Virtual Reality and Retro Gaming fun at Next Level

When I found out there's a video game store with virtual reality games in downtown Everett, I decided to make my visit there a fun quest. After our side mission to Diamond Knot in Mukilteo to try their giant stuffed tater tot, I beamed into Next Level Video Games with my good friend and favorite travel writer, Mellzah.

She's seen it all, in real life and in VR // Christopher Bragg

I mostly quit gaming years ago, the time I devoted to it gradually shifting to web surfing and going outside for a change. Plus, I wasn't interested in massive multiplayer games which were taking over the industry.

Virtual reality could be what gets me back into it, though.

Next Level has two pods running the VIVE virtual reality gaming system, and manager Damian made quick work of explaining it and strapping us in. It was my first time using a modern VR system, and I was impressed by how deeply immersive it is. There's no good way to show what it's like in a blog post, but I used MS Paint and a photo of the monitor your friends can watch while you play to try.

Lose yourself in a virtual world // Christopher Bragg

Getting up and moving your whole body changes a video game into a workout, and that's what I really liked about it. But there's also a huge selection of vintage games that made me want to risk the sore thumbs for some retro fun.

If it's a legal system, they've got it, and tons of games for it // Christopher Bragg

Next Level also hosts video game tournaments, mostly on Saturdays. Buy a beer, grab a spot on the couch, and see how far up the brackets you can climb.

Beat your friends and make some new enemies in weekly tournaments // Christopher Bragg

On your way out, be sure to check out their amazing window displays, which won Best Windows in Everett during Small Business Saturday 2017. One side has the famous Throne of Games, and the other is basically my childhood living room.

How many afternoons did you sit cross-legged way too close to a setup like this? // Christopher Bragg

Mellzah found several games to surprise her husband with, while I showed some restraint for a change and didn't get this and the system to play it.

I never even watched the show, but would love to see what this game's like // Christopher Bragg

The shop is ten years old this year, and their stock of new and used games is truly impressive. So if you want to shop for some or just hang out in their lounge and try a few out, level up your gaming experience at Next Level.