Transform your everyday life into a scene from a spy movie! The MR game ‘Laser Dance’ is an undeniable masterpiece [Experience Report]

Have you ever seen a spy movie where the protagonist weaves their way through a corridor lined with lasers? I’m sure everyone has dreamed of doing that at least once. Well, I’ve found a game that makes that dream a reality.
Having experienced numerous works at this year’s BitSummit PUNCH “XR Yokocho,” the one that left the biggest impression on me was “Laser Dance.” This time, I’d like to introduce this undisputed favorite.

■ An empty space instantly transforms into a movie scene.
“Laser Dance” is a mixed reality (MR) game created by Thomas Van Bouwel, a creator based in Brussels, Belgium.
Virtual images are superimposed onto the real world. In other words, the setting of this game is the very place you are standing in right now.

I actually tried playing it, and when you put on the headset, countless lasers appear in front of your eyes. Lights that separate space like walls, lights that block your path like a pendulum clock, places that were empty just moments before are instantly transformed into a scene from a movie. Just this alone gets me super excited!

■ The rules are simple. Dodge the lasers and press the button!

The rules are so simple that you can immediately understand what you need to do just by looking at them.
There are two buttons at opposite ends of the room. The side you’re currently on is the start, and the opposite side is the goal. Just move forward, avoiding the lasers, and press the goal button on the other side. Once you press it, that becomes the next start, and you aim for the other side again. You progress through the stages by moving back and forth between rooms in this way.
You might think, “This looks easy.” However, when you actually try it, it doesn’t go as smoothly as you expected.
As the stage progresses, the number of lasers increases, and their arrangement becomes increasingly complex. You have to duck to pass under the low beams, lift your legs to step over the high beams, and twist your body to find gaps.
Even though I know what I’m supposed to do, my body doesn’t move the way I want it to, and I end up getting hit by the laser. It’s a nice touch that it shows which part of my body was hit when I get hit by the laser, which is helpful when I watch the replay.

Then, I aimed for the brief moment when the laser was interrupted and reached for the goal—when I managed to press it, I couldn’t help but let out a shout and pump my fist in the air.

■ To those around him, he looks suspicious, but he’s completely serious.

To be honest, from an outsider’s perspective, it’s quite a surreal sight. In an empty space, one person silently squats, jumps, and twists their body. To someone who doesn’t know the situation, it would look like the actions of a complete weirdo.
However, he is completely serious. He is so focused on the laser in front of him that he doesn’t pay any attention to such things. He is that engrossed in the world of the game. I think that sense of immersion is the greatest charm of this game.

■ The course changes depending on the location.
What’s amazing about “Laser Dance” is that it’s not just about displaying lasers.

This game allows the device to recognize the surrounding space and arrange the laser beams to fit the size and shape of the room. It includes 18 levels and over 80 different laser patterns, which change their appearance depending on the environment in which you are playing.
I played in the limited space of a booth at the event, but I still had so much fun. That’s why I want to play in a larger space, or even in my own room—in various environments. The course changes depending on the location. I think that’s what’s so great about this game.
Developed by an individual, it must have been incredibly challenging technically, but this dedication is what makes this game so appealing.
Furthermore, it even has a feature that adjusts the difficulty level according to the player’s range of movement, so even those who have difficulty crouching can enjoy it at their own pace. The fact that it’s accessible to everyone is also a welcome feature.

■ Created by the creators of ‘Cubism’

Bouwel, the creator of “Laser Dance,” is also the creator of “Cubism,” a well-known masterpiece of VR puzzle games.

“Cubism” is a simple puzzle where you combine blocks floating in space, and it can be assembled using intuitive controls that utilize hand tracking. You have to try different angles to find a place to insert the blocks, which is quite difficult, and before you know it, you’ll be engrossed in the puzzle.
‘Cubism’ encourages careful contemplation, while ‘Laser Dance’ encourages full-body movement. Although the ways of playing are diametrically opposed, both games share a common thread: simple rules refined to the extreme, allowing anyone to jump right in without explanation. This shared characteristic clearly reflects the dedication of the same creator.

■ Summary: Easy to understand and fun to play with by moving around.
There are two main reasons why “Laser Dance” resonated with me the most among all the works.
One of its strengths is that you can immediately understand what to do just by looking at it. There are no complicated controls or rules to remember. It’s accessible to people of all ages, from the moment you put on the headset.
And another thing is, without a doubt, the fun of playing by moving your whole body. Instead of sitting and operating it with your hands, you use your whole body to dodge the lasers. This feeling of “playing by moving around” was incredibly exhilarating.

Furthermore, the ordinary, everyday space transforms into such a thrilling stage the moment you put on the headset. It’s not often you get to have an experience like this in everyday life. This time we played in the limited space of the booth, but since the course changes depending on the location, I want to play this game in many more different places. I’m sure it will be even more exciting.
I’m really looking forward to the official release!!
Laser Dance is now available in Early Access for Meta Quest 3/3s (price: 1,600 yen). Turn your room into a laser maze and have some fun!
Official website: laserdancegame.com

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