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Super Nintendo World will open March 18th with strong COVID-19 measures
After the planned February 4th launch was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Super Nintendo World will open on March 18th.
NASA's revolutionary launcher dreams could improve mass transit systems, boost astronaut applications
If there's one thing we hate waiting for, it's getting to space. Those 18 hour jaunts from Newark to Singapore just seem so brisk compared to getting from ground zero to the stratosphere, you know? All jesting aside, a team of engineers at NASA are pursuing a revolutionary new launcher that would rely solely on existing technologies. The catch? Said technologies need to be pushed forward a good bit, but if it all pans out, the result could lead to more efficient commuter rail systems, better batteries for motorcars and roller coasters that force a waiver upon you prior to riding. The proposal details a "wedge-shaped aircraft with scramjets to be launched horizontally on an electrified track or gas-powered sled," and once launched, the craft would soar at Mach 10 in order to breach the atmosphere and allow a rocket's second stage to fire. It's pretty riveting stuff -- we'd recommend giving that source link a look for the full skinny, but not if you're hoping to see this materialize in the next decade score.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit now rockin' in Orlando
Heads-up, thrill seekers: the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is finally open and making laps at Universal Studios Orlando. If you'll recall, this coaster was actually announced way back in March of 2008, and after its opening was delayed a few times while kinks were worked out, we're happy to say that it's now capturing the most intimate emotions of those who willfully strap themselves in. We recently had an opportunity to catch a ride in between rainstorms and spats of Tiger Woods drama down in Central Florida, and being the roller coaster freaks that we are, we had a tough time pulling ourselves away from the adrenaline rush to focus on the technology making it all happen. Without question, this ride is the now the main draw at Universal Studios; the bulk of the wild coasters are at the neighboring Islands of Adventure, but this one's definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in the area. You'll notice that each car actually uses platform seating, so the rear rows can see slightly above those in front. Once strapped in, a bright touchscreen panel awaits your attention on the top of the front lap bar; you can navigate through a half dozen or so genres in order to select one of 30 tracks, and while it's not publicized, those in the know will realize that a few Easter Egg tracks are hidden if you mash the right buttons. Once you select your ride soundtrack, the music begins to blast from the headrest-mounted speakers and you're towed straight up in the air as you await the first big drop. After you unload, you're funneled into a media area where employees are waiting to assist you in the purchase of your ride photo or video. We found out that each individual video is recorded in 720 x 480 resolution, and amazingly enough, each one is ready the moment you step down off the ride. Guests can choose to purchase their ride DVD (complete with their song of choice) for $29.95 or as part of a few bundle packs that include photos, frames, etc. Photos can be purchased as actual prints, or they can be emailed directly from the kiosk; in our experience, a confirmation email was sent immediately, and our ride photo (it's actually an e-card that shows the photo at the end of the animation) arrived around an hour later. For an idea of what a first-hand video from the ride would look like, pop on past the break. %Gallery-80023%
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit gets its own specifications breakdown
Generally speaking, we don't much care about the nuts and bolts behind a thrill ride. If it thrills, it's a winner; if not, it's a failure. But the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a horse of a different color, and being that it's described as the planet's most technologically advanced coaster, we figured it prudent to pass along the details that only true nerds could appreciate. For starters, each rider will have access to a touchpad in order to select their own ride soundtrack from a 30 song library. There's also a half dozen cameras in the ride vehicle alongside eight others along the track, all of which combine to assemble a take-home video of the experience if you'd like. Speaking of, check out the demo vid just past the break, and look for this to open to the public later this summer.
Power-sipping Eco Ride urban transportation system to hit Japan
Japan's not hurting for trains, but what's the addition of another going to hurt? Senyo Kogyo and Senyo Kiko have jointly announced plans to construct a test line for an energy-saving urban transportation system this October. Dubbed Eco Ride, the "roller coaster-like" system in Chiba Prefecture will operate "using the height difference on the railway," and furthermore, there will be drive units (complete with clanks and clangs, we bet) "installed at various points on the railway so that the Eco Ride can obtain the potential energy to run." Reportedly, Eco Ride would likely remain just a short-distance transportation system even if expanded, but no matter how you slice it, it sure beats taking the Segway to work.
Evento's BuzzBall: your own personal roller coaster
Those positively fed up with lengthy lines for coasters at amusement parks will likely dig the concept here. Evento's BuzzBall is essentially a personal roller coaster, which reportedly features a "single seat inside a large outer ball that's able to spin and roll independently of the ball itself" alongside a pair of electric motors used to power it. Better still, you don't even need a hill to ride, just a wide open field (or a road, if you're the daredevil type) to frolic in. As it stands, the BuzzBall is simply a prototype waiting to flourish, but it sure looks like this company is serious about selling at least a few to those with enough resources (you know, cash and spare time) to enjoy it.[Via OhGizmo]
Rockit coaster tapes your ride, produces best YouTube vid ever
While many thrill rides we yearn to strap ourselves into aren't even in the US, a new ride headed to Universal Studios Orlando is apt to thrill the YouTube generation -- on purpose. Reportedly, designers are crafting the so-called Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit to cater to those obsessed with technology (that's us) by enabling patrons to personalize their ride by choosing their own tunes and creating a music video that can be uploaded for all your envious friends to see as soon as you can whip out that 3G card and mash "upload." 'Course, there's a few loops, drops and a 167-foot-tall peak, but it's the "digital audio and video effects" during the ride that you're really anxious to experience, yeah? Clear the calendar now -- this one is set to open next Spring.[Thanks, Jonathan]
South Korea doubles up, now getting two robot theme parks
Thrill seekers and robot admirers alike can mark South Korea down as a must-see destination in the coming years, as it will soon be home to not one, but two robot theme parks. Yeah, we already knew that one of these fantasmical places were on the planning block, but just today the Commerce Ministry "announced a proposal to build two parks by 2013 for $1.6 billion." Reportedly, each park will mesh culture and entertainment with robot technology, and while one will be built in Incheon, the other will be erected some 242 miles south of Seoul in the port city of Masan. A feasibility study slated for next year is apparently the only piece of red tape still holding this project back, but if the bigwigs in South Korea shut the whole thing down, we'll gladly take 'em here on this side of the lake.[Image courtesy of SciFi]
GUNDAM CRISIS attraction opens up, fanboys unite
Right on schedule, the GUNDAM CRISIS attraction at the Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park in Japan has opened its door for fanatics paying guests, and just as we expected, a whole slew of live photographs have made their way out. Fanboys (and girls) hoping that a great deal of care would be taken in its construction are likely to be pleased, as the 1:1 creation certainly bears a resemblance to the real deal. Without further ado, head on past the break for a few more shots, and tag the read link if you're looking for the whole roll.[Via Slashgear]
Full-size Gundam created for GUNDAM CRISIS attraction
While those of you who have the luxury of frequenting the Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan, we're sure a tear was shed when Gundam the Ride: A Baoa Qu was closed down just months ago. Thankfully, the successor is bigger, better, and almost ready to rock, as the GUNDAM CRISIS thrill ride prepares to envelope you in a Gundam hanger and elicit quite a few smiles. The actual Gundam will indeed be a 1:1 full scale rendition, meaning that it'll stretch to about 18-meters in height, and while we certainly wish you could strap it onto a rail and call it a roller coaster, this attraction looks to be one of those tamer "walk through types." Of course, that also means that there is no height or age requirement to see the ominous beast, and considering that it should shuffle its first guests through in July, you won't have to wait much longer to get your Gundam fix at Fuji-Q.[Via Impress]
Nintendo teams up with Six Flags
Theme park chain Six Flags announced today that the Nintendo Wii is now the "Official Gaming Console of Six Flags," meaning that the Wii will be available for free play at "Wii Gaming Stations" at "select Six Flags-branded theme parks" (which of Six Flags' 26 parks will get the Wii is unclear). In exchange, Nintendo will promote Six Flags through an upcoming contest on nintendo.com. The marketing deal seems to be, in part, an effort to lure in kids who would rather stay home and play video game than go to a theme park. "When this audience is not in our parks, more often than not they are at home playing video games -- and now they can do both in one place," Six Flags CEO Mark Shapiro said in the release. With the announcement, Nintendo joins companies like Cold Stone Creamery, Kodak and Home Depot in throwing thinly-veiled marketing messages at customers that paid good money just to ride some freaking roller coasters without being bombarded with ads and will you look at these lines I mean where do all these people come from seven dollars for a hamburger what am I made of money next year let's go to the beach. Sheesh! [Thanks awiifemale, Via Reuters]
