Difference between revisions of "VR-1"

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{{OtherPage|desc=the similarly-named Japanese game developer|page=VR-1 Japan}}
 
{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| image=VR1 Arcade.jpg
 
| image=VR1 Arcade.jpg
 
| publisher=[[Sega]]
 
| publisher=[[Sega]]
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| developer=[[Sega AM3]]{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20040610032406/www.hitmaker.co.jp/site/comphistory.html}}, [[Sega AM5]]{{fileref|SSM_JP_19960614_1996-09.pdf|page=144}}
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| developer=[[Sega AM3]],{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20040610032406/www.hitmaker.co.jp/site/comphistory.html}} [[Sega AM4]],{{fileref|Patent US5774096.pdf}} [[Sega AM5]]{{fileref|SSM_JP_19960614_1996-09.pdf|page=144}}
 
| system=[[Large attraction]]
 
| system=[[Large attraction]]
 
| players=
 
| players=
 
| releases={{releasesArcade
 
| releases={{releasesArcade
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| attract_date_jp=1994-07-20
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| large_date_jp=1994-07-20
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| attract_date_uk=1996-09-07
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| large_date_uk=1996-09-07
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| attract_date_au=1997-03-18
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| large_date_au=1997-03-18
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
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The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' or '''Virtual Reality-1''' is an interactive [[wikipedia:virtual reality|virtual reality]] [[wikipedia:simulator ride|motion simulator]] [[large attraction]] collaboratively developed by [[Sega AM3]], [[Sega AM5]], and [[Virtuality]].{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}}
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The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' or '''Virtual Reality-1''' is an interactive [[virtual reality]]-based [[large attraction]] collaboratively developed by [[Sega AM3]], [[AM4]], [[AM5]], and [[Virtuality]].{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}}
  
 
Designed to be one of the premier attractions of [[Sega]]'s [[Amusement Theme Park]] venues in Japan,{{fileref|Amusement Theme Park JP Booklet.pdf}} as well as [[SegaWorld London]] and [[Sega World Sydney]], it became one of the more well-received aspects of the venture,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} and thanks in part to its [[Mega Visor Display]] is still considered a highly advanced example of immersive VR technology for its time.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}}
 
Designed to be one of the premier attractions of [[Sega]]'s [[Amusement Theme Park]] venues in Japan,{{fileref|Amusement Theme Park JP Booklet.pdf}} as well as [[SegaWorld London]] and [[Sega World Sydney]], it became one of the more well-received aspects of the venture,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} and thanks in part to its [[Mega Visor Display]] is still considered a highly advanced example of immersive VR technology for its time.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}}
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==Characteristics==
 
==Characteristics==
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VR-1 can be defined as an interactive virtual reality amusement park attraction. While little is known about the computer hardware its experience ran on, the three main elements of the ride are its [[Mega Visor Display]], motion simulators, and software. When unified, the three create near-total immersion for riders.
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VR-1 can be defined as an interactive virtual reality amusement park attraction. The three main elements of the ride are its [[Mega Visor Display]], motion simulators, and software. When unified, the three create near-total immersion for riders.
  
 
===Mega Visor Display===
 
===Mega Visor Display===
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[[File:MVD 1994.jpg|thumb|right|Mega Visor Display]]
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[[File:MVD 1994.jpg|thumb|right]]
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The Mega Visor Display, developed jointly by Sega AM3 and Virtuality,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} is the central aspect of VR-1. With it, the attraction is able to successfully simulate a virtual world in a comfortable manner, earning it its namesake. When developing the headset, the key aims Virtuality and Sega followed were comfortability, light weight, and ergonomics,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}} intentionally designing it to keep body contact to a minimum, making its weight 640 grams,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} and improving its adaptability to different head shapes through the use of adjusters. As a result, the MVD was one of the most structurally sound head-mounted displays at the time of its release.
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The Mega Visor Display, developed jointly by Sega with Virtuality,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} is the central aspect of VR-1. With it, the attraction is able to successfully simulate a virtual world in a comfortable capacity, earning it its namesake. In developing the headset, the key aims Virtuality and Sega followed were comfortability, light weight, and ergonomics,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}} specificially designing it to keep body contact to a minimum, making its weight 640 grams,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} and improving its adaptability to different head shapes through the use of adjusters. As a result, the MVD was one of the most structurally sound head-mounted displays at the time of its release.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}}
  
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In addition to its design advancements, the Mega Visor Display was also developed with providing a technologically superior graphical performance in mind. When originally released, the MVD could output real-time 3D graphics and pre-rendered films at a 756 x 244 pixel resolution with a 60°(H) x 46.87°(V) field of view, allowing riders to view a 360 degree landscape with the use of head tracking technology.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} A cut-down liquid-crystal display was used to decrease the size and weight of the headset.
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In addition to its design advancements, the Mega Visor Display was also developed with providing a technologically superior graphical performance in mind. When originally released, the MVD could output real-time 3D graphics supplied by Sega's [[Model 1]] and [[Model 2]] hardware,{{intref|Press release: 1995-03-20: Lockheed Martin 3D Graphics Accelerator offers real-time PC visual system performance}} as well as pre-rendered 3D films at a 756 x 244 pixel resolution with a 60°(H) x 46.87°(V) field of view. With the use of early head tracking technology, it significantly allowed all riders to view a 360 degree landscape of these.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} The cut-down liquid-crystal display for them was again used to decrease the size and weight of the headset.
  
 
===Motion simulators===
 
===Motion simulators===
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[[File:Yokohama VR1 4.jpg|thumb|left|VR-1 motion simulators in [[Yokohama Joypolis]], 1994]]
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[[File:Yokohama VR1 5.jpg|thumb|left|VR-1 motion simulators in [[Yokohama Joypolis]], 1994]]
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Instead of placing riders in static sit-down or stand-up pods, VR-1 uses four hydraulic motion systems to give off a stronger immersion effect to its full capacity of 32 riders. Each could seat eight people and utilised a 4 axis base, using the earlier [[AS-1]] simulator jointly produced by Sega and [[wikipedia:Douglas Trumbull|Douglas Trumbull]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210507020520/https://blog.goo.ne.jp/lemon6868/e/964683a1754808ef332712561e51b4c0}} as its basis.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}} Like the Mega Visor Display, numerous cosmetic appearances were designed during the development process, with an early design of one eventually seeing use on the cover of a promotional booklet for Sega's indoor theme park business.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}}
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Instead of placing riders in static sit-down or stand-up pods, VR-1 uses four hydraulic motion systems to give off a stronger immersion effect to its full capacity of 32 riders. Each could seat eight people and utilised a 4-axis base, using the earlier [[AS-1]] simulator jointly produced by Sega and [[wikipedia:Douglas Trumbull|Douglas Trumbull]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210507020520/https://blog.goo.ne.jp/lemon6868/e/964683a1754808ef332712561e51b4c0}} as its basis and originally being named AS-1000 in addition.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}} Like the Mega Visor Display, numerous cosmetic appearances were designed during the development process, with an early design of one eventually seeing use on the cover of a promotional booklet for Sega's emerging Amusement Theme Park business venture.{{fileref|Amusement Theme Park JP Booklet.pdf}}
  
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The finalised motion systems were modelled on spaceship pods, in-keeping with the attraction's space-age design motif. When running, the bases could provide 380mm vertical up/down and 34 degree left/right movement;{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19961224110359/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/atc/vr_1.html}} riders were provided with pre-requisite safety belts as a result of this. When not in use, the MVD headsets were stored in moulded stations situated between the seats. Alongside lighting systems and floor maps, the four pods incorporated the primary colour-coding of red, yellow, green and blue, though it is not clear if riders were accordingly divided up into teams based on this.
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The finalised motion systems were modelled on futuristic spaceship pods, in-keeping with the attraction's space-age design motif. When running, the bases could provide 380mm vertical up/down and 34 degree left/right movement;{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19961224110359/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/atc/vr_1.html}} riders were provided with pre-requisite safety belts as a result of this. When not in use, the MVD headsets were stored in moulded stations situated between the seats. Alongside lighting systems and floor maps, the four pods incorporated the primary colour-coding of red, yellow, green and blue, though it is not clear if riders were accordingly divided up into teams based on this for installed software.
  
 
===Software===
 
===Software===
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[[File:Space Mission.png|thumb|right|Pre-rendered CG portion of ''[[Space Mission]]'']]
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[[File:Space Mission.png|thumb|right|Promotional screenshot of pre-rendered CG portion from ''[[Space Mission]]'']]
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In-keeping with Sega's company ethos of "High-Tech Entertainment" at that time, one of the main selling points of their indoor theme park locations was to provide interactive ride attractions that were not too dissimilar to coin-operated arcade games.{{fileref|Amusement Theme Park JP Booklet.pdf}} As a result, VR-1 was developed with limited but fully functional gameplay elements, instead of remaining as a purely simulation experience. The original July 1994 installation and most others made use of ''Space Mission'', a first-person rail shooter game.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19961224110359/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/atc/vr_1.html}} In it, riders attempt to reach the fictional planet "Basco", where an enemy fleet has taken off to with stolen confidential information.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19961224110359/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/atc/vr_1.html}}
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In-keeping with Sega's company ethos of "High-Tech Entertainment" at that time, one of the main unique selling points of their indoor theme park locations was to provide interactive ride attractions that were not too dissimilar to coin-operated arcade games.{{fileref|Amusement Theme Park JP Booklet.pdf}} As a result, VR-1 was developed with limited but fully functional gameplay elements, instead of remaining as a purely simulation experience. The original July 1994 installation and most others made use of ''Space Mission'', a first-person rail shooter game.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19961224110359/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/atc/vr_1.html}} In it, riders attempt to reach the fictional planet "Basco", where an enemy fleet has taken off to with stolen confidential information.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19961224110359/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/atc/vr_1.html}}
  
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Shortly after the MVD headsets and sound system of the attraction were tweaked in a renewal, a software update, ''Planet Adventure'', was released for the original Yokohama Joypolis installation in 1995,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19991011040009/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/atc/vr1planeta.html}} and later implemented in the Fukuoka branch upon its opening during April 1996. Little is currently known about ''Planet Adventure'', besides it involving a comical robot character, "E-2", piloting riders to an untraversed planet.{{magref|segamagjp|5|19}} It is not thought to have been as widely released as the earlier ''Space Mission'', and there is no evidence of a localisation ever being produced for overseas Sega World locations.
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Shortly after the MVD headsets and sound system of the attraction were tweaked in a renewal, a software update, ''Planet Adventure'', was released for the original Yokohama Joypolis installation in 1995,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19991011040009/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/atc/vr1planeta.html}} and later implemented in the Fukuoka branch upon its opening during April 1996.{{magref|segamagjp|5|20}} Little is currently known about ''Planet Adventure'', besides it involving a comical robot character, "E-2", piloting riders to an untraversed planet.{{magref|segamagjp|5|19}} It is not thought to have been as widely released as the earlier ''Space Mission'', and there is no evidence of a localisation ever being produced for overseas Sega World locations.
  
 
==Ride experience==
 
==Ride experience==
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===Gameplay===
 
===Gameplay===
 
[[File:SWL VR1.jpg|thumb|right]]
 
[[File:SWL VR1.jpg|thumb|right]]
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Completing the pre-show, staff guide riders again towards the main attraction area, dividing them up into two to four teams if in groups larger than 8. Once all are seated, and secure with the Mega Visor Display, the interactive software and motion units are ran.  
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Completing the pre-show, staff guide riders again towards the main attraction area, dividing them up into two to four teams if in groups larger than 8. Once all are seated, and secure with the Mega Visor Display, the interactive software and motion units are ran.
  
 
Initially viewing a pre-rendered opening cutscene that sets up the scenario, riders then are prompted to partake in a first-person rail shooter game, using the triggers situated to the left and right sides of them to dispose of enemy targets and achieve the highest score.
 
Initially viewing a pre-rendered opening cutscene that sets up the scenario, riders then are prompted to partake in a first-person rail shooter game, using the triggers situated to the left and right sides of them to dispose of enemy targets and achieve the highest score.
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==History==
 
==History==
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===Background===
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{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/History}}
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During the late 1980s and early 1990s, virtual realtiy technology experienced a boom in public interest around the world for the first time.{{ref| After early headset iterations used by organisations such as [[wikipedia:NASA|NASA]] and the popularisation of the VR term itself by [[wikipedia:Jaron Lanier|Jaron Lanier]] during the previous decade,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210427073900/https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21829226-000-virtual-reality-meet-founding-father-jaron-lanier/}} the 90s saw a glut of new commercial VR hardware released. One of the early beneficiaries of this boom was the [[wikipedia:Virtuality|Virtuality Group]], whose hit Virtuality 1000CS and 1000SD systems enticed arcades and out-of-home entertainment centres.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20201128131357/https://www.vrs.org.uk/dr-jonathan-walden-virtuality-new-reality-promise-two-decades-soon/}} Both were installed at a number of expositions and venues, including the popular Funland amusement centre situated in the [[wikipedia:London Trocadero|London Trocadero]] and the unrelated [[wikipedia:Embarcadero Center|Embracadero Center]] in San Fransisco.
 
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[[File:Virtuality marketing page.jpg|thumb|Virtuality saw commercial VR success with their line of products in the early 1990s.]]
 
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Yet, in spite of virtual reality's acceptance among much of the public, criticism was sometimes made over the still-rudimentary graphics commercially provided to consumers at that time. Though the headsets available could simulate a virtual world, as a result of the use of hardware like the [[wikipedia:Amiga 3000|Amiga 3000]], it would often be at low frame rates and resolutions, as well as using low counts of flat-shaded polygons to portray playing fields and objects.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20201128131357/https://www.vrs.org.uk/dr-jonathan-walden-virtuality-new-reality-promise-two-decades-soon/}}
 
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In addition, the head-mounted displays used for VR were not believed to be ergonomically ideal for prolonged use, often using large, heavy designs to accommodate the size of the technology available at that time. These raised concerns about neck strain and hygiene, among other issues. After criticisms arose and new commercial technology failed to appear quickly, initial buzz around the technology slowly died down, though consumer interest in it would remain consistent throughout much of the 1990s.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20201128131357/https://www.vrs.org.uk/dr-jonathan-walden-virtuality-new-reality-promise-two-decades-soon/}}
 
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At the same time of VR's surge in popularity in much of the Western world, Japanese video game and hardware developers [[Sega]] and [[Namco]] were involved in a notable rivalry over technological advancements. The companies had been competitors dating back to the earlier years of the coin-operated amusement industry,{{ref|http://shmuplations.com/akiranagai/}} however this relationship had been intensified by the rise of the [[Taikan]] motion experience games such as ''[[OutRun]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:Metal Hawk|Metal Hawk]]'' during the 1980s.
 
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In what was perhaps the peak of their technological rivalry during 1990, Sega unveiled their rotational [[R360]] arcade cabinet for ''[[G-LOC: Air Battle]]'', while Namco dwarfed all previous releases in size considerably with the 28-player ''[[wikipedia:Galaxian 3|Galaxian 3]]'' ride attraction, at that time only available for use as an exhibition at expositions and events, such as [[wikipedia:Expo '90|The International Garden and Greenery Exposition]].{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20190424041723/http://dengekionline.com/special/challenge/we/we01.html}} Though expensive, the two projects received overwhelmingly positive reception from gamers. 
 
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Additionally, both companies were also competing with each other by opening increasingly bigger entertainment facilities in their native countries; Namco initially had the upper hand, with the launch of Osaka's Plabo Sennichimae venue (featuring a number of Virtuality pods and a cut-down version of ''Galaxian 3'') in 1991,{{magref|gamemachinejp|415|14}} and the first ever theme park opened by a video game company, Tokyo's [[wikipedia:Wonder Eggs|Wonder Eggs]], during the following year, where the original ''Galaxian 3'' installation was permanently relocated and rebuilt.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20181210202633/https://www.bandainamcoent.co.jp/corporate/history/namco/index.html}} Sega were understood to have similar plans, having already opened 150 family-oriented [[Sega World]] amusement arcades{{ref|http://shmuplations.com/akiranagai/}} and introduced a number of theme-park like attractions such as ''[[CCD Cart]]'' and ''[[Cyber Dome]]'', but with the exception of the confirmation of plans in October 1992,{{magref|gamemachinejp|438|16}} were largely more secretive about them. Unlike Namco, though, Sega had shown more interest in producing their own virtual reality hardware, announcing the [[Sega VR]] during 1993.{{magref|sfm|1|6}}
 
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===Development===
 
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Whilst Sega of America undertook development on the ultimately never released Sega VR project, Sega of Japan sought outside help for their own separate virtual reality endeavours. In July 1993, W. Industries, owners of the Virtuality Group, won a £3.5 million contract{{magref|megapower|1|8}} to collaborate with the company's "AM" arcade research and development divisions on future releases.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} [[Hayao Nakayama]], then president of Sega, and Dr Jonathan Waldern were photographed together, making the front page of the ''Game Machine'' coin-op trade paper and marking a significant moment for early relations between eastern and western VR developers.{{magref|gamemachinejp|455|1}} At this stage, it was not yet specified which headset would be utilised as part of the agreement.{{magref|gamemachinejp|455|14}}
 
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[[File:AmusementRevolutionBySega JP Booklet 4.jpg|thumb|left|Early MVD designs]]
 
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According to initial reports, the original contract was solely for Virtuality to collaborate on a VR game for the [[Sega Model 1]], at that time the most advanced arcade hardware on the market.{{magref|gamemachinejp|455|14}} Because of its added prowess, it would allow the company to produce a cleaner looking and performing game experience than previous releases they were involved in. The other area where a significant improvement could be made was the ergonomic qualities of headsets; although standards were getting better in that regard, no company had produced a fully satisfactory product yet. As a result, negotiations with Sega are believed to have soon evolved to become higher-level, involving the creation of a wholly new virtual reality headset and eventually a centrepiece attraction for their planned theme parks.
 
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[[File:Amusement RevolutionBySega JP Booklet 5.jpg|thumb|right|Early motion simulator designs]]
 
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Collaboration between Virtuality and Sega largely took place in the offices of the latter company's [[AM3]] division in Japan, with two programmers (Andy Reece and Stephen Northcott) and two artists from the former company living there.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506212733/http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712}} Whilst undertaking development on the original arcade project, the two teams shared unique optics designs and patented technology,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} in an attempt to work towards the creation of a headset that would set a benchmark for VR moving forward. Numerous new iterations and versions were developed under tight secrecy to work out which types would work best in terms of ergonomic and graphical quality, some of which based on the advanced Visette.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} Eventually, the designs were finalised, with the finished product christened the "Mega Visor Display".
 
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For the creation of a larger project intended for the opening of a large flagship amusement facility in Yokohama during 1994, Sega's official theme park attraction development division, [[AM5]], joined AM3 and Virtuality. Developers involved with VR-1 included head MVD designer [[Masao Yoshimoto]],{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}} sound composers [[Kazuhiko Nagai]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210410085617/https://sbtransr02.wixsite.com/kazuhiko-nagai/my-works-1}} and [[Keisuke Tsukahara (Composer)|Keisuke Tsukahara]],{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210603030834/https://media.vgm.io/albums/86/4768/4768-1191149488.jpg}} and programmer [[Kazunari Shimamura]],{{fileref|Patent_US5662523.pdf}} as well as [[Shingo Yasumaru]].{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}}  Much of the attraction's technology was planned to rely on pre-existing or near complete concepts, including the Mega Visor Display and 4-axis hydraulic bases used in the earlier [[AS-1]] motion simulator,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}} however difficulties were apparently faced in synchronising the hardware and software - at full capacity, 64 sets of boards would have to be ran for 32 riders, as a result of one board being used for each eye.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}}
 
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===Release===
 
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VR-1's first permanent public installation was at Yokohama Joypolis, the first [[Joypolis]] indoor theme park, in July 1994.{{magref|bemega|1994-09|24}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}} Originally running the ''Space Mission'' experience, the ride was one of the premier features sited at the park on its opening day, debuting alongside two other newly-developed attractions by Sega (the non-virtual ''[[Mad Bazooka]]'' and ''[[Rail Chase: The Ride]]'') and providing much of the basis for its main selling point of high-tech entertainment. It went on to become one of the more well received aspects of Sega's [[Amusement Theme Park]] concept, with a number of reviewers noting the Mega Visor Display's cut-down size and weight in comparison to other, more uncomfortable headsets available for public use at that time.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20160115040943/http://www.ibiblio.org/GameBytes/issue21/misc/joypolis.html}}{{ref|https://archive.org/details/sim_japan-times_august-08-14-1994_34_32/page/n9/}}
 
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[[File:Yokohama VR1.jpg|thumb|right|VR-1 at [[Yokohama Joypolis]] in 1994]]
 
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In the following months, VR-1 was also installed at a number of other indoor theme park venues opened by Sega in Japan, including further Joypolis branches in [[Niigata Joypolis|Niigata]]{{magref|segamagjp|5|20}} and [[Fukuoka Joypolis|Fukuoka]].{{magref|segamagjp|5|20}} The original Yokohama installation received an update in 1995 to run new ''Planet Adventure'' software,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19991011040009/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/atc/vr1planeta.html}} however this would become the last support it would receive from Sega. Nonetheless, the attraction reappeared again in 1996 and 1997, when its ''Space Mission'' incarnation was localised and installed outside of Japan at [[SegaWorld London]] and [[Sega World Sydney]]. Though purportedly prone to breaking down frequently at these locations,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210525212511/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/outings-i-have-seen-the-future-of-fun-and-it-works-sort-of-1363207.html}} it again received praise in reviews.{{ref|https://archive.org/details/t-3-magazine-issue-1/page/n7/mode/2up}}{{magref|cvg|fp7|1}}
 
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There is no known evidence of the VR-1 seeing further installations outside of the three countries it ultimately reached. After its opening in December 1995, it was purportedly going to be installed at the [[E-Zone Sega World]] arcade in Singapore alongside ''[[Mad Bazooka]]'' and ''[[Ghost Hunters]]'' to make it a venue under the [[Amusement Theme Park]] concept in March 1996,{{magref|gamemachinejp|502|14}} however there is no evidence of this occurring. Before the creation of the [[GameWorks]] joint venture and chain of entertainment centers, Sega likely intended it to feature as a premier attraction of its planned indoor theme parks in North America.{{intref|Press release: 1993-07-04:Sega Takes Aim at Disney's World}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210529235234/https://techmonitor.ai/technology/sega_and_matsushita_subsidiary_in_theme_park_venture}}
 
−
 
 
−
In spite of VR-1's relative success, as well as some of the venues supposedly exceeding visitor number and revenue expectations,{{fileref|Segaworld Trocadero '96 Promo Video.mp4}}{{ref|https://archive.org/details/contemporarybusi00boon/page/184}}{{magref|gamemachinejp|519|1}} Sega's detour into theme park entertainment had proved to be uneconomic by the end of the 1990s, with most of their Joypolis branches and two overseas Sega World parks either closed permanently or downsized in the midst of a restructuring in the company.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} Due to this, as well as obvious advancements in technology since its release, no VR-1 units remain in operation today, and none are currently believed to exist in any form. Virtuality's contract with Sega appears to have been terminated in 1995, with the ''[[Dennou Senki Net Merc]]'' seeing a less positive reception and limited production due to shortages of [[Model 1]] hardware.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506212733/http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712}}
 
−
 
 
−
==Legacy==
 
−
The VR-1, and specifically its [[Mega Visor Display]], has been recognized as one of the most advanced pieces of virtual reality hardware of its generation.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}} The MVD subsequently inspired the designs of several other examples, ensured Sega's reputation as an early [[wikipedia:virtual reality|virtual reality]] pioneer,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}} and set a benchmark not thought to have been surpassed until the late 2010s.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200811132324/https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}}
 
−
 
 
−
The MVD's life after the release of VR-1 in 1994 was short; though it was successfully used as a design motif for the Virtuaroid characters of the ''Virtual-On'' series{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}} (and was rumoured to be used for ''[[Cyber Troopers Virtual-On]]'' early on in development{{magref|gamest|148}}), the original arcade project that Sega and Virtuality intended to create, ''[[Dennou Senki Net Merc]]'', was met with a less positive response, and became the final release to use the headset after being produced in very low numbers.{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506212733/http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712}}
 
−
 
 
−
==Archival status==
 
−
After the subsequent downsizing and closures of the venues that housed it during the late 1990s and early 2000s, there remain no known locations where the attraction remains in operation, and both its games are additionally unpreserved. Sega appear to hold at least one remaining Mega Visor Display headset, as well as a promotional booklet.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20161004200031/https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html}}
 
  
 
==Locations==
 
==Locations==
Line 112: Line 76:
 
* [[Sega World Sydney]]
 
* [[Sega World Sydney]]
  
−
==Supported games==
+
==Games==
 
* ''[[Space Mission]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Space Mission]]'' (1994)
 
* ''[[Planet Adventure]]'' (1995)
 
* ''[[Planet Adventure]]'' (1995)
 +
 +
==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 +
 +
==Promotional material==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Promotional material}}
 +
 +
==Video coverage==
 +
*[https://segaretro.org/File:VR1_Game_Catalogue_2.mp4 Footage of the attraction and ''Space Mission''] from 01/07/1995 edition of ''[[Game Catalog II]]''
 +
*[https://segaretro.org/File:VR-1_JP_Promotional_Video.mp4 JP Promotional Video]
  
 
==Patents==
 
==Patents==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
Patent US5662523.pdf|US5662523
 
Patent US5662523.pdf|US5662523
 +
Patent US5774096.pdf|US5774096
 +
Patent EP0908754A3.pdf|EP0908754A3
 +
1996019662.pdf|JPA 080196624
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
==Videos==
+
==Artwork==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
VR1_Game_Catalogue_2.mp4|Footage of the attraction and ''Space Mission'' from the 01/07/1995 edition of [[Famitsu]] television series ''[[Game Catalog II]]''
+
VR1 Space Mission Logo.jpg|Logo
 +
VR1 Concept.jpg|Concept art
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
==Gallery==
+
==Photo gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
Yokohama VR1 Exterior.jpg |VR-1 at [[Yokohama Joypolis]]
 
Yokohama VR1 Exterior.jpg |VR-1 at [[Yokohama Joypolis]]
 
Yokohama VR1.jpg
 
Yokohama VR1.jpg
 +
Yokohama VR1 4.jpg
 
Yokohama VR1 2.jpg
 
Yokohama VR1 2.jpg
−
Yokohama VR1 3.jpg  
+
Yokohama VR1 3.jpg
 +
Yokohama VR1 5.jpg
 
Niigata Joypolis VR1.jpg|VR-1 at [[Niigata Joypolis]]
 
Niigata Joypolis VR1.jpg|VR-1 at [[Niigata Joypolis]]
 
Fukuoka VR1.jpg|VR-1 at [[Fukuoka Joypolis]]
 
Fukuoka VR1.jpg|VR-1 at [[Fukuoka Joypolis]]
 +
FukuokaJoypolis VR1 AquaNova entrance.png|VR-1 at [[Fukuoka Joypolis]]
 
SWL VR1.jpg|VR-1 at [[SegaWorld London]]
 
SWL VR1.jpg|VR-1 at [[SegaWorld London]]
 
London VR1 Preshow.jpg|London pre-show area
 
London VR1 Preshow.jpg|London pre-show area
Line 139: Line 120:
 
SWS VR1.jpeg
 
SWS VR1.jpeg
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
−
 
−
==Magazine articles==
 
−
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 
−
 
−
==Promotional material==
 
−
{{gallery
 
−
|{{gitem|VR-1 JP Promotional Video.mp4|JP Promotional Video}}
 
−
|{{gitem|AmusementRevolutionBySega JP Booklet 1.jpg|Amusement Revolution by SEGA" promotional booklet}}
 
−
|{{gitem|AmusementRevolutionBySega JP Booklet 3.jpg}}
 
−
|{{gitem|AmusementRevolutionBySega JP Booklet 4.jpg}}
 
−
|{{gitem|Amusement RevolutionBySega JP Booklet 5.jpg}}
 
−
|{{gitem|AmusementRevolutionBySega JP Booklet 6.jpg}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
Line 162: Line 130:
 
{{MVD}}
 
{{MVD}}
 
{{LargeAttractions}}
 
{{LargeAttractions}}
−
 
+
[[Category:Virtual reality games]]
−
[[Category:Large attractions]]
 

Latest revision as of 23:12, 6 September 2023

For the similarly-named Japanese game developer, see VR-1 Japan.

n/a

VR1 Arcade.jpg
VR-1
System(s): Large attraction
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Release Date RRP Code
Large attraction
JP		 ¥? ?
Large attraction
UK		 £? ?
Large attraction
AU		 $? ?

The VR-1 or Virtual Reality-1 is an interactive virtual reality-based large attraction collaboratively developed by Sega AM3, AM4, AM5, and Virtuality.[4]

Designed to be one of the premier attractions of Sega's Amusement Theme Park venues in Japan,[5] as well as SegaWorld London and Sega World Sydney, it became one of the more well-received aspects of the venture,[4] and thanks in part to its Mega Visor Display is still considered a highly advanced example of immersive VR technology for its time.[4][6]

The hardware is unrelated to the similarly-named but separate Sega VR.[4]

Characteristics

VR-1 can be defined as an interactive virtual reality amusement park attraction. The three main elements of the ride are its Mega Visor Display, motion simulators, and software. When unified, the three create near-total immersion for riders.

Mega Visor Display

MVD 1994.jpg

The Mega Visor Display, developed jointly by Sega with Virtuality,[4] is the central aspect of VR-1. With it, the attraction is able to successfully simulate a virtual world in a comfortable capacity, earning it its namesake. In developing the headset, the key aims Virtuality and Sega followed were comfortability, light weight, and ergonomics,[6] specificially designing it to keep body contact to a minimum, making its weight 640 grams,[4] and improving its adaptability to different head shapes through the use of adjusters. As a result, the MVD was one of the most structurally sound head-mounted displays at the time of its release.[4]

In addition to its design advancements, the Mega Visor Display was also developed with providing a technologically superior graphical performance in mind. When originally released, the MVD could output real-time 3D graphics supplied by Sega's Model 1 and Model 2 hardware,[7] as well as pre-rendered 3D films at a 756 x 244 pixel resolution with a 60°(H) x 46.87°(V) field of view. With the use of early head tracking technology, it significantly allowed all riders to view a 360 degree landscape of these.[4] The cut-down liquid-crystal display for them was again used to decrease the size and weight of the headset.

Motion simulators

VR-1 motion simulators in Yokohama Joypolis, 1994

Instead of placing riders in static sit-down or stand-up pods, VR-1 uses four hydraulic motion systems to give off a stronger immersion effect to its full capacity of 32 riders. Each could seat eight people and utilised a 4-axis base, using the earlier AS-1 simulator jointly produced by Sega and Douglas Trumbull[8] as its basis and originally being named AS-1000 in addition.[6] Like the Mega Visor Display, numerous cosmetic appearances were designed during the development process, with an early design of one eventually seeing use on the cover of a promotional booklet for Sega's emerging Amusement Theme Park business venture.[5]

The finalised motion systems were modelled on futuristic spaceship pods, in-keeping with the attraction's space-age design motif. When running, the bases could provide 380mm vertical up/down and 34 degree left/right movement;[9] riders were provided with pre-requisite safety belts as a result of this. When not in use, the MVD headsets were stored in moulded stations situated between the seats. Alongside lighting systems and floor maps, the four pods incorporated the primary colour-coding of red, yellow, green and blue, though it is not clear if riders were accordingly divided up into teams based on this for installed software.

Software

Promotional screenshot of pre-rendered CG portion from Space Mission

In-keeping with Sega's company ethos of "High-Tech Entertainment" at that time, one of the main unique selling points of their indoor theme park locations was to provide interactive ride attractions that were not too dissimilar to coin-operated arcade games.[5] As a result, VR-1 was developed with limited but fully functional gameplay elements, instead of remaining as a purely simulation experience. The original July 1994 installation and most others made use of Space Mission, a first-person rail shooter game.[9] In it, riders attempt to reach the fictional planet "Basco", where an enemy fleet has taken off to with stolen confidential information.[9]

Shortly after the MVD headsets and sound system of the attraction were tweaked in a renewal, a software update, Planet Adventure, was released for the original Yokohama Joypolis installation in 1995,[10] and later implemented in the Fukuoka branch upon its opening during April 1996.[11] Little is currently known about Planet Adventure, besides it involving a comical robot character, "E-2", piloting riders to an untraversed planet.[12] It is not thought to have been as widely released as the earlier Space Mission, and there is no evidence of a localisation ever being produced for overseas Sega World locations.

Ride experience

VR-1, in both its Space Mission and Planet Adventure incarnations at Yokohama Joypolis, made use of three areas. Each would approximately take three minutes to complete, making for a nine minute long attraction in total. Some installations of VR-1 are believed to have been smaller than the original version sited in Yokohama, likely not containing at least one of the former two areas before the main attraction.

MVD Trial Section

Yokohama VR1 Exterior.jpg

Before entering the attraction itself or joining the existing queue lines, new riders can become familiar with the Mega Visor Display headsets for the first time in the optional "MVD Trial Section", consisting of three small trial pods that can be used free of charge.

In them, a short promotional film demonstrating the MVD's intricacies is played. Dummy headsets are supplied for users to view a basic VR environment similar to the one in-game, and get to grips with the adjustment levers and switches for their own personal comfort in the attraction.

Pre-show

London VR1 Preshow.jpg

After initial admission, but before the main attraction begins, live actors/staff attendants direct riders to a pre-show viewing area much like those found in many rides found at Disneyland parks, as well as Namco's earlier Galaxian 3 attraction.

Displayed by a series of three rear projection screens as well as a lighting system, the show briefs them on the details and overall aim of the upcoming game with a short video recording. In it, the main character of the software currently ran appears, relaying the information to the awaiting attendees.

This area, like the main Space Mission game, was localised for the attraction's overseas appearances. Due to its setup, interior décor differed between locations, and a number of installations may have even used the area for queue lines.

Gameplay

SWL VR1.jpg

Completing the pre-show, staff guide riders again towards the main attraction area, dividing them up into two to four teams if in groups larger than 8. Once all are seated, and secure with the Mega Visor Display, the interactive software and motion units are ran.

Initially viewing a pre-rendered opening cutscene that sets up the scenario, riders then are prompted to partake in a first-person rail shooter game, using the triggers situated to the left and right sides of them to dispose of enemy targets and achieve the highest score.

When the interactive software has came to its end, the attraction's on-hand staff can assist riders with removing their Mega Visor Displays and leaving. If the highest scoring patron is discerned, a "Best Gunner" badge is presented to them as a souvenir before exiting.

History

Main article: VR-1/History.

Locations

Games

Magazine articles

Main article: VR-1/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: VR-1/Promotional material.

Video coverage

Patents

  • US5662523

  • US5774096

  • EP0908754A3

  • JPA 080196624

Artwork

  • Logo

  • Concept art

Photo gallery

External links

References

  1. ↑ htt (Wayback Machine: 2004-06-10 03:24)
  2. ↑ File:Patent US5774096.pdf
  3. ↑ File:SSM_JP_19960614_1996-09.pdf, page 144
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/ (Wayback Machine: 2020-08-11 13:23)
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 File:Amusement Theme Park JP Booklet.pdf
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 https://www.gamebusiness.jp/article/2016/09/14/12597.html (Wayback Machine: 2016-10-04 20:00)
  7. ↑ Press release: 1995-03-20: Lockheed Martin 3D Graphics Accelerator offers real-time PC visual system performance
  8. ↑ https://blog.goo.ne.jp/lemon6868/e/964683a1754808ef332712561e51b4c0 (Wayback Machine: 2021-05-07 02:05)
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/atc/vr_1.html (Wayback Machine: 1996-12-24 11:03)
  10. ↑ http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/atc/vr1planeta.html (Wayback Machine: 1999-10-11 04:00)
  11. ↑ Sega Magazine, "1997-03 (1997-03)" (JP; 1997-02-13), page 20
  12. ↑ Sega Magazine, "1997-03 (1997-03)" (JP; 1997-02-13), page 19


Mega Visor Display
Hardware Mega Visor Display | VR-1 | Sega Net Merc
Software Space Mission | Planet Adventure | Dennou Senki Net Merc
Large attractions
Sega Super Circuit (1988) | CCD Cart (1990) | Cyber Dome (1990) | Ghost Hunters (1994) | Astronomicon (1994) | Virtual Shooting (1994) | VR-1 (1994) | Rail Chase: The Ride (1994) | Mad Bazooka (1994) | Aqua Nova (1996) | Halfpipe Canyon (1996) | Time Fall (1996) | Treasure Panic (1996) | The Crypt (1996) | Fortune Museum (1996) | Beast In Darkness (1996) | Weird Photo Studio (1996) | Sega Rally Special Stage (1996) | Super Ranking (1996) | Shocking Maze (1996) | Sega Touring Car Championship Special (1997) | Aquarena (1997) | Lost Cemetery (1997) | Drift Cart (1998) | Fortune Cave (1998) | Viva! Skydiving (2000) | Speed Boarder (2000) | Dark Chapel (2004) | Ikiningyou no Ma (2005) | Spin Bullet (2006) | Fortune Forest (2006) | Tsukutte Hashirou! Dekoboko Motors (2008) | Initial D Arcade Stage 4 Limited (No results?) | Sonic Hopper! (2009) | Lola and Carla the Beauty Contest (No results?) | Dekoboko Crane Company (2011) | Veil Of Dark (2012) | Halfpipe Tokyo (2012) | Ace Attorney in Joypolis (No results?) | Sonic Ghost Shooting (2013) | Psycho-Pass The Shooting (201x) | Zero Latency VR (No results?) | VR Ikiningyou no Ma (2016) | Gekion Live Coaster (2016) | Psycho-Pass The Shooting 2 (2016)
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