Six Flags Over Texas Combines Real World With VR On New Galactic Attack Coaster
Six Flags and Samsung have joined forces to unveil a new Galactic Attack Virtual Reality Coaster at Six Flags Over Texas. Unlike the two previous virtual reality experiences that Six Flags had on the Shockwave coaster last year, “Galactic Attack” allows riders to see the real world mixed with virtual elements during the ride.
This new mixed reality experience is being referred to by enthusiasts as “Augmented Reality” or AR for short. AR is a new concept that adds virtual content into a real world setting. So, in short, you see both VR and the real world mixed together. It’s a bold, innovative twist, that will give older coasters such as Shock Wave at Six Flags Over Texas, new life.
Riders are offered a new one-of-a-kind mixed reality experience that is currently only available at Six Flags. Another world’s first—complex gameplay, where riders make key decisions during the course of the ride that can affect their scoring at the end. Galactic Attack Virtual Reality Coaster made its world debut to media and invited guests this morning at Six Flags Over Texas. Riders were offered a thrilling, fully immersive ride of their lives as they battled to save the planet from an impending alien drone invasion. Check out our experience in this on ride video!
Brett Petit, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales said:
“Six Flags is proud to be partnering with Samsung to develop the newest, most innovative thrill ride experience in the theme park industry. This mixed reality technology is truly groundbreaking and like nothing our guests have ever experienced. Six Flags and Samsung changed the game last year with VR on twelve roller coasters and now we are breaking new ground yet again.”
Still not sure about augmented or mixed reality? Let’s break down how this works. When riders board the coasters and put on their Samsung Gear VR headsets, they are introduced to the device’s passthrough camera functionality, instantly making riders aware of their surroundings, by allowing them to see the “real world.” This includes the person seated next to them— along with virtual content. As they get settled into the ride, a heads-up display overlay on the passthrough camera view will show data like current status of weaponry, time codes, fuel cells, and a countdown clock. Cresting the lift hill, a massive, swirling wormhole comes into view. As riders drop at high speeds, the mixed reality view changes to a completely immersive, virtual reality environment and a fighter spaceship cockpit materializes and envelops the riders into a tunnel of light. At the bottom of the first hill, riders are launched into the middle of a space battle, coming under attack from flying drones firing lasers and missiles. After swinging through tight channels, narrowly dodging drones and artillery fire, riders are brought into one of three drone bays, each of which offer a completely different gaming experience and three different endings depending on how you tilt your head upon approach!
Galactic Attack Virtual Reality Coaster will debut to the general public on Thursday, March 9. Season Pass Holders can get an exclusive preview of the ride while it’s open for technical rehearsals March 4–5. VR is free with park admission.
For tickets and more information about Galactic Attack Virtual Reality Coaster, visit the official Six Flags Over Texas website by clicking here.
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