Alien Day, that special celebration of all things related to the Alien franchise, is returning for the third time this year, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever before thanks to a wholly immersive, free roaming virtual reality experience called Alien: Descent.
The VR experience is being set up by FoxNext and Pure Imagination Studios at The Outlets mall in Orange County, CA, and people can begin playing on Alien Day, April 26. Four people can take part at once, and all are outfitted with wireless headsets, motion trackers on their arms and legs, and a VR weapon. The players will also have free range on a stage that is filled with physical props they can interact with and moving platforms, all of which are incorporated into the game. The experience lasts about 15 minutes and costs $22 per person, with tickets available to purchase at the Alien: Descent website. Here’s how the site describes the game’s plot:
Join an elite squad of Colonial Marines sent to investigate a distress signal from a Weyland-Yutani mining outpost. Just before losing contact, the facility reported some sort of infestation. It’s up to you and your squad to contain the threat, quarantine any survivors and get everyone off-world safely.
“VR attractions bring together immersive entertainment with social experiences that can’t be replicated in the living room,” FoxNext president Salil Mehta in a statement, according to Variety. “The rich storytelling opportunities in the Alien universe makes it a perfect fit for cutting-edge destination entertainment. Plus, who doesn’t want to battle Xenomorphs and save the world?”
According to Variety, FoxNext plans on expanding the experience to other locations, meaning more people will get a chance to slay Xenomorphs than just those who can make it to Southern California for Alien Day.
