PESHAWARITES now have another addition to their list of outings. Located within the confines of Fawad Plaza near Chief is Hangout, the latest fad to hit the drab entertainment scene in the MMA-dominated Peshawar. Those who remember the arcade games of the 80’s will have a much more exciting experience playing 3-D graphic games on big sized display screens. The place is an affordable fun area for recreation where friends and family alike can enjoy a few moments competing with each other in a cozy and friendly environment.
I got invited to one such enthralling experience. Ten gamers played an action packed interactive shooting game where friends battled it out amongst themselves in a maze of buildings. A wide variety of options allowed players to customize, for instance their heroes, and select a virtual-reality environment of choice. Whether it is an off-road driving experience across rugged and challenging terrain or defending a galaxy or flying an aeroplane across the Atlantic, there’s something to do for the boys and girls of all ages.
Usman, who had just turned 13 was accompanied by his parents and friends. Ismail, aged 6 said that he had come to play Shrek and Harry Potter games. Enum aged 17, said she came with her older brother for an outing. “And I beat him at almost all the games we played together,” she beamed.
“Indeed a growing number of the customers are families” says Yusaf Mansoor, owner of the place who is accredited with introducing this attractive venture in this conservative town. “Because of the limited number of places for a family outings in Peshawar this is a spot which is often sold out on weekends and holidays and specially booked in case of a private family celebration or just for the girls to have an all girls’ party.” On such exclusive ‘family days’ the gaming zone is closed to everybody else.
When inquired about the educational content of the games, Mansoor’s brother Muhammed who is a software engineer and a graduate of GIK adjusted his glasses and explained, “Well it all depends on ones interests. There are games available that teach in a novel way, for instance the Empire series is a lesson in the entire world history played in a matter of few stages. It is an epic, real-time strategy game spanning 10,000 years, where players are the guiding spirit in the evolution of a small Stone Age tribe. Starting with minimal resources, players are challenged to build their tribes into great civilizations.”
He also mentioned popular games of a medical nature and mythology and those dealing with other arts and sciences. “It develops one’s imagination, creativity, skill and reflexes. Also, unlike arcade games, one must have a certain minimum understanding of computers and technology to operate the game and its entire functions. We have easy ones for kids like shooting games and serious ones for the nerds. Whatever your interests are we probably have a game for you,” he remarked.
On the downside, Mansoor says that excess of anything is bad and obviously computer games are no exception and parents must exercise control on their children and set a limit.
When asked whether one could play these games on a home computer? “Of course, but where can you get a multi-player environment like this. That’s the whole idea of a family outing. Take a look at what we’re offering,” says Yusaf waving his hand around. Certainly from Peshawar’s standards, the flashing lights, the thumping soundtrack, ten giant sized screens connected on a network and the cafe’s orange and black chic interior all provide a perfect backdrop that places this gaming centre amongst one of the most entertaining hangouts in town for the young.
The gaming zone also serves light snacks with milkshakes, ice cream and softdrinks etc. Gamers are charged at Rs 50 per hour and attractive party packages are also offered in case of birthdays and other celebrations for which reservations have to be made days in advance.
PESHAWARITES now have another addition to their list of outings. Located within the confines of Fawad Plaza near Chief is Hangout, the latest fad to hit the drab entertainment scene in the MMA-dominated Peshawar. Those who remember the arcade games of the 80’s will have a much more exciting experience playing 3-D graphic games on big sized display screens. The place is an affordable fun area for recreation where friends and family alike can enjoy a few moments competing with each other in a cozy and friendly environment.
