Ever since moviegoers first visited a galaxy far, far away in 1977, many have fantasized about walking on the same planets as the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. Forty years later, fans will finally be able to virtually experience the Star Wars galaxy in a “hyper-reality experience” called Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire.

A squad of four players take on the roles of Rebel agents posing as Stormtroopers on Mustafar, the hellish planet from Revenge of the Sith. As well, former Imperial droid K-2SO from Rogue One mentors the players as they try to recover intelligence that will greatly aid the Rebellion against the Empire.

This is definitely a step forward for virtual reality gaming, where players have been relegated to a single, stationary area, for obvious safety’s sake. Now, as seen in the trailer, a squad of Star Wars fans can physically move around a real, physical environment that completely matches the virtual environment. The virtual reality suits also allow for a free range of movement, as real world walls and players are displayed in their actual distance from each other.

The only downside perhaps is that any updates will have to retain this same interior design, unless it is completely moved around and reprogrammed to match. As well, the tickets already available for purchase online, are priced at $30 a person. Thus, doing the math, that means it’s a $120 for a squad of players. But, as the virtual reality buildings are standalone outside the main parks, that might not be too bad for some wallets.

On December 16, 2017 Star Wars enthusiasts can find Secrets of the Empire in Disney Springs in Orlando, and later on January 5, 2018 at Downtown Disney in Anaheim. Tickets are now available to purchase online. Secrets of the Empire is a co-production between LucasFilm, ILMxLAB and The VOID.

Not only could this be the future of Star Wars experiences, but for the next level of virtual reality gaming.

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