I play primarily with Intersphere's Laser X system, very compariable to the system manufactured by
Darklight (almost identicle), but I have also played with Laser Tron, and Laser Storm. Personally I perfer Laser X,
mainly because I dislike the concept of bases and I like the ability to freely roam the arena. To me, laser tag
is a hunting and survival sport, and bases take that sense away from me. I am a tournement level player, having won all three touneys
that I have participated in, although I don't consider myself a professional by any means. I can usually be found in the
arena with a group of two or more people, which include Barker, Dan, Zac, Brant, Sam, and Twaddle. In case you are an advanced or regular player
looking for my arena preferances... here you go:
Teams: No or 3 :)
Limited Ammo: No
Accuracy Modifiers: Yes
Limited Lives: No
Bases: No (Hello people! Bases are borrrrring!)
Reloading/Recharging Stations: No
Arena layout: Freeroaming, Non-Divided, Solid Walls, Small to Mid-sized arena.
Players: Dependant on the size of the arena, typically no more than 12.
Blaster: Two Handed Rifle (ex. Intersphere/ QZar/ ect..), without a button to hold down...
Sensors: Standard Front/Back/Sholders set up on vest. Sensors on the front of the blaster a plus.
Time Limit: 12-15 mins.
Mines: Yes
Power-Up's: Yes
Scoring: +25 (hit)/ -5 to -10 (got hit) with an accuracy modifier
I also play laser tag outdoors using the Laser Challenge system. It has been
esesential for stress relief up at school. We've played in many different areas
around the school such as ampitheaters, boat docks, tenis courts, and woodlands. I plan on playing
on the main campus someday, whenever we can get out greedy hands on a few more packs.
Among the brave souls who have gone to battle with me are Ben, Mark (Mizark), Eric, Nate and Matt.
They have been excelent oponents, and I hope that we have many more games ahead of us.
While I'm thinking of it, here's some tips for the first time arena goer that
might keep you in the game for a little bit more action....
MOVE! Yes, motion in most arenas is life.... You go slow, you go out! Waiting for an ambush is okay to, but just don't wait for too long in one space, and remember after you tag a guy out
and he sees you are not moving from that place, he's probably going to come back for revenge. Only this time he knows exactly where you are.
REFLEX REACTION! Basically the ability to react to visual cues such as the lights of an opponent out of the corner of your eye and
the ability to quickly target their sensors. To gain an advantage here, make sure that wherever you are looking is where your blaster is pointing, even
if there's no one in site. This will save precious half-seconds and give you the first one or two shots.
FIRE CONTROL! This is a very importaint lesson. Without fire control - you suck.
You will hit your own teammate, you will have horrid accuracy, you will be annoying. Basically concentrate on asking questions first and shoot later. Red or Green?
It doesn't take a long time to figure that one out, and you will save your team a bunch of point by just doing that! When you do decide you want to shoot, try to tag in no more than
three shot bursts, this will save your accuracy and even force you to be a more accurate player.
TEAMWORK! Even if you are a "Lone Wolf" you will appreciate teamwork. Report the opponents positions while you are disabled...
Move in a loose team of two so that you can have your front and rear covered.... Have one player pin someone down so that you can move up and tag them from behind...
There's a ton of stuff you can come up with. And most of the time it works. And for all you you kids that relate Laser Tag to war and you think that you are some big mean Sniper dude, remember that
U.S. Snipers always work in TEAMS of two, one to target and one to take the shot.
Well that's about all the advice I can think of. Hope it helps you out! If you have any more questions I can usually be found on
AOL's Instant Messenger or ICQ as "Spyder BC". ICQ number 13813747. Hope I can help!
