Virtual reality is taking a larger role in the location-based amusement market, with two new coin-operated experiences beginning to reach venues: UNIS’s Sailor’s Quest VR and Rilix’s SpongeBob VR Bubble Coaster, distributed in the United States by Andamiro USA.
Sailor’s Quest VR from UNIS
Sailor’s Quest VR was first seen at IAAPA 2022. The two-player attraction places visitors aboard a virtual pirate adventure, sending them across the high seas in search of treasure. Its format may appeal to fans of arcade shooters such as Deadstorm Pirates, but the experience is presented through virtual reality.
The cabinet uses a motion bench seat and gives each player a mounted gun for interacting with the game. Players do not control the action with modified headset controls or a gesture-based sensor. Pricing was not available in the supplied information, and the number of playable levels has not been confirmed.
UNIS provides further information on its official product page. The company also released a sales video that shows the attraction in action.
For operators comparing immersive attractions with more traditional arcade machines, Sailor’s Quest VR stands out through its combination of head-mounted visuals, physical motion and two-player shooting.
SpongeBob VR Bubble Coaster
Rilix’s SpongeBob VR Bubble Coaster is another IAAPA debut now moving into commercial locations. Andamiro USA is handling the SpongeBob coin-op licensing and has begun shipping the units. The title combines the Rilix VR coaster format with the Nickelodeon character and brand.
The attraction includes three film rides. Pricing was not provided. Standard Rilix VR coaster units had already appeared in venues, including locally, while this SpongeBob edition brings the established format to a licensed family entertainment product.
Andamiro USA planned to showcase the game at two upcoming trade shows, including Amusement Expo in Las Vegas during the final week of March. Operators assessing a venue’s mix of attractions may also wish to compare it with other simulator-style arcade experiences.
More product information is available from Andamiro USA in its listing for SpongeBob VR Bubble Coaster.
A closer look at the two attractions
Both machines were photographed at IAAPA 2022, but neither was played during that visit. A return visit at Amusement Expo was planned to provide hands-on time with both releases.
These attractions show how location-based VR continues to develop beyond standalone headsets, using motion seating, physical controls and familiar entertainment brands to create a venue-ready experience. For readers planning an arcade collection, the arcade machine buying guide offers useful context when comparing space, format and audience appeal.
Which of these VR releases would you most like to try: the two-player pirate adventure or the SpongeBob coaster?
Leave a Reply