In the vibrant world of virtual reality, many players may be unfamiliar with Tyffon, a trailblazing Japanese XR company established in 2011. Notably, Tyffon became the sole Asian company to be handpicked for the prestigious Disney Accelerator program. Its impressive portfolio of stockholders includes renowned names like SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS Inc. and TBS HOLDINGS, INC. Among the company’s amazing achievements is the creation of the iconic life-size Mewtwo statue showcased at the Pokemon Center in Shibuya, captivating fans and visitors alike.
A Fateful Encounter
Five years ago, I accidentally discovered Tyffonium, Tyffon’s premiere location in Tokyo, and was immediately captivated by its VR arcade experience, Corridor. Described as a “next-generation horror attraction” on their website, the experience left a lasting impression on me. The premise is straightforward: the player, equipped with a lantern, must illuminate parts of the world while guiding a companion through a haunted mansion. This simple mechanic, paired with branching paths, adds depth and encourages multiple playthroughs.
After a fateful encounter, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented me from returning to Tyffonium. I feared this arcade would meet the same fate as many others in Japan. But when my co-writer suggested investigating the company, I was pleasantly surprised to find it still operating. I eagerly seized the opportunity and booked tickets to try their new experiences while battling the sweltering Japanese summer heat.
I was immediately impressed with the hardware upgrades that Tyffon has invested in. Gone are the days with the “laptop backpack”. Tyffonium has upgraded its attractions with a Meta Quest 3 sporting an unofficial strap for extra comfort with an extra battery to provide enough juice. The straps seemingly came from Temu in Japan and felt comfortable.
Kaiju Heaven
Before immersing myself in IT Chapter Two: Carnival, I opted to embark on a playthrough of Kaiju Heaven VR. This IP title, inspired by the Ultraman series, may be less familiar to Western audiences. The gameplay of Kaiju Heaven can be likened to a leisurely roller coaster ride. Armed with a single controller, the player wields an “identifying gun” to scan monsters and gather their profiles. The monsters were vividly animated and captivating. The experience spanned 15 minutes, leaving me quite satisfied.
We reached out to Tsuburaya, the IP holders of Ultraman and Kaiju Heaven VR to learn more about the experience and they informed XRUpdate that the experience was originally intended for a limited time but because it was able to “capture the hearts of the users” Tsuburaya decided to prolong the exhibition. In addition, the decision to focus on the Kaiju and not the heroes was a deliberate choice so the development team could have a higher degree of freedom when expressing those characters.
I did encounter a minor issue with the calibration, as it didn’t precisely align with my real-life arm position, leading to somewhat awkward controls. Nevertheless, considering the title’s aim to cater to a diverse age range, maintaining accessibility is completely understandable.
After Kaiju Heaven VR, I finally headed under the figurative sewers to check out Carnival. The gameplay was similar to the aforementioned Corridor, which I particularly enjoyed. As a huge fan of VR and horror titles, I feel that IT Chapter Two: Carnival is above average. The VR experience, in which you walk guided, feels just about right. Since players are with a guide, they won’t need to worry about smacking their heads against the wall. The in-game voice chat also makes it a fun social experience.
Closing Thoughts
When visiting Tokyo, Japan, Tyffonium in Odaiba is a must-see attraction. While Corridor remains my top recommendation, all the attractions at Tyffonium are excellent choices. I aspire to return and explore their Fluctus and Tarot VR: Voltage of Reverie experiences, which promise to be immersive and captivating.
For more information check out Tyffonium’s website
Japan XR Focus is your window into Japan’s dynamic extended reality (XR) landscape. We spotlight innovative projects, captivating games, and immersive experiences pushing the boundaries of technology. Led by seasoned XR developers Alberto Moreno and William Loubier, the pair bridges the gap between Japan and the West, fostering a deeper understanding of this exciting industry and inspiring the creation of future XR masterpieces.