Sega Republic in Dubai Mall

Time Out tries out The Dubai Mall’s new mega arcade 1 Comments

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With more than 150 games and nine rides spanning two storeys and 76,000 square feet, The Dubai Mall’s newest entertainment centre, Sega Republic, may be the city’s most comprehensive arcade yet. Visitors can shoot hoops or shoot ’em up, free fall down a nine metre drop, surf, snowboard and even sing karaoke. Here are four highlights.

1 Spin Gear: Spin Gear is a ride with a plot. The idea is that Sonic the Hedgehog’s nemesis, Dr Eggman, has created an evil machine to capture Sonic. The plan would work too; a minute of spinning around the track certainly left us too sick to move.

2 Sonic Hopper: The Sonic Hopper is your classic free fall ride, only it also twists on the way down to mimic Sonic’s signature hop and spice things up.

3 The Sports Zone: The arcade is divided into five themed zones. The Sports Zone boasts virtual versions of pretty much every ball game imaginable, so you can shoot hoops and swing bats. We skipped virtual bowling and played Sega Republic’s signature billibowl, a game that combines billiards with bowling. There is also an Adventure Zone (think virtual rollercoasters), a Cyberpop Zone (where the games are), a Speed Zone (for racing games) and a Redemption Zone (where you can win prizes).

4 Halfpipe Canyon: Halfpipe Canyon is a simulated skateboard ride where you get points for tricks you do at the edge of the ramp. Two can go at a time and compete against each other. At the top, we witnessed some amazing ollies (360-degree turns).
Sega Republic, The Dubai Mall (04 448 8484). Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. Rides are Dhs15-30 and games Dhs8-25. Dhs100 for unlimited rides (for a limited time only).