Virtual & Retro

29/08/2026

Support the Nepal disaster relief:
10% of all income of new bookings and walk-ins this weekend will go to the Mid Canterbury Nepalese Association Inc, Ashburton. disaster relief fundraiser.

28/08/2026

This week marks the sad passing of 3 giants that had a profound impact on the 80s and 90s culture.

First we lost Dolly Parton, who in addition to her work in song and showbiz was also a producer behind the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show.

Then the multi faceted Tim Curry, the voice behind 80s characters in Legend, FernGully: The Last Rainforest and Captain Planet, where he played a malevolent environment-destroying AI (a character which is very relevant today).

And now Peter Cullen, the man who had many many roles, but would ever be remembered as the one and only voice behind the embodiment of the most heroic character on TV and films:
Optimus Prime.

They'll be remembered.

27/08/2026

Don't forget that we are supporting tonight's Bingo fundraiser in Flashbacks Ashburton, so if you are looking for an activity for your wee ones we are just next door.
There will be 20% off VR prices, and we'll have racing simulators and gaming PCs ready to go as well!

Prices (after discount):
VR 30 minutes - $15.20 per person
VR 1 hour - $23.20 per person
Racing Simulator 30 minutes - $15
Gaming PC 1 hour - $5

18/08/2026

The Dagger of Time takes place in the setting of the Prince of Persia Trilogy. Players are summoned to the Fortress of Time by Kaileena to stop an evil Magi. Kaileena gives the Dagger of Time to the players so they can reach the Hourglass Chamber and use it to stop the Magi.*

TDOT is an experience built around cooperation between players of all ages to achieve a shared goal. Collaboration is essential: you cannot succeed without your teammates. Being able to listen and communicate effectively is absolutely key to success.

In the game, two, three or four players team up to find a way out of a reimagined Fortress of Time. To succeed, they need to work together and solve puzzles. The puzzles will require players to interact with objects in their vicinity, climb, and use certain powers, such as the time control.

*You do not need to have played any of the previous Prince of Persia games in order to enjoy The Dagger Of Time.

14/08/2026

We have few extra Ooshies packs to give away to customers this weekend 😁
One pack per booking please...

09/08/2026

Transformers: The Movie is celebrating 40 years today!

Share your childhood movie trauma in the comments.

(possible candidates are this film, The Neverending Story, and more...)

Regent Cinema any chance of a special screening?

08/08/2026

31/07/2026

Virtual & Retro is at the University of Canterbury today for the UC Gaming Guild event!

There are student-developed games to try, a racing simulator, Beat Saber (someone else is taking care of that 😄), and an eSports competition.

I couldn't exactly bring the whole arcade with me, so I brought an arcade machines—which has been a huge hit—and a Quest headset with a selection of VR games. Superhot VR has easily been the crowd favourite!

It's been awesome introducing VR to new people and seeing their reactions. It's great to represent Mid Canterbury and showcase what Virtual & Retro has to offer at events like this.

One question for everyone: where would you recommend grabbing dinner in Christchurch before the drive back to Ashburton? Always keen to discover a new favourite spot!