Battle zombies and killer robots in new virtual reality business coming soon to Paramus – NorthJersey.com

Paramus malls through the years | Video

Paramus' malls have been around a long time, but they've changed a lot since they've opened. Here's a look back.

Jessica Presinzano, NorthJersey.com

PARAMUS Avirtual reality business set to open in the borough will letplayersfight zombies and killer robots in a new full-body VR experience.

Sandbox VR is planning to opena Paramus location,which would be the first in the state,this October. Paramus franchise owner Jeremy Berman plans future locations in Short Hills and Edison. The virtual reality business has 13 locations in all, including in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Hong Kong.

The company gained Planning Board approval at the beginning of August to bring Sandbox VR to the second floor of the Paramus Crossroads at 305 Route 17 south. The business will be between the PGA Superstore and the PC Richard appliance store.

Paramus is the heart of Bergen County and the center of a vibrant business and residential district, said Bermanin a statement. It is a compelling location for an experiential entertainment business that attracts a diverse customer base of young professionals, companies looking for team building events and corporate outings, and will also be loved by teens looking for something fun to do and families seeking a night of fun.

Eat, hike, explore and discover:Here's your ultimate North Jersey summer bucket list

The venue will have four virtual reality rooms for gameplay and an additional party room for private events, such as birthdays and corporate events.

When people participate in a game, they will put on a VR headset, a haptic vest,a backpack and motion sensors on their wrists and ankles.Participants will be able to seefriends and family members who are with them through the VR goggleswhile they free-roam around in the room to complete the video game's mission, which could be anything from clearing out a zombie-filled mansion to participating in a space mission in the Star Trek universe.

Memory lane: Once mainstays, these restaurants in the Paramus area are now only memories

The sessions would run for about an hour and 30 minutes, with some training and setup beforehand, about 30 minutes of the virtual reality gameplayand ending with a review of game highlights.

Sandbox VR isn't the first attempt to bring virtual reality to Paramus. Asimilar business called TheVoid was supposed to open atWestfield Garden State Plaza last year, just beforethe COVID-19 pandemic began. The company defaulted on a key loan that forcedit to permanently transfer its assets,patents and trademarksto its creditor at the end of last year, according to Protocol, a business news site. The company's owner blamed the pandemic and the shutdown of malls.

Stephanie Nodais a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community,please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email:noda@northjersey.com

Twitter:@snoda11

Here is the original post:

Battle zombies and killer robots in new virtual reality business coming soon to Paramus - NorthJersey.com