During CES and MWC in Barcelona, Samsung showed off their virtual reality roller coaster ride to thousands of attendees, and it was blast, considering you never had to leave the conference hall.
Now thanks to a collaboration with Six Flags, Samsung will be taking VR roller coaster rides to entirely new heights, bringing Gear VR headsets to nine actual roller coasters across the U.S.
The first ride is being called the “The New Revolution: Virtual Reality Coaster”, where riders will be equipped with a Samsung Gear VR headset and transport themselves to a futuristic battle to save planet Earth from an alien invasion. Co-piloting their own fighter jet, you will have to strap in for some intense air-to-air combat action.
This elite fighter squadron experience will launch this month and throughout the summer, making its debut on the following six roller coasters:
- Shock Wave at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, opening March 10 to Season Pass Holders as a special sneak preview
- Dare Devil Dive at Six Flags Over Georgia outside of Atlanta, opening March 12 to Season Pass Holders as a special sneak preview
- The New Revolution at Six Flags Magic Mountain near Los Angeles, opening March 26 to Season Pass Holders as a special sneak preview
- Ninja at Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka
- Steamin’ Demon at The Great Escape in Lake George, New York
- Goliath at La Ronde in Montreal.
“This remarkable technology is a definite game-changer for theme park rides and represents everything our brand stands for — delivering the most thrilling and innovative rides and attractions in the world,” said John Duffey, Six Flags president and CEO, in a news release.
Three new SUPERMAN virtual reality coasters will launch in San Antonio, Massachusetts and Maryland.
Once riders take their seats and fasten the headsets, they will be fully immersed in the 360-degree comic-book world of Metropolis. Guests will be taken on a leisurely (or so they think) tour of the city of Metropolis, courtesy of Lex Corp Sky Tours. Just after departing the station riders encounter Lex Luthor who uses an anti-gravity gun along with his army of LexBots to create chaos throughout the city with cars, taxis and buses floating in mid-air around the rider’s vehicle. As the LexBots continue shooting at the vehicle, SUPERMAN uses heat vision to destroy the anti-gravity gun, causing all objects to suddenly fall, including the train as it takes the first giant drop of the roller coaster. Riders then soar alongside SUPERMAN as he battles the evil LexBots through hairpin twists and turns, loops, dips and dives before ultimately defeating Lex and the LexBots, and returning safely back into the station. This adventure will debut on these Superman-branded coasters:
- SUPERMAN Krypton Coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio
- SUPERMAN The Ride at Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts
- SUPERMAN Ride of Steel at Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro, Maryland
“Now, people can be immersed into a totally new universe while riding a roller coaster, powered by Samsung Gear VR virtual reality devices. This transforms the modern roller coaster into a totally new, one of a kind sensorial experience – powered by technology,” said Marc Mathieu, chief marketing officer of Samsung Electronics America. “We are excited to work with the premiere brand in theme parks to bring Samsung’s VR technology to nine Six Flags locations across the U.S.”
According to the Six Flags FAQ: The Gear VR headset is “secured with three straps – one around the head, one over the head and a chinstrap, along with a safety lanyard.” The headset will be sanitized between every ride.
For more information visit: https://www.sixflags.com/national/vr/overview