Lazer Force
Today I was a hunter. My mission was to track down and eliminate my enemies while working my way through a labyrinth cloaked in shadows.
Laser tag?
But isn’t that for kids?
Sure, laser tag is a fun activity for kids, but it’s also a blast for adults. Being able to release frustration in a safe and playful setting is a great stress reliever. When you’re in the arena, you don’t have the chance think about the worries in your everyday life because all of your attention is focused on sneaking up on your opponents while simultaneously trying to avoid becoming a target yourself.
Basically, laser tag is a glorified game of hide-and-seek. Each player wears an electronic vest and carries a laser gun. Your mission is to shoot your enemies and avoid being shot at yourself.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/Lazer-vest-back.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b275dade7bc6a8903535f59cf7ab577c 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/Lazer-vest-back.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=1f29d1d06132c71b3add24420377a305 362w)
To tag people, you aim at your enemies’ vests and pull the trigger of your laser gun. If the laser beam hits a vest, that person’s vest will darken for 5 seconds before reactivating. During that time, the downed person is unable to shoot at anyone else.
You accumulate points by successfully hitting your human targets, plus finding and shooting the bonus beacons that are stationed on the first floor of the arena.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/Lazer-hunt-flash.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=bf3f4158fa8608d1dc5559c44b29f59e 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/Lazer-hunt-flash.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=bbc0a23f4468a11acc6ba722609f6d76 500w)
With the black lights and pumping music, each 13-minute tag session is an adrenaline rush. And each session is unpredictable. Sometimes you will snake your way through the zig-zagging walls on your own, and sometimes you will find yourself forming alliances so that you have a better chance of taking down the biggest threat. The dynamics of the game make laser tag a great choice for developing team-building skills in the workplace.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/Lazer-team.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=5f286666212b623462d4765f97b4c676 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/Lazer-team.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=7d9332c3509494d159c399d47c8fb62d 418w)
In the 6,000-square-foot maze of the arena, I felt like I was in an entirely different world, assuming a completely different persona. I’d back up against a wall with my laser gun drawn, peer out to make sure everything was clear, then dart to the next wall for cover. I felt as deft and light-footed as Katniss Everdeen.
But my fantasy was short-lived. There were times when I’d get tagged, turn a corner, then immediately get tagged again. During those times, I started to reevaluate my survival skills in general.
My clunky shoes didn’t help me, either, because you can’t sneak up on your enemy if you sound like a herd of elephants. Be sure to wear sneakers when you go.
When the session is finished, you can instantly see your score on a monitor outside.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/Lazer-tv.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=e01af50584166bd4ac2311f79c4bda2d 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/Lazer-tv.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=6cd57a2f1e01dfde2dc947f76d880b4c 500w)
You are identified by the name that is located on your electronic vest. I didn’t come in first during my latest round, but I did beat Mountain Dew (my husband), and that was enough of a victory for me.
If you don’t want to leave after one round, you can purchase multiple games. You can play arcade games in between tag sessions, or reserve a party room. You can event rent the entire facility.
![](https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/Lazer-arcade.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=f8939977bb724ceb5d9ac3bbb88ad835 320w, https://visit-joplin.imgix.net/images/Lazer-arcade.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=dce43c535b185f3c2dae7b99d8f1ba45 500w)
Lazer Force offers something fun for adults as well as kids. So, instead of meeting your friends or coworkers at a bar, meet them at the arena.
And may the odds be ever in your favor.
Lazer Force is located at 408 S. Northpark Lane.