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Godzilla Conquers Tokyo In Earth-Shaking Hololens AR Experience

The king of monsters terrorizes real-world Tokyo during Japan’s “Godzilla Nights” live event.

Since its very first appearance in the 1954 classic Godzilla, Japan’s most infamous monster has delighted, as well as terrified audiences around the world with over 60 years of city-smashing films, television shows, and video games. The enormous creature was originally created as a metaphor for the atomic bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima during WWII, symbolizing the massive levels of destruction the Japanese people were forced to endure.

Since its introduction the legendary beast has become not only an unofficial mascot-of-sorts for the strong nation, but has managed to cement itself permanently within history as one of the most easily-recognizable fictional monster characters of all time. Despite the numeours films, games and merchandise however, it’s difficult to truly appreciate just how massive this ancient titan really is from just a movie screen or action figure. 

Queue Godzilla Nights, a brand new live experience that utilizes AR technology to unleash Godzilla onto the streets of real-world Tokyo. Held this week exclusively in Japan for lucky winners of a public lottery, the immersive experience places attendees on an elevated platform, similar to that of a bunker or trench, surrounded by actors playing the role of military personnel. Users are then supplied with Microsoft Hololens headsets in which to view the action as the lizard-like behemoth rampages past incoming military fire and continues to destroy downtown Tokyo.

The event also provided various other Godzilla-based AR experiences such as a strategic top-down view featuring a much less intimidating, miniature version of the beast, as well as a virtual map highlighting exactly where he’s heading throughout the city.

Godzilla Nights is the latest major effort by Toho Studios to develop a “Godzilla Cinematic Universe,” similar to that of Marvel or DC. The latest Godzilla film, Godzilla: King of the Monsters releases 2019 and stars Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things), Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights), Vera Farmiga (The Departed, The Conjuring), and Ken Watanabe (Inception, Godzilla, The Last Samurai).

Godzilla Nights wrapped its official run earlier today in Tokyo, Japan. No word yet on whether or not you can expect to see a similar app on your smart phone or personal Hololens anytime soon.

Image Credit: Moview.jp / Windows Japan / Godzilla_ST

About the Scout

Former Writer (Kyle Melnick)

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