Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe delivers an Unbelievably Nuts Experience
Universal Studios' collaboration with Nintendo unfolds further with the launch of Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe, brought to life this week. The event also marks the arrival of a distinctive Kong figure, Donkey Kong, in a unique form.
io9 was granted exclusive access to the media preview for Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe in Universal Orlando. Although the West Coast park preceded with a version of the land in 2023, Epic Universe's iteration undergoes an enhancement through an expansion pack, notably the addition of a complete Donkey Kong Country area encompassing a fresh Mine-Cart Madness ride. Consistent with the debut Super Nintendo World, this interactive experience transcends mere passivity, enabling guests to participate in live gaming, including a Mario Kart race on Rainbow Road.
Steve Tatham, Universal's Creative Director, offered insights on the integration of technology and storytelling within the new theme park. "Epic Universe strives to create a 21st-century theme park, leveraging advanced technology," he said. "Our ride systems and high-tech figures shape an unparalleled experience." Wendy Song, a dedicated park-goer, marveled at the hyper-realistic figures, saying, "They've managed to achieve an astonishing level of resemblance and animatronic fluidity – it's truly remarkable."
The new Donkey Kong Country ride, Mine Cart Madness, features its star character, Donkey Kong, alongside Diddy Kong across various scenes inspired by the iconic game. Song observed, "It's an impressive blend of cutting-edge technology and vivid storytelling that leaves you feeling fully immersed in the world of Donkey Kong Country."
Alongside technology, the emphasis on storytelling underpins the interactive experience. Traditional gaming methods, such as screen-based interfaces, have been purposely kept secondary. Instead, guests are encouraged to explore real-life environments to achieve benchmarks and collect points using the Power-Up Band. Engaging with other park visitors helps unlock hidden areas, providing a social and collaborative aspect to the theme park.
Tatham elaborated on the incorporation of the Power-Up Band, "As guests tap specific touch points throughout the world, they can collect points that help them progress through various stages. For instance, in Donkey Kong Country, you can spell 'Kong' by tapping particular objects, while opting for other collectibles like bananas or coins to enhance the experience."
The Epic Universe version of Super Nintendo World marks another development in Universal's relationship with Nintendo, as the company broadens its horizons beyond video games. Tatham emphasized the collaboration with Nintendo on this project, "We worked closely with our Nintendo partners, including Miyamoto-San, throughout the entire creative process." This attention to detail ensures the world within Super Nintendo Land feels authentic and true to its source material.
For those wondering if the park may introduce additional Nintendo characters in the future, Tatham admits, "Epic Universe will never reach completion, as there will always be new ideas and stories to explore."
Super Nintendo World is now open at Universal Studios Orlando, offering a unique blend of interactive gaming and immersive storytelling inspired by popular Nintendo franchises.
- According to Steve Tatham, Universal's Creative Director, Epic Universe's Super Nintendo World aims to create a 21st-century theme park by leveraging advanced technology, shaping an unparalleled experience with ride systems and high-tech figures.
- Wendy Song, a devoted park-goer, admired the hyper-realistic figures in Super Nintendo World, remarking that they achieved an astonishing level of resemblance and animatronic fluidity, making it truly remarkable.
- In the new Donkey Kong Country ride, Mine Cart Madness, technology blends seamlessly with storytelling, as guests can collect points using the Power-Up Band by tapping specific touchpoints throughout the world, progressing through various stages and even spelling 'Kong' by tapping particular objects.
