Collis Common Ground was transformed into an outer space galaxy terrorized by giant, swooping pterodactyls yesterday -- at least for two people at a time.
But to the crowd that gathered around the virtual reality video games, the most unusual feature of the room was the temporary addition of two large television screens, two big black podiums and game equipment that included large visors, belts and hand controllers for the participants in "Virtual Reality- Pterodactyl Terror" to wear.
From 5 to 11 p.m., two people at a time stood on the platforms and played the three-minute game as spectators watched from large television screens. Participants wore visors that showed the scenario from the eyes of the players and determined all movement by pressing buttons on the hand controller.
The object of the game was to weave through an outer space world full of geometric shapes and stairs in order to find and kill the opponent --who was played by the person standing on the other platform. All the while, giant pterodactyls were flying around, picking up and dropping players.
Afterwards, players were left feeling, for the most part, very dizzy. Still, they loved the game. Brian Dalton '97, said "I've never quite felt anything like it."
Most everyone who played wanted to try the game again, but a more than two-and-a-half-hour waiting list meant a one-game limit.
The Programming Board, which organized the event, rented the game from a traveling entertainment company that offers a variety of interactive video games, including "Pterodactyl Terror."