1 ranking.

Of course, with every competition there are those who will do anything to win. This one little kid shot me and then followed me, waiting for my pack to reactivate so he could shoot me again and again and again.

Most people seemed to like the game, but there were some things that they thought should be changed. Many teens commented on how long they had to wait to get into the game. In the lobby, there are video games and air hockey to help ease the wait. There were also those who couldn’t get enough of the game and thought it should be longer.

There were also a few things that surprised me about Laser Quest. One was the amount of older people playing this game, most of whom were just excited as the kids. Another is that most thought the 20-minute game was actually worth the price. Ironically, I have heard more complaints about the price of a two-hour movie.

In a town hurting for new, fun things to do, Laser Quest offers entertainment attractive to all ages, making it ideal for families and large groups.

Annual memberships are available for $20. You get $1 off every regular game, special rates on member nights and many other advantages.

Reservations can be made for groups or the whole place can be rented out for functions like birthday parties or senior functions.

Laser Quest is open until 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: FAN TALK “Laser Quest is really cool. I like the real-life combat, and it’s fun when you get first place.” - Cory Ehrgott, a Medical Lake freshman whose been to Laser Quest at least 25 times

“I just love shooting people. I’m simply addicted.” Mandy Delaney, Post Falls junior

“I’m not sure why I like it, but it’s really fun and well worth the money.” - Eric Tyson; Medical Lake seventh-grader

“Laser Quest is the best form of advanced technology and, although it’s kind of expensive, it’s pretty much worth it.” Nic Leep, Lake City High freshman

“It’s just fun to grab a bunch of friends and come down to play. I think the price would be more reasonable at about 3 bucks.” John Travis, Northwest Christian freshman

“Laser Quest is very intense. It is definitely a killer trip.” Joe English, homeschooled 15-year-old after his fourth time in one day

“It is really a challenge. There’s just people shooting people all over the place. The only bad part is that it’s not free and could be a little bit longer.” Terry Birnton, homeschooled 15-year-old

“It’s fun, but a lot of people take this game far too seriously. What I like is the hiding and confusion. I see Laser Quest as a military game and will break the rules at all costs in order to win.” Aubree Lill, Ferris junior