Still have more energy? Head on up to the third floor for the Sports Zone and Music Zone. The sports zone features 17,000 square feet of all types of physical, sport adventure and simulation games one person can handle. Of most interest were attractions geared towards extreme sport enthusiasts. Have you ever wanted to try hand gliding? It is now possible via the virtual glider. How about parachuting? Strap yourself into the Jump Zone for a virtual parachuting experience. Sports fans can also hang out in the 20 foot-long Sports Bar on the third floor, complete with a large theatre screen, a feature sports score display system and a variety of pub style and tabletop game stations. Enter the Music Zone and practice your rhythm techniques. Playdium has gone out of its way to bring all of Konami's Japanese classics to Canada. Hip Hop Mania (Beatmania), Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Freaks and Drummania all await a new breed of faithful followers.

Need a rest? Make your way to the fourth floor, known as the Treehouse. This is the perfect place to chill out above the crowd and enjoy a spectacular view while re-energizing in comfortable furniture. The treehouse is designed and supported by Canadian clothes outfitter Roots. Also contained within the fourth floor is the Kasbar, a comfortable Moroccan themed lunge that overlooks all the game action. Featuring authentic Moroccan cuisine and traditional board games such as chess and backgammon. You will also find digital checkers and a variety of other interactive mini games on personalized video screens.

Even eating is fun at Playdium Toronto, in fact it is home to the world's first interactive restaurant, the Playdium City Diner. Let your waitress Hanna guide you through the menu and play games or watch music videos while your virtual chef Pierre, prepares your food. All of this on the latest in Plasma designed displays. Playdium Entertainment Corporation was one of the first companies to pioneer the "pay as you play" policy and debit card system which is now taking popularity in Japan. Using a Playdium designed Playcard, players don't have to bother with coins or attraction tickets. It is similar to using an ATM. Unused credit remains on the rechargeable card for use during subsequent visits. Also of interest is the ability of Playdium staff to program the card to restrict all mature-themed games by offering parents a restricted access feature to control the games their kids play. This is exclusive to the out of home entertainment business and another first for Playdium.

In sum, Playdium Toronto sets the standard for location based gaming around the world. It comes only second to Sega's own Joyopolos located in Yokohama, Japan. From the moment you enter the building, you are taken away to a fantasy place that even Disney himself would be impressed. All of the people who made this a reality should pat themselves on the back. For the last 15 years, the arcade vendors in Toronto have sat on their profits and have done nothing to cater to gamers or families. With the vision Playdium put forth in 1992, the sum of their hard work is proudly realized in Playdium Toronto. Finally a place where hardcore gamers, families, business people, grandparents, sports fans and children can come together under one roof for one incredible experience after another.

For more information about Playdium Entertainment Corporation go to www.playdium.com.

Article By: Micheal Weatherup

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