Steadily gaining in popularity, laser tag is a relatively simple game where players shoot harmless laser beams at special sensors that are worn on each player's chest. While laser tag sets can be purchased in toy stores and played anywhere, three bay area companies offer the game in futuristic arenas with computer scoring. Q-Zar, Ultrazone and Celebration Station all provide similar laser tag experiences.
Players first enter a briefing room where they learn the rules of the game.
Laser tag arenas are dimly lighted and labyrinthine, with plenty of corners to duck behind. The music is loud and the action fast paced as teams rack up points. When tagged, a player is put out of commission for a few seconds, giving him or her a chance to get away. Games last 12 to 15 minutes. After the game is over, players receive a scorecard that tells them how many times they were tagged and who tagged them.