Please mind the zap

BANGKOKIANS BY the score – including more than a few celebrities – are boarding a spaceship and waging virtual battle with laser weapons in scenes straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster.
And no one has to travel to a galaxy far, far away.
It’s all happening at Lazgam, an indoor fantasy laser-game park at the Holiday Inn Sukhumvit Bangkok opened last year by a Swiss duo, Sebastien Abad and Benjamin Cherix. 
They spent Bt15 million-plus building a three-dimensional science-fiction maze inside what looks like a spaceship. Smoke machines, strobe lights and black lights and fluorescent wall decorations by Mister Bows Graffiti Art set the stage for thrilling laser combat.

Would-be Stormtroopers can test their laserwielding talents at Lazgam, an indoor scifi battlefield with thrills to suit players from seven 

This 630-square-metre portal to the distant universe occupies the fifth floor of the otherwise wholly terrestrial hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 22. Head-in-the-stars Dutch firm LaserMaxx makes the equipment for the virtual warfare going on, involving the latest infrared technology and accurate laser-tag weaponry. 
“Sebastien and I love ‘Star Wars’!” says Cherix, as if we couldn’t have guessed.
“That’s what got us interested in laser tag, which is already very popular around the world. In Switzerland there are seven laser-game venues for a population of just six million, and France has more than 100. 
“After moving to Thailand four years ago I looked for a place to play and couldn’t find one. So I persuaded Sebastien that we should start out own place and it’s proved very popular, both with local residents and foreign tourists.”
Cherix explains that laser tag is not similar to paintball and BB-gun tag and entirely safe, as well as being adrenaline-intensive and hilariously fun for all ages – anyone from seven to 77 can play, as can people who use wheelchairs. 

“We have advanced Evo-5 laser equipment from LaserMaxx that’s extremely accurate. Players receive a steady stream of information on their performance while playing and, if they like, can be listed in LaserMaxx’s world rankings. The brand is constantly developing new features and programmes to keep the game fun and exciting.” 
LaserMaxx has supplied laser-tag gear for more than 300 futuristic “mazes” in 48 countries since its launch in 1995. Its Evo-5 DMX “plug-in” provides the power for the three zones in the Bangkok gaming area, controlling the lighting effects, billowing smoke and other thrills from a central console. 

There are six modes to the shooting simulation game, providing a full range of challenges. Players have to be agile and always on their toes, and even a rudimentary knowledge of military tactics can help. 
“Independence” mode is quite a test in itself. You have only one life to give for the safety and security of the entire galaxy, and yet you have to get past a daunting posse of foes.
Once you feel stronger and more confident, “Captain America” mode comes with a power shield to protect you from laser strikes as you strive to land three consecutive hits on your opponent.
All “six” senses come into play in “Dark” mode, where the only light illuminating the battlefield comes from the mouth of a gun. “Alien Invasion” mode takes place in 2050, with an alien spices trying to take over the city. You have to dodge their barrage of laser beams – or risk becoming one of them.   

“Flag” mode takes real team effort, and the speed of your attack on the enemy’s base is crucial. At the same time you’re constantly on guard against an enemy counter-attack. The aim is to capture your opponent’s flag before time runs out. 
Finally there’s “VIP” mode, is which you’re the trusted bodyguard protecting an important figure who lacks the laser power to defend himself. 
Surprising as this will be, the staff of the Sunday Nation has never been to space, so our assembled squad chooses “Classic” mode, recommended for rookies. Up to 32 people can form two to six teams and fire away for an exciting 15 minutes. 
Cherix first demonstrates how to don the hi-tech Evo-5 vest and shoot a laser gun that easily fits in the hand. Then it’s “get out there and hunt”, so we commence roaming around. 
The SWAT-inspired “smart” electronic vest has sensor targets front, rear, shoulders and gun. If you get shot, the vest is deactivated for five seconds. From a little built-in speaker comes the whisper “Well done” if you ever manage to shoot someone. A strike is rewarded with 100 points. Get hit and you hear “Don’t give up” and lose 10 points. 

It’s all quite exciting. The LED display on the vest has a steady read-out of game data, including your name, the identity of the creep shooting at you, and whatever special powers you might pick up in battle. 
If 15 minutes sounds like too brief a window to save the universe, it feels a lot longer because you’re forever dodging about and seeking shelter from incoming laser death, and the bad guys might even by hiding on the level above you. 
You soon learn to start pumping the rainbow-hued PowerPod to shield you from four straight laser hits. Another button marked “Spy” will change your vest colour, buying time to trick your opponent, and “Invisibility” hides you momentarily from enemy sensors, though you can keep shooting. 

Once hostilities cease and the laser flares that are burned into your retinas fade, you can submit your personal score to the global LaserMaxx League and see how you stack up as a Jedi warrior. And next time you visit Lazgam, remember that it’s happy to host school groups, birthday parties and any other special event. 
The universe is expanding, Cherix reports.
“We’re adding more lights, more smoke machines and more lasers here, we have a franchisee on Koh Samui and we’re opening branches at Central Festival Pattaya in March and at Major Ratchayothin in Bangkok in April. 
“We want to spread right across the country,” he says, though a lot of his customers will have more celestial goals.
  

THIS WAY, SKYWALKER
>> Lazgam is on the fifth floor of the Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit on Soi 22, near the BTS Asoke station.
>> It’s open Monday to Thursday from noon to midnight, Fridays until 2am, Saturdays from 10 to 2 and Sundays from 10 to midnight. 
>> Admission is Bt350, reduced to just Bt199 weekdays from noon to 4 and Bt190 every Tuesday. 
>> Call (02) 663 7703 or visit www.Lazgam.com.