Epic Universe's "Super Nintendo World" is Insanely Extravagant
Gaming Nirvana Ascends:
Step into a family-friendly paradise fusing the magic of Nintendo and the grandeur of Universal Studios as Super Nintendo World opens its gates at Epic Universe! Get ready for a thrilling ride as the much-anticipated Donkey Kong area arrives, promising a fresh take on the classic game with its innovative Mine Cart Madness ride.
To roll up this nostalgic carousel, io9 had the exclusive opportunity to attend the media preview of Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando. The Donkey Kong County expansion, exclusive to Epic Universe, injects this game world with immersive technology, making it a stunning upgrade over its California counterpart. Here, we discuss the technology behind the thrills, as well as the unique interactive elements that set Universal Creative Director Steve Tatham's vision apart.
"The idea of Epic Universe is creating a 21st-century theme park," Tatham said, "We’re using technology that's super advanced." The technologically advanced park leaves nothing to chance, boasting prototypical ride systems and next-generation animated figures, making it a haven for gamers and families alike. One glaring example - the mind-blowing Mine Cart Madness ride - where tech takes the backseat, allowing the story to shine, as Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong take center stage in scenes reminiscent of the beloved game series.
Interactivity becomes the heart of this experience as the one-of-a-kind Power-Up Bands allow guests to enter the world of the game beyond mere spectatorship. "You can wear a power up band and that activates touch points throughout the world where you can collect points," Tatham explained. Use these interactive touchpoints to spell the word 'Kong,' collect bananas, coins, and various other items. As you accumulate points through exploration and collaboration with other parkgoers, expect hidden surprises like secret boss battles - because what's a video game theme park without extra challenges?
Miyamoto-San, the creative brain behind Nintendo, was heavily involved in creating these lands. According to Tatham, every element and detail was thoroughly vetted to ensure it felt true to the source material. "When they walk into this world, they'll be like, 'No, that's not right.' Or 'That doesn't feel the way it feels like I imagined it would feel.' So we have to get every detail exactly right."
While Super Nintendo World has initially focused on Mario and Donkey Kong, the possibilities are endless for future expansions. Tatham hinted that Epic Universe "will never be done, because there's always more ideas." Perhaps future installments will feature the heroes of Hyrule, the Star Fox pilots, or even the beloved pocket monsters!
As Epic Universe unfolds this Friday at Universal Studios Orlando, immerse yourself in a realm where the digital and physical worlds collide, and the magic of classic gaming lives on. Happy exploring, fellow time-travelers!
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- Gizmodo shares insights on the technological advancements in Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Orlando, highlighting the innovative Mine Cart Madness ride and the immersive interactive elements provided by the Power-Up Bands.
- Io9 reports on the future possibilities for Super Nintendo World, suggesting potential upcoming expansions to feature characters from games like The Legend of Zelda, Star Fox, and Pokémon, expanding the gaming experience beyond the initial Mario and Donkey Kong installments.
- In a blend of technology, entertainment, and lifestyle, both io9 and Gizmodo consider Super Nintendo World a must-visit for gamers and families alike due to its fusion of classic gaming elements and next-generation, immersive experiences, setting a new standard for theme park experiences.
