The Storm Factor

I suppose once a laser tag site has a name that has already been branded around the name of their equipment then there are some good arguments for keeping it, even if you change the system in use. I can think of a few examples where this idea holds true. Nonetheless, it always makes me wonder a bit when I run across a location that was very clearly once a Laser Storm site, is no longer, and yet keeps on using the Laser Storm name and image. I paid a visit to Laser Storm at Gable House Bowl in Torrance, CA and I speculate it probably wasn’t so much a decision as a shrug. I know some people think “laser tag is laser tag”, but I always hope I am going to actually stumble upon more Laser Storm out in the wild. However, this time I ended up playing some 1v1 Lasertron with a staff member instead.

The briefing area was pitch black darkness as I stood there alone watching the briefing video. Then it remained pitch black as I headed to the vesting area. It was actually a little eerie. Lighting makes a big difference, not only to the aesthetic of an arena, but also to keeping people from taking a tumble in the dark!

One we got into the arena it was the typical Tron design for that system.

It was actually sized perfectly for a 1v1 game. The staff member I played against asked me if I had ever played here before. I said no (as it’s true, I have not played HERE, but I did not elaborate) and when the game was over she looked dazed and asked “are you SURE you’ve never played here before?” at which point I told her a bit more about my blog and background. :)

One game was plenty to get the feel of this arena, but that was not the most interesting part of the visit. As I was leaving a display shelf in the lobby caught my eye and I took a closer look.

I smiled at the Laser Storm (and other random items) that were theoretically “for sale” to improve your game!

However, when you look to get a magical advantage there is always a catch and you had better read the fine print!

Although I could tell the staff did not appreciate what was in this case, I certainly got a giggle. When I got back to my car I shared these pics with Gord Armstrong (the current head of Laser Storm) and he immediately knew which location I was visiting!

If ever you pass by and want to play some Tron they have you covered. Just don’t let the name or the sign fool you.