Simworx, the dynamic media attractions specialist, has unveiled the latest concept for its innovative AGV Dark Ride system.
The firm has teamed up with Katapult to design a fast-paced ride concept for Simworx’s AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) Dark Ride, named Overdrive: Ultimate Heist.
Officially launched at IAAPA Expo Europe held at ExCeL London, Simworx showcased a Police Car-styled ride vehicle on its booth to promote the concept. Attendees saw the ride vehicle up close, demonstrating a scope of movements which would be utilised during the experience.
Overdrive: Ultimate Heist has been designed to deliver an adrenaline-fuelled chase for guests around an urban metropolis, with riders role-playing as either cops or robbers.
A unique concept
The attraction utilises a trackless system to enable flexible movement around show spaces, where ride vehicles can chase and duel each other whilst dodging hazards and obstacles. Vehicles racing into ‘dead ends’ and reversing out at high speed is one example of unexpected manoeuvres which can be delivered through Simworx’s innovative collaboration.
“Katapult looked at all the unique elements that really made the AGV special and worked that into the concept,” says Simworx CEO, Terry Monkton. “We wanted to highlight the unpredictable motion of a trackless ride and how it could work in a duelling format where riders are pitted against one another as they experience multiple ride experiences and endings.”
Matt Clarkson, lead designer at Simworx adds: “With the AGV being the fastest trackless dark ride within the themed entertainment market, acceleration was a key component to integrate and focus on when imagining the kind of story we wanted to tell.”
Action-packed experience
Overdrive: Ultimate Heist has been developed to fit into large sprawling footprints, consisting of ten scenes, with the final two being interchangeable to match the result of the chase. The layout utilises ten AGV vehicles at a time, delivering a throughput of 1,100 riders per hour.
Drawing inspiration from popular gaming franchises such as Need for Speed and Grand Theft Auto, the IP-free concept delivers an action-packed narrative for riders, navigating a range of urban environments such as the backstreets, underground tunnels, parking garages and construction sites.
Co-founder and CCO Phil Higgins says: “We spotted a gap in the market for a ride concept including police chases and getaway cars, tapping into the wealth of popular movie and gaming franchises.
“The ride system’s trackless feature, high acceleration and duelling capability will launch guests into a storyline with multiple endings – enthralling guests of all ages and enticing them back for another spin around the city.”
Simworx has recently installed two new dark rides at Ba Na Hills park in Vietnam, custom-designed flying airship rides which are mounted on dynamic motion bases.
