On a cool Friday evening, I headed to Alma Park in Gelsenkirchen with friends for a round of laser tag. None of us had played before, so we were curious and a little nervous. What would it feel like to move through the dark arena with a tagger?

Arrival and preparation

The mining-themed design and sounds stood out as soon as we arrived. After checking in, we went to the hall for an explanation of the rules and equipment.

Each of us received a vest with sensors and a tagger that uses infrared signals. The vest colours showed which team we belonged to. The aim was simple: score hits on the opponents' sensors while avoiding being tagged yourself.

The game begins

We entered the arena full of anticipation. It was dark apart from neon lights and occasional clouds of mist. Hiding places, ramps and different levels gave us plenty to explore. The music started, and we were off.

The first few minutes were chaotic as everyone tried to find their way and choose a position. Soon we began to understand the layout and think more tactically. Where was the best cover? Where could we get a clear view without giving ourselves away?

Teamwork makes the difference

We quickly realised that communication mattered. We quietly exchanged tips, pointed out opponents and tried to catch the other team off guard. Knowing someone was nearby without being able to see them was tense; scoring a surprise hit was even more satisfying.

The time flew by. After twenty minutes, a signal announced the end of the game. We left the arena tired but happy and waited to see the results.

The results

A large screen showed how often each player had been tagged, how many hits they'd scored and which team had won. Our different approaches were clear: some preferred aiming from a distance, while others moved between closer positions.

Give it a go

Laser tag at Alma Park felt like a proper adventure. The darkness, music, lighting and sense of competition came together to create something memorable.

What struck me was how much the different ages in our group enjoyed it. We also learned to cooperate, rely on one another and agree on a plan.

We stayed to talk afterwards and were soon discussing another visit. If you're looking for an active outing with friends, laser tag at Alma Park is well worth considering.