Video-game-loving millennials, theme parks are making these attractions just for you

The Marine gripped his six-shooter, pointed it at the horizon and took a deep breath. "Let's do it," he barked, kicking off a brief but furious gun battle with a horde of robot cowboys, their eyes glowing red. Derek Phelps, a leatherneck stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, was not only fighting off an invading robot horde but also his 8-year-old brother, Tyrus, who stood next to him, trying to kill off more invaders than his older brother. "Ah, first place," the Marine shouted after finishing the virtual reality game VR Showdown in Ghost Town, the newest attraction at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park. In the theme park industry, attractions that encourage head-to-head competition are growing in popularity because they entice visitors -- particularly video-game-loving millennials -- to visit a park repeatedly to improve their score or to beat new challengers.