Triotech has been spotted testing a new two-player VR arcade simulator in Montreal. Known for motion attractions such as Typhoon, the company appears to be exploring a more interactive format with VR Drone Invasion, also seen under the working name SkyRider Interactive VR.
Prototype notice: This attraction was observed during beta location testing. The final production version could differ substantially, and the project may not be released if it does not pass testing. Any firm conclusions should wait until development is further along.
Where the test was spotted
The machine was recently seen at Playbox’s new family entertainment venue in Montreal, Canada. The sighting emerged through discussion of arcade location tests, including both publicly announced tests in Japan and quieter trials conducted in Western markets.
Triotech is also based in Montreal, making the company a likely source of the test unit. The installation was positioned near Typhoon and Storm VR attractions, providing another useful clue about its origins.
What is VR Drone Invasion?
The clearest view shows a standing VR setup mounted on a motion base rather than a free-roaming system. That is an unusual choice for a VR motion attraction, as comparable arcade simulators commonly place the player in a seated position.
The headset model is not clear, but a small Triotech logo can be seen on one headset. The title remains unsettled during this early phase: Only the SkyRider Interactive VR name can be seen in this video, while a newer clip shows it under the title of VR Drone Invasion.
VR hardware with physical controls
Both the naming and the visible headsets confirm that VR is central to the concept. Triotech previously experimented with this area through Storm VR, which adapted the company’s Typhoon motion-ride idea for virtual reality and added a small amount of motion-based gameplay.
The test unit appears to include two orange handlebar-style controllers and a large button. This makes it more interactive than Typhoon, which functions primarily as a ride, although the depth and variety of the gameplay cannot yet be determined.
The on-screen environment appears to depict a science-fiction setting with an underground tunnel. Its visual direction brings to mind Grin’s Ballistics arcade game, another project previously handled by Triotech.
Early impressions
Triotech’s move towards a smaller two-player attraction that combines motion, VR and direct input is worth watching. The company has also developed strong visual work using Unreal Engine 5, so the finished attraction could follow that high-end graphical direction.
The changing title is a clear sign that this remains an early prototype. It may also explain why the attraction was not identified at IAAPA 2024 the previous month. If the test succeeds, the production machine and software may look considerably different from this early example.
For more coverage of new releases and location tests, visit the RETROCADE arcade news blog. If this type of commercial simulator has you considering an arcade setup, our arcade machine buying guide covers the key factors to assess, while the arcade machine collection shows the broader range of formats available.
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