BoldMove Nation, a vendor-independent service for the entertainment market, has revealed a range of concepts which further develop Smash & Reload, the firm’s anchor dark ride product.
In a midway game approach, interactivity is the focus, using a two-step approach to balance the skills of all players. Vehicles move dynamically, accompanied by characters and a simple yet fun storyline. The combination of vehicle movements, action, light and sound has been designed to keep the players engaged during the full experience.
BoldMove Nation CEO Benoit Cornet, who played a major role in the creation of the ride concept, says: “All vehicles will be fully synchronised in a smooth choreographic movement, which means they simultaneously turn and stop at each screen during loading and smashing. This creates more excitement during the ride for all players and optimizes the experience, avoiding sound pollution between the vehicles.
“Players are immersed in a global ‘ambience’ that is changing according to each phase they play. To this end, we integrate exciting light and projection technologies on special materials inside and outside of the ride with partners like Chauvet and Panasonic.”
Configurations
Adaptable to space and capacity requirements, BoldMove’s Smash & Reload comes in two formats – the Original with five vehicles, and the Compact XXS with three vehicles. These layouts can be replicated for operators, utilising the same content or offering a different ride experience for each.
Smash & Reload XXS can also be used as a component within a more expansive experience, combining numerous stories and creating a larger capacity.
A 3XXS version would use three theatres, where three separate narratives are possible by combining them with an overarching storyline and themed environments. Each ride could have a unique walkthrough, creating repeatability for regular visitors and season pass holders.
Expanding universe
The Smash & Reload concept, recognised in the most recent blooloop Innovation Awards, has now expanded with new content possibilities, in addition to the proprietary “Too Mush” content.
Marsu’s Incredible Supply Chase is an exotic adventure taking place in the Palombian forest, the home of the Marsupilami family. Beginning with the straightforward task of collecting food, players will soon have to deal with a multitude of creatures that prefer not to be disturbed.
Inspired by classic Wild West cartoons, The Daltons’ Big Escape follows bandit brothers who have escaped from jail. It is up to players to play sheriff by stopping them in their tracks and putting them back where they belong. Avoiding the traditional gun cliche, guests will have other means at their disposal, leading to some unexpected encounters.
Cornet concludes: “We keep developing and diversifying the Smash & Reload range so each venue obtains a unique configuration with different visitor experiences. Our team can also turn an existing park mascot and story into an interactive ride experience with adapted media content and characters. I’m proud to say that we succeeded in creating a future-proof dark ride that is affordable for everyone and will offer a fun and memorable experience for park guests!”
Smash & Reload will be demonstrated at IAAPA Expo Europe in London, 12 –15 Sep 2022, with the BoldMove team at Booth #238. More information on the event and registration can be found online.
BoldMove recently announced that a Smash & Reload ride has been ordered by Le Pal, France, one of the country’s most popular theme parks and currently home to more than thirty rides.
