Pelagos VR brings thrilling new adventures to Metro Richmond

(Sponsored Content)
Pelagos VR is bringing thrilling new adventures to Metro Richmond, Virginia. It features three high-end virtual reality experiences, each equipped with exciting games to explore. Feeling hungry or thirsty after your session? Pelagos also provides a variety of food and beverage options, along with comfortable seating for spectators. This small, family-run business is located in Regency Square Mall at Entrance E, right next to the former Sloop John B restaurant.

Virtual reality has been storming the at-home video game console market in recent years. Systems like the Meta Quest and Vive Index continue to make high quality VR experiences more accessible at home. Pelagos VR seeks to augment what you may enjoy at home by engaging physical movement, sensory delight, and team based play. The bar is a sweet addition too!

The three unique VR offerings at Pelagos include Virtualizer Row, the Tessellation Chamber, and the Vault. Virtualizer Row features four omnidirectional movement platforms, the only ones of their kind in the U.S. Manufactured in Austria and imported specifically for Pelagos, these Virtualizers allow players to walk, run, and even sprint within their VR games. Players wear special overshoes and are secured with adjustable waist guards, enabling smooth and natural movement in all directions. These games are action-packed, offering a mix of cooperative and competitive challenges that push the limits of immersive gameplay.

The Tessellation Chamber, affectionately called "Tessie," combines VR gaming with sensory effects for an unparalleled immersive experience. Before entering the 1,000-square-foot arena, up to five players equip advanced trackers alongside their VR headsets. Inside the chamber, players are transported to vibrant environments where they can smell rainforests and campfires, feel gusts of wind and waves of heat, and interact with physical props. Though the focus of the Chamber is an immersive experience, Tessie doesn’t sacrifice thrilling gameplay. Experiences include zombie shooters, a competitive sniper game, and also family friendly adventures through ruins and mysterious mansions.

The Vault brings escape rooms to new heights with VR technology. It features unique escape room scenarios that are perfect for beginners and experienced players alike. With easy to grasp controls and minimal movement, it’s ideal for those concerned about motion sickness while still delivering exciting, high-stakes challenges. Players must solve puzzles and beat the clock in captivating environments such as deep under the ocean, orbiting Earth, or even battling a dragon. The Vault accommodates up to six players, providing an edge-of-your-headset experience for groups of friends or family.

Combo deals like “Run the Gauntlet” and the “Double Play” are sweet deals for those who couldn’t choose just one kind of VR. The Gauntlet will see players going through each of the three kinds of VR; whether all three are in one day or several is up to the players! The double play, as its name suggests, combines two of the three formats.

Whichever game you prefer, everyone can come together at the bar to enjoy libations after their game. The menu includes comfort foods like mini corn dogs, chicken tenders, and hot pretzels with beer cheese. These balance well with healthier options like charcuterie boards, veggie platters, and chicken wraps. A selection of both draft and canned beers, ciders, wine, and soft drinks round out the menu for any thirsty individuals.

You may be thinking that this sounds like the perfect place for a party. Pelagos VR agrees and would love to help put on an event for you! So far, they have hosted birthday parties, gatherings of friends, company holiday parties, and more! You can reserve the space for private access to games and customized food and beverage options.

The staff at Pelagos VR is enthusiastic about combining whichever VR game you play with a customer experience you’ll enjoy from the moment you enter the door. Whoever helps run your game possesses a keen knowledge and depth of excitement about what Pelagos VR is all about. Everyone wearing a Pelagos shirt wants to help you have fun and feel safe no matter your experience with virtual reality.

Pelagos VR was founded by Gene and Joan Burke. They saw an opportunity not just in the singularity of high-end virtual reality entertainment, but primarily great fun. They envisioned a place where people could be transported to extraordinary worlds through VR and then reconnect with friends and family over food and drinks. This vision has become a family affair, with the business also managed by their daughter and son: Katy and Colin.

Joan headed up the interior design of the location, resulting in an elevated, though welcoming space filled with things to catch your eye and spots to rest. She also designed the website and manages requests for events and parties. Katy is the creative director, filling the site and staff with whimsy and wonder. She designed the intricate mural in the Vault and champions decorative flare throughout the building. Colin fills the marketing niche, helping to make Pelagos known on social media and beyond.

If you’re feeling excited to travel to new worlds, you can reserve an experience on Pelagos VR’s website or walk in at Regency Square Mall!

For details about Pelagos VR, visit pelagosvr.com or call (804) 905-VRVA (8782).