Mario has been the most popular video game character seizing huge fan base all over the world. And last year when it was announced that the incredibly popular granddaddy was getting a virtual adaptation in Tokyo, fans all over the world started planning for a trip to Japan. But now it will be much easier for the European fans, as Bandai Namco announced that the company will bring its Mario Kart VR arcade experience to London.
Japanese-based company Bandai Namco launched the VR experience in Tokyo earlier this year. Due to the success of the event, the Mario Kart VR experience is landing in the VR Zone Portal London, at the Hollywood Bowl at the O2. It’s a multiplayer experience, where up to four people can hop into specially designed ‘Mario Karts’ to race through the iconic Mushroom Kingdom.
According to HTC Vive, the launch of the Mario Kart VR will take place at the Hollywood Bowl in London on Thursday 2nd August 2018, where it will open to the media, followed by a public opening the next day.
The experience is powered by the HTC Vive, along with the Vive Tracker, which will let players physically grab items such as banana skins to throw at opponents and potentially send them spinning off the course. The Mario Kart VR Experience boasts on its feedback to give players a jolt when they crash into a barrier or another racer to give an extra dose of immersion.
We continue to evolve our innovative bowling and wider family entertainment centers, offering customers to immerse in the entertainment experience within a premium environment. The launch of the iconic Mario Kart VR at Hollywood Bowl is an exciting introduction, as it brings virtual reality gaming to our customers on a large and accessible scale.”- Steve Burns, CEO, Hollywood Bowl Group.
Following the European debut, the Bandai Namco is expected to launch its experience to other VR sites as well, including Leeds and Tunbridge Wells.
Wish to witness the experience! You probably should make a reservation though spaces will be limited on launch day. It looks like Mario Kart will definitely be able to prove its popularity again.
