Six Flags Magic Mountain announced Wednesday that they are bringing a whole new level of immersion to a renovated, classic coaster by featuring virtual reality headsets. Partnering with Samsung Gear VR, Six Flags will reopen The New Revolution with the totally free option to don HD VR 360º view headsets to feel immersed in a battle against alien forces.
HorrorBuzz was invited to take an early look at the new VR footage for the attraction, along with a tour of the construction site and surrounding area. Approaching the renovated station we see a new sign installed on the iconic archway. Landscaping, still in progress, with plants in pots sit on freshly laid cement walkways. The iconic track gleams in sparkling white with royal blue supports.
We were invited to take a close look at one of the two new trains up at the station break run. An upgrade from the 40 year old “tanks”, the new train sat on display. Red base color with blue stripes and white stars, this new train gets rid of the uncomfortable over-the-shoulder restraints in favor of far more ergonomic seats and lap bar restraints.
The new trains, the repainted track, the new lighting package, this would have been more than enough from pour friends at Six Flags. But no, They have decided to throw in the VR headsets that bring in a totally new element.
“Seated in sleek new red and white custom coaches, the epic battle begins. From the cockpit of the aircraft in an underground bunker, the massive vehicle quickly ascends up the lift hill through the bunker’s roof, onto the launch pad ready to take flight. Once cleared for takeoff, the heroic adventure commences as riders are forced to navigate dangerously through the narrow city streets, up and over skyscrapers while avoiding obstacles and incoming fire from alien drones. The battle intensifies at the edge of the skyline where the mother ship is revealed ominously hovering above. Heavily protected by drones, the mission is clear, penetrate and destroy the mother ship to save the Planet.”
Guests can choose to ride with or without the headsets, but Sue Carpenter, Communications Manager for Six Flags Magic Mountain, reminds us, “Every seat is a front seat.” What a great point! Our minds raced with the myriad of possibilities. Could there be a Halloween overlay ready in time for Fright Fest 2016? “Well, we can’t reveal ALL of our surprises can we?” Carpenter quipped.
We had a chance to wear a headset and sit, stationary looking at the footage. It was very ‘Independence Day’ as a we were hoisted to a launch portal, sitting in the cockpit of a fighter jet. emerging from the launch bay, a massive aline ship is revealed in the sky and friendly fighter jets scramble to the defense of the city below. Launching into the battle we dive to the right and get pulled into the melee. That is just the beginning. High-definition imagery and storytelling syncs with the unique track configuration creating a one-of-a-kind seamless “real world” to “virtual world” thrill ride experience. Riders now become co-pilots seated in the cockpit of a true-to-life fighter jet, flying through a futuristic city while virtually engaged in a battle to protect the Planet against alien invaders, all while racing over the 3,500 feet of twisting, turning, looping coaster track.
Robert DeLaCerda, Debbie Erickson, Robert Bustle and Bonnie Sherman Weber
“Six Flags is known world-wide as the industry leader in innovative thrills and The New Revolution emerging as North America’s first coaster to offer this revolutionary technology clearly demonstrates how deep innovation runs in our DNA,” said Bonnie Sherman Weber, Six Flags Magic Mountain park president. “As Six Flags Magic Mountain marks its 45th anniversary of providing cutting-edge, record-breaking, one-of-a-kind thrills, we are once again proud to make history, four decades later transforming the world’s first 360-degree looping coaster into today’s newest technological marvel.”
We will be sure to bring you any news on a Fright Fest overlay if and when it becomes available.
Six Flags Season Pass Holders will have the chance to experience The New Revolution before it opens to the public beginning March 26. Reservations will be taken with information coming out soon. For a limited time, 2016 Six Flags Magic Mountain Season Passes are on sale for the same price as a one-day general admission and include unlimited visits now through the entire 2016 season with NO blackout dates. Purchase four or more Passes and receive a FREE upgrade to a COMBO Pass that includes a FREE Hurricane Harbor Season Pass. Additional Season Pass perks include free tickets for friends, park admission to Fright Fest®, Holiday in the Park® and more. Season Passes can be purchased at the main gate ticket booths or online at sixflags.com. Online Pass purchases are eligible for low monthly payments through the Membership program.
www.sixflags/magicmountain.com
