The world’s largest regional theme park company, Six Flags, has appointed Samsung Electronics America, Inc., as its “Official Technology Partner”.
The partnership includes the debut of North America’s first virtual reality (VR) roller coasters coming to nine Six Flags Parks.
Some of the company’s most popular coasters will be equipped with Samsung Gear VR headsets, powered by Oculus, to create a new level of thrill in a fully immersive virtual experience.
Riders can feel the adrenaline of steep drops, inverted loops, and powerful twists and turns- as gyroscopes, accelerometers and proximity sensors synchronise all the action into a 360-degree virtual world.
“This remarkable technology is a game-changer for theme park rides and represents everything our brand stands for – delivering the most thrilling and innovative rides in the world” said John Duffy, Six Flags President and CEO.
“With the addition of these virtual reality coasters we will be doubling the number of new coasters and rides we did in 2015, and more than any year in the last decade. Innovation is part of our DNA, and news in every park, every year is driving higher guest satisfaction and building strong momentum for our company”.
“This partnership is so compelling for consumers and the broader tech industry because both companies are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible – bringing a VR coaster to life is certainly a new and thrilling proposition” said Marc Mathieu, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung Electronics America.
“This transforms the modern roller coaster into a totally new, one of a kind sensorial experience- powered by technology” he continued.
Samsung Gear VR heaset has been designed to accelerate VR into the mainstream. Built to work with existing Samsung devices, the headset utilises the devices’ AMOLED display to provide high quality 360-degree content.
Six of the nine new additions are ‘New Revolution VR Coasters’, in which riders are transported to a futuristic battle to save planet earth from an alien invasion. The ride uses the world’s first ever interactive gameplay technology on a rollercoaster, where guests race through the city before shooting at drones to destroy the mother ship. This elite fighter squadron experience will debut on the following six coasters with sneak previews at some parks for Season pass (SP) holders:
– Shock Wave, Six Flags Over Texas, 10th March SP
– Dare Devil Dive, Six Flags Over Georgia, 12th March SP
– The New Revolution, Six Flags Magic Mountain, 26th March SP
– Ninja, Six Flags St. Louis,
– Steamin’ Demon, The Great Escape,
– Goliath, La Ronde
The remaining three new experiences are Superman VR Coasters, where guests will be fully immersed in the comic book world of Metropolis. Riders journey through the city, but are interrupted by Lex Luthor who uses his anti-gravity gun and army of LexBots to cause chaos. Riders then fly with Superman through twists, turns, loops and dives before ultimately defeating Lex Luthor and returning to the station. This adventure will debut on the following coasters:
– SUPERMAN Krypton Coaster, Six Flags Fiesta Texas
– SUPERMAN The Ride, Six Flags New England
– SUPERMAN Ride of Steel, Six Flags America
