Editor’s note: This story originally included pricing for The VOID as listed in a news release given to media during the event. The Rec Room later clarified that The VOID at West Edmonton Mall will cost $34.95. This story has been updated to reflect the new information.
Star Wars fans in Edmonton are about to get a completely interactive experience with the opening of The VOID, an immersive virtual reality experience that takes fans into the franchise at The Rec Room at West Edmonton Mall.
LISTEN BELOW: A galaxy far, far away comes to Edmonton
The mission? You’re an undercover rebel disguised as a stormtrooper in Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire — created in collaboration with Lucasfilm and ILMxLAB.
The VOID’s Sarah Marsh said it’s a combination of storytelling mixed with extraordinary technology and sensory effects.
Inside The VOID, you move room to room wearing state–of–the-art virtual reality technology.
“You get to be a part of the story and you’re untethered. You walk through the spaces, sit down and pick up objects as you discover your place in the galaxy,” Marsh said.
“You believe you’re a part of Star Wars.”
As a member of the rebellion, you travel to the planet of Mustafar where you must recover Imperial intelligence that is vital to the rebellion’s survival. Disguised as stormtroopers, and joined by the droid K-2SO, you must navigate through an enemy facility where you solve puzzles, fight giant lava monsters and use your blaster to complete your mission.
Cineplex and The Rec Room’s Sarah Van Lange said it’s difficult to put the experience into words.
Edmonton is home to just the second location of The VOID in Canada. The other one, found in Toronto, is in the form of Ghostbusters: Dimension.
“Our first foray here is with Star Wars, but as you can imagine you’ll have the opportunity to experience some of your other favourite titles,” Marsh said. “You may see Star Wars, you may see Ghostbusters or you may see some of our titles that we have not yet announced.”
The Rec Room in South Edmonton Common does not have The VOID, but all locations across Canada do have some kind of virtual reality component.
Van Lange suggests The VOID is most appropriate for ages 10 years and up and people wanting to experience it must be at least 48 inches tall.
Those with mobility issues can take part in the mission as well. The VOID has a complimentary wheelchair available and guests can bring their own wheelchairs as long as it is no larger than 34 inches wide.
It costs $34.95 per person to take a trip through The VOID, which opens on Saturday.
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