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Atom Republic Kickstarting virtual theme park plan
A Kickstarter campaign has been launched for Atom Universe – a fully immersive virtual reality theme park coming to the PC and PS4.
The UK-based independent game maker, Atom Republic, is behind the online theme park, which will feature a number of different types of virtual visitor attractions – including a stunt car, race track, Ferris wheel, shooting gallery and a central hub users can explore. The virtual world leaves open space for expansion, should the game prove a hit.
The world allows avatars to interact with each other, offering basic movement, chat and interactions such as dancing, posing, emotional gestures and kissing, among other things.
The Mini Kart race lets users race around multiple tracks against the clock, with new tracks added regularly in consecutive updates. The shooting gallery uses virtual holographic targets with unlockable weapons and multiple levels with users able to rank their scores. Finally, Motor Stunts lets you drive a buggy around stunt-laden terrain, with the aim of the game being to perform daring stunts for high scores.
Adding to the gaming element of the VR attraction, all scores and rewards obtained in each ride will be compiled into the user's profile, which will grant each player a grade, ranking them on an overall list.
The PC version will be fully supported by the Oculus Rift headset, while Sony is developing the Playstation-specific Project Morpheus headset. Future plans include the addition of a rollercoaster, wave rider, mini golf, robot arena and ghost train.
The Kickstarter campaign is aiming to raise £20,000 (US$29,655, €27,155) by 15 April 2015. The game will debut as free-to-play, though users will only be able to use rides by paying Atomz – an in-game currency. The PC edition has been slated for an August 2015 release, while the PS4 version will follow afterwards.