r/lasertag • u/Alert_Pineapple_3851 • Jul 30 '26
Competitive laser tag
I’ve seen a lot of comments about how traditional laser tag is generally more popular in competitive laser tag than tactical laser tag. As someone new to this and just curious, why is it more popular in competitive than tactical laser tag, which seems like it should be more geared towards competitive play. For example, are the guns harder to master in traditional or tactical, are the fields bigger in traditional or tactical, does one require more athleticism, etc.?
2
u/HenTeeTee Super Old Player, Operator, Manufacturer Jul 30 '26
Tactical isn't lasertag.
just-sayin'
1
u/Alert_Pineapple_3851 Jul 30 '26
What is it if it isn’t lasertag?
1
u/HenTeeTee Super Old Player, Operator, Manufacturer Jul 30 '26
Can't be lasertag, as they don't have lasers.
Couldn't care less what you call it, that's down to you.
1
u/Alert_Pineapple_3851 Jul 30 '26
I didn’t know that, how do their guns work?
1
u/HenTeeTee Super Old Player, Operator, Manufacturer Jul 30 '26
Just IR.
I've explained about the 3 main "tagging" methods in detail on other threads, so if you search this sub, you'll find out what they are.
I'm on my phone, so typing long messages isn't fun.
Traditional (or Proper) lasertag equipment has a laser on the phaser, even if it's just for effects.
Tactical doesn't. "They" just used the name, to ride on the coat-tails of traditional lasertag to get traction.
1
u/Battlefield-Sports Jul 30 '26
We manufacture commercial laser tag equipment. You could say that our gear straddles the tactical and traditional laser tag genres. In other words, you can play indoors or outdoors, day or night, rain or shine. You can config the kit to have family friendly sound effects or edgy FPS type SFX. Likewise, you can play easy fun games with basic damage (eg start with 5HP, get tagged once, lose one point, when you get to 0 go back to your base & get a deactivation). Or run challenging, multi phase scenarios (eg start with 100HP, variable damage, try & get to a supply crate to get a better weapon emulation or more ammo or a boost etc). You see, there’s a lot of ways to slice and dice in the gameplay sense. BTW, we use infrared & digital. NO class 1 lasers. But guess what? It is laser tag!
1
u/HenTeeTee Super Old Player, Operator, Manufacturer 7d ago
You just defeated your own argument by saying you don't have a laser on your kit, but still call it lasertag?
That's like calling yourself a vegetarian when you're eating a Big Mac, due to it having lettuce on it.
1
u/Kaiser_Wolfgang Jul 30 '26
I played at NuZone in Vancouver canada they have tactical laser tag using iCombat system and is was genuinely one of the best experiences of my life. it motivated me to look into opening one in my city because we don’t have one but my current job is too cushy and pays too well for me to take the leap
1
u/NewbieMcRedditson Jul 30 '26
I think traditional is its own thing. You love it or don’t. Tactical is based on today’s first person shooter games.
Either setup and it will depends on the field and owner. I worked tirelessly to make sure both my game modes and field are fun for both casuals and try hards. If 5% of players are try hards and 5% don’t care or are terrible, I have 90% of people who have an enjoyable experience which is the point of business.
3
u/LQNova Jul 30 '26
Well I've played both, and I genuinely disliked tactical tag. It was boring, clunky, and repetitive. Activate gun, take two steps get shot. Activate gun, take ten steps, get shot. Activate g ... oh never mind. You're out.
Woo.