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Star Wars Galaxies livens up a theme park
Usually, references to theme parks when it comes to MMOs are meant as derogatory terms. Not so much the case when playing Star Wars Galaxies, where "theme parks" are areas with connected and in-depth quest lines designed to invest the player in the region's storyline. The most recent producer's letter for the game mentioned that Nym's theme park was due for an overhaul and revision, and more information has helpfully been provided by the development team. The overhaul is targeting both new and veteran players, with the additional quests available for those who've never done them and quests available for those who already experienced the original line. The original plan was to outright scrap the old content, but when the team got their hands on the volume of content, they decided instead to do an overhaul. That means that the original Nym content remains in the new questline, which has been vastly expanded and ties more personally to Nym himself. There's also a number of new optional bosses and collections added in the chain, to challenge and interest players of all stripes. Star Wars Galaxies has put a great deal of energy into the overhaul, no doubt hoping that people will be anxious to take a ride in the park.
Eliot Lefebvre03.13.2010
Robot Land theme park gets investors, conceptual renders
Plans for the Robot Land theme park in Masan, on South Korea's South East Coast, have been gaining momentum since we first took note way back in 2007. According to Plastic Pals, a group of private investors recently met with the city council (probably Masan's city council, as Robot Land's city council has yet to be built) to hash out details, with the result of the government ponying up some $229 million of a promised $600 million. But not everyone is happy about all this -- indeed, organizers of Incheon City's robot theme park are unamused by the thought of a similar attraction competing for those hard-earned tourist dollars. Of course, there's one way to settle any potential conflict that Engadget wholeheartedly supports: Robot theme park fight! Just as long as the winner doesn't turn on us. %Gallery-85229%
Joseph L. Flatley02.11.2010
Sonic Spinball coaster coming to UK theme park
Sonic fans have to be the most hardcore fan base out there right now. Who else would have been able to survive all of the disappointments over the last decade? But don't worry -- Sega is rewarding your everlasting fandom with ... a rollercoaster ride. Rumor has it that the UK's Alton Towers is rebranding its Spinball Whizzer ride as "Sonic Spinball," and a rep from the park says that the retheme will "coincide with the relaunch of Sonic" in 2010. A 2010 relaunch of Sonic, you say? Color us interested. The teal structure of the ride is apparently being repainted a nice Sonic blue, and this isn't the first time the hedgehog has appeared in the park, either. Here's an old appearance in the park's "Toyland Tours" ride. The coaster is scheduled to be ready for running again in February, so if you happen to be in the UK, you can queue your way up for it then. [Thanks Michael!]
Mike Schramm01.09.2010
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%
Darren Murph12.10.2009
The Digital Continuum: A week with Aion
After spending a week playing Aion over every other game in my library -- a feat considering I've got Brutal Legend and Uncharted 2 -- I'm feeling ready to discuss the game in a meaningful fashion.It's hard to gauge what kind of game you're dealing with when an MMO launches, largely because the reality is that, often times, much of what an MMO is designed to be will change over the course of its first half year or so of development. With Aion, we're dealing with a deliberately designed concept that's been mostly well executed on -- more on that later.
Kyle Horner10.19.2009
EA studio boss would love to revisit Bullfrog IP; EA renews Bullfrog trademarks
In an interview with Kikizo, EA's Bright Light Studio head, Harvey Elliot, mentioned that he would "love" to work on old Bullfrog Productions properties like Populous and Theme Park. Elliot cautiously noted that Bullfrog's classics were "right for their time, and the trick with those games is coming up with what's right for the time now." In other words, he's not entirely keen on "just a 'remake' or something." With a new edition of Bullfrog's Syndicate rumored to be in production at Starbreeze Studios, one might conclude that Harvey isn't the only one at EA looking for "what's right for the time now." And one might conclude even harder when database digger Superannuation finds that Electronic Arts has filed new trademarks for Populous, Theme Park, Wing Commander and Road Rash. Pure speculation? Yes. Highly desirable? Also yes. Source -- Why there's hope for Bullfrog IP returning [Kikizo] Source -- Superannuation
Alexander Sliwinski08.11.2009
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.
Darren Murph06.10.2009
Blizzard Theme Park contest ending soon
Don't miss out on your chance to cook up the zaniest, most Blizzard-worthy idea of a theme park -- the deadline for submissions to Blizzard's Theme Park Contest is on March 30. Blizzard called on fanboys everywhere to submit their ideas for a theme park based on their properties, Diablo, StarCraft, and Warcraft, and anything from theme park maps to ride schematics to landscape pictures of the park are welcome. Selected entries will be shown during BlizzCon 2009.The best entry incorporating all three properties will receive a Wacom Cintiq 12WX, along with the Echoes of War soundtrack and a pair of StarCraft II Beta keys. Three other winners with the best Diablo, StarCraft, or Warcraft themes will win Echoes of War and two StarCraft II Beta keys each. With just under five days to go, designer hopefuls should submit their designs soon! You never know, Blizzard just might make that theme park happen...
Zach Yonzon03.25.2009Blizzard theme park? Make it so.
If the thought of a Blizzard theme park makes you squeal with girlish excitement -- something I'd, um, never, ever do, of course -- then here's your chance to help make it a reality. Maybe. Nethaera announced the Blizzard Theme Park Contest on the forums, asking players to submit their ideas for a theme park based on Blizzard's properties. Players can submit illustrations that look like theme park maps, or make them look like screenshots from the games. The best entries will be displayed in BlizzCon 2009.While this doesn't necessarily mean that Blizzard will actually make a theme park based on the StarCraft, Warcraft, and Diablo universes, the idea does make me squeal girlishly giddy with excitement. Those interested are challenged to illustrate every fantastic thing they can imagine -- from water rides, roller coasters, and even food courts and shopping arcades. Aspiring park designers have until March 30 to submit their entries, with a chance to win a Wacom Cintiq 12WX Digitizing Tablet, Echoes of War, and StarCraft II beta keys. So hop to it! Now where'd I put my stylus...
Zach Yonzon02.25.2009
Robot Land theme park finally breaking ground in South Korea
Or, at least we hope it is. If you'll recall, we heard way back in August of 2007 that South Korea was set to begin construction on a robot-themed park. Here we are in 2009, and we're basically getting the same story all over again. Reportedly, the nation's Ministry of Knowledge Economy is expecting to get going on Robot Land this year, as the government has set aside $559 million for construction in Incheon. We're also told that actual plans for that second park have yet to materialize, making us wonder even more if this whole thing isn't slipping to vaporware status. At any rate, the parks would sure be good for the local economy (assuming anyone has the money to go), but we're at the point of recommending that you not hold your breath on seeing this up by the promised open date of year-end 2013.
Darren Murph02.13.2009
Natural selection applied to MMOs
There tend to be some fundamental differences between players of World of Warcraft and EVE Online, due in part to the contrast in rules and game mechanics, and the types of personalities each title attracts. This was mentioned in a recent Shut Up. We're Talking. podcast and provided some fuel for further discussion by Syncaine, from the Hardcore Casual blog.He observes that "EVE players embrace scams, trickery, underhandedness, and generally resent any changes that would 'dumb down' EVE. In WoW that gets you quickly banned, and before that rivers swell from all the tears shed while players scream mommy." There's also a huge divide between the titles in terms of how 'hardcore' or PvP-centric the games are. "EVE is harsh on day one, and stays that way," Syncaine writes. "WoW holds your hand from 1-80, and makes sure you get a cookie regardless if you win or lose. EVE not only takes your cookie, but laughs at you for bringing one in the first place."
James Egan11.22.2008
Six Flags is better than five flags, Wii agrees
Do you like rollercoasters? Haunted houses? Sideshow games? Now you can enjoy them all, simply by sitting on your couch. Six Flags Fun Park is now in development for the Wii and DS, and it's no surprise given the previous mutual agreement. Hopefully, after being best buddies with the Wii for so long, Six Flags and Brash Entertainment will have the decency to put out a quality game.It won't be a management game like the excellent Rollercoaster Tycoon series, but rather a -- big surprise -- collection of mini-games and virtual rides. Before dropping your dollars, weigh up the alternatives. Would you rather buy the game, or spend the money on a day's entry to the real Six Flags? The choice is yours, and we have some fresh screens in the gallery to help you with the decision.%Gallery-24451%
philip larsen06.05.2008
Brash Entertainment making a Six Flags game?
According to a listing over at Gamefly, Brash Entertainment, the folks behind the Alvin and the Chipmunks games on the DS and Wii, are hard at work on a title centered around the Six Flags theme parks. Brash, who are knee-deep in other movie license games, is taking a departure from their usual stomping grounds, should this listing turn out to be for an actual game.And what should we expect from this game if it's to become a reality? We have no idea right now, but we will say that we have seen plenty of games that confine you to a theme park, so we're leaning toward this being a sim title.The real question is would you want to manage a virtual Six Flags on your DS?[Via Siliconera]
David Hinkle04.16.2008
Something to do while in line at Six Flags
Six Flags has just announced a deal with Nintendo, in which park patrons in 10 of the chain's locations will face random encounters with Nintendo products between April 5th and November 2nd. 4-person DS "street teams" (though the streets are confined entirely within the parks) will offer DS demos to people waiting in line for rides, and in other locations around the park. Good timing -- we'd rather mess with electronics before the log ride. The "Wii Experience" will return this year as well, with Wii demos inside Six Flags parks.Six Flags didn't announce which 10 of its 21 parks will have the DS street teams onsite, so, uh, don't go to Six Flags just to play DS games.
JC Fletcher04.01.2008
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]
Darren Murph03.20.2008
Taking a closer look at the Disney DS guide
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Don_t_Forget_Your_DS_Next_Time_You_Go_To_Disney_2'; Back when we reported on Disney testing out a program where the DS would be used as a tour guide, we had nothing to go on visually. We were left with only our imagination and a text description of some features. It was enough back then, but now we crave more.And, thanks to one forum poster over at the WDMagic forums, we're actually shown what it looks like. So head past the break for some screens of it in action.[Via WDMagic.com]
David Hinkle01.22.2008
Sega theme parks planned for Middle East, North Africa
Though the alarming lack of decent Sonic the Hedgehog plushies somewhat soured the experience, the Joystiq staffers attending last year's Tokyo Game Show managed to enjoy a brief diversion to one of Sega's Joypolis entertainment centers. Just think of them as indoor theme parks and arcades where half the fun lies in figuring out what the hell it is you're playing. If you can't quite envision it, you'll be pleased to note that the feeling of delighted puzzlement is set to spread to other parts of the world, as Sega and Dubai properties firm Emaar have announced plans to open a number of similar theme parks across the Middle East and North Africa. That is where you live, right?According to GamesIndustry.Biz, the first of these will be featured in The Dubai Mall, a 76,000 square foot monstrosity of consumerism set to open in Downtown Burj Dubai late 2008. Rashid Zakaria Doleh, CEO of Emaar Malls Group (and shameless user of words like "shoppertainment") reckons the Sega synergy will provide a "world-class experience" for those looking to be ... shoppertained. Though it's still far from finished, we're particularly excited about the park's promised indoor roller-coaster. It's likely to be a variant of Sega's increasingly popular "Multiplatform Shift," a heart-stopping thrill ride which places fans at the highest point on the track before sending them plummeting into a vat of toxic sludge.
Ludwig Kietzmann01.18.2008
Disney apparently already testing DS as a guide
Hot on the heels of the rumor that Disney would be trying to utilize the DS as a tour guide in its parks comes word that the company is currently in the testing stage. According to Jim Hill Media, the Magic Kingdom is already conducting field tests with its wireless device (which is utilized with a DS). And, the supposed functionality of this device is one that totally destroys anything else we were lead to believe.Not only will you be able to use your DS to guide you around the park, but it will also give you some very dynamic information. In real time, it'll tell you current wait times on rides at the park, as well as the best time for shortest lines at a certain ride or attraction. There will also be a function that tracks your favorite characters, allowing you to stalk Mickey like a champion.Everything that's being said about this new idea from Disney points to "success," if you ask us. It seems like an incredibly intuitive and functional device that should make the experience of being at one of Disney's parks that much better.[Thanks, Chris!]
David Hinkle01.15.2008
Disneyland getting all new monorails
Earlier this year, Disneyland got a little more zany with the Muppet Mobile Laboratory, but as soon as the park opens up early next year, guests should notice a bit of an upgrade on the monorail. Reportedly, the famed park will be running its first all new monorail car in a score, and while details are scant on the actual engineering upgrades, we do know that the electric cars will sport all new hues. The first in line will feature blue glass and red stripes that "change color in the sunlight," while the next two will be blue with purple glass and orange with blue glass. So yeah, it's probably not enough to make a special trip out to Anaheim for, but if you needed just one more excuse to don those iconic black ears and pretend you're young again, you've got it.[Via Switched]
Darren Murph12.23.2007
Dinosaur theme park coming to Dubai
In the 90's, you might have been convinced by certain bestsellers and major motion pictures that if someone created a theme park full of man-made dinosaurs, you'd probably get eaten. What no one could have predicted back then was that you wouldn't be getting eaten by a dinosaur... you'd be getting eaten by a robot dinosaur. At least that's likely what you can expect when Dubai's $1 billion "Restless Planet" park opens in late 2008, a 500,000 square foot recreation of our planet at a time when dinosaurs roamed -- replete with giant, animatronic / robotic versions of over 40 extinct species. According to the park's managing director Mustafa Galadari, "The Restless Planet provides a visual, audio and tactile experience allowing visitors to experience some of the exciting things that have gone on in the Earth's history," adding that the effect will be, "Extremely realistic and scary – but at the same time, educational." The dinos will contain embedded potentiometers and motion sensors (amongst others), apparently allowing the reptilian re-creations to follow visitors with their eyes, track specific colors of clothing, regulate their own movements, and even lunge at viewers... then eat them. Don't say we didn't warn you.
Joshua Topolsky12.18.2007