Halloween Meets High-Octane Laser Tag
Dreams of playing laser tag inside an abandoned shopping mall are coming true this Halloween, thanks to First Strike Laser Tag. The Canberra-based company is turning Tuggeranong’s South.Point shopping centre into a post-apocalyptic battlefield for two nights of intense, team-based battles. On Thursday, 30 October, and Saturday, 1 November, the mall doors will be closed to the public and the ground floor will host seven 45-minute sessions, each accommodating up to 18 players.
From 6:15 pm to midnight, participants will don vests, grab laser guns, and navigate a maze of deserted shops and eerie spaces in a “deathmatch” scenario. The setup promises an immersive, cinematic experience that aims to capture the energy of late-night arcade clashes with a real-world twist.
An Immersive, Mall-Wloor Experience
Co-founder Simon Heery describes the event as an attempt to fuse the thrill of video games with live action, set in a familiar but eerily altered space. “We’re trying to make it immersive for people, so they have that real feel of running around a mall at night with mutants and humans battling it out,” Heery says. To heighten the atmosphere, expect blow-ups, costumed actors, and a varied gear setup that distinguishes this from First Strike’s usual outdoor or backyard formats.
From Idea to Reality: The Birth of First Strike Laser Tag
First Strike Laser Tag began as a collaboration between engineer-turned-entrepreneur Heery and Jon Yagos, sparked by a chance introduction through a Ukrainian laser-tag supplier. The two shared a vision of pushing laser tag beyond traditional venues. The company officially launched in April and now brings mobile laser-tag experiences to a wide range of sites, from backyards to scout halls and open spaces on leased properties in places like Fadden Pines.
A Theme Built for a Mall: The Layout and the Atmosphere
Applying their concept to a shopping centre required a careful balance of space and safety. After scouting Canberra locations, the duo found South.Point to be an ideal canvas. Participants will traverse roughly a third of the lower floor, from the JB Hi-Fi entrance to the mall’s core, with the option to interact with vacant spaces such as the former Miller’s store and the loading dock by the JB Hi-Fi.
Mutants vs. Humans: How the Game Keeps Evolving
The Halloween twist borrows heavily from popular video games, introducing a humans-vs-mutants dynamic with distinct advantages for each side. Mutants heal as they pass through radioactive zones scattered across the battlefield, while humans endure more damage but benefit from higher health pools and medic support. The experience also promises new sound effects and in-game features that differ from standard laser-tag sessions, ensuring a fresh challenge for returning players and first-timers alike.
Pricing, Availability, and the Future
Tickets are priced at 59 per person, with a 10% discount for groups that book an entire slot. Bookings are already opening up and filling quickly, driven by returning customers and informal word-of-mouth. If the response is strong, the organizers expect to establish Halloween laser-tag as a recurring event, using the “abandoned mall” theme as a staple feature of what could become a seasonal favourite.
What to Expect on Game Night
Participants should arrive ready for a distinct mix of physical activity and strategic play. The sessions are designed for a range of players, from curious families seeking a novelty experience to laser-tag enthusiasts chasing a new level of immersion. Whether you’re chasing a tactical win with friends or simply exploring a post-apocalyptic mall setting, First Strike Laser Tag promises a memorable Halloween adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this suitable for children? A: The event is designed for adults and older children; parental discretion recommended. Q: How long does each session last? A: Each 45-minute slot fits within the seven-session lineup per night. Q: How do I book? A: Tickets are available through First Strike Laser Tag’s official channels and fill quickly due to high demand.
