2022 Laser Tag Day

The 2022 International Laser Tag Day poster highlighted the Pulsar laser tag system, invented by Bernard Faires.

Pulsar equipment first debuted during a Leisure Industry week exhibition held in September of 1993. One of the most notable features was the pack’s ability to confirm a tag had hit by announcing “good shot” when an opponent’s pack was tagged. Sensors and n the pack could detect a hit and the informational letter and would be stored until the end of the game when the information would be downloaded into a computer.

Three versions of Pulsar equipment were created. Version 1 launched in 1993 and had no shoulder sensors, but did include a chest plate, back plate and phaser. LED lights in the chest plate formed a V pattern. Version 2 came out in 1984 and looked remarkably similar to version 1 only the chest board included three circles in a design reminiscent of Mickey Mouse in place of the V shape LED pattern featured in the previous version. Version 3 debuted in 1995 and included shoulder sensors. To quote from a Pulsar prospectus from 1995, “We are pleased to announce for the first time our RANK STARS which are built into each epaulette.  The six stars illuminate as the player progressively eliminates their opponent.  These Rank Stars allow the other players to visually recognize their predator’s bonus life status and can then take evasive action, if necessary until their own rank has built to an equal status.” A shoulder sensor harness is a built in feature on the front, back and sides of the shoulder sensors. The equipment also included a phaser.