Epic Universe's Super Nintendo World Unleashes Insane Fun and Nostalgia Trips
Revitalized Universe: A Gaming Giant's Grand Escapade
Prepare for some epic entertainment as Universal Studios and Nintendo unveil their latest collaboration - Super Nintendo World - at the dazzling Epic Universe! This breathtaking theme park cranks up the gaming experience with an intriguing expansion, Donkey Kong Country, complete with a heart-pounding new ride. And don't be surprised if a certain Kong of another species makes an appearance!
io9 gave us a sneak peek at the media week preview for Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. Even though the West Coast park has already welcomed a version of the land in 2023, the Epic Universe's version boasts an "expansion pack" upgrade in the form of a whole Donkey Kong Country zone.
Universal Creative Director Steve Tatham shed some light on how this gaming paradise fits into the new theme park's concept. "We wanted to create a next-gen theme park, a 21st-century theme park," he explained. The park showcases advanced technology, futuristic prototypical ride systems, and next-level animated figures, unveiling an immersive gaming experience that's more than just a spectator sport.
And hey, Donkey Kong Country's brand new Mine Cart Madness ride doesn't disappoint! Featuring Donkey Kong along with Diddy Kong in scenes straight from the legendary game, this ride is a must-try for every gaming enthusiast.
"We're not putting technology out there to say, 'Hey, look, we're using technology.' We're doing it in the service of story," Tatham emphasized, ensuring that technology serves to enhance the emotional experience, not overshadow it. Although the option to make the gaming elements screen-based might lend towards a more video-gamey feel, Universal opts instead to have the technology act as a secondary tool for keeping track of scores and unlocking secret areas.
Explore and interact throughout the nooks and crannies of Donkey Kong Country, play tangible mini-games like bongos, and earn points to unlock exciting hidden surprises, like a secret boss battle! And yes, who doesn't love a secret boss?
Nintendo's partnership with Universal brings Super Nintendo World and Donkey Kong Country to life, with Miyamoto-San, the creative guru at Nintendo, being actively involved throughout the process. "We have to get every detail exactly right," Tatham reiterated, ensuring that the gaming and theme park experience lives up to the guests' expectations, making them feel like they've stepped straight into a game.
So, what more can we expect from this powerhouse collaboration? Epic Universe, true to its name, will never cease to astonish us, as there are always new stories to tell and ideas to explore. Could we see Link, Star Fox, or even Pikachu in the future? Only time and official announcements will tell!
Epic Universe opens its doors this Friday at Universal Studios Orlando. Get ready to immerse yourself in the gaming world like never before!
Want to stay updated on the latest in gaming, Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who? Follow along with io9 for all the updates!
[1] (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2020/02/26/universal-studios-orlando-super-nintendo-world-construction-photos-video/4883989002/)[2] (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/disney/os-ne-turkey-leg-universal-orlando-20210224-hrnkxjkwdnb4bj5dmpegn6xk64-story.html)[3] (https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/universal-studios-orlando-power-up-band)[4] (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/disney/os-ne-super-nintendo-world-super-mario-kart-universal-orlando-20210226-irg3xx77d7g77mwehubo7nsha-story.html)[5] (https://www.insider.com/universal-studios-epic-universe-super-nintendo-world-2020-2)
- Io9, much like Gizmodo, is providing updates on the latest developments in the gaming world, with their focus on Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios' Epic Universe, which offers an immersive experience with advanced technology.
- As part of the Donkey Kong Country expansion, the Mine Cart Madness ride at Super Nintendo World promises a thrilling ride for gaming enthusiasts, with the action reminiscent of the classic game's scenes.
- In the future, additional characters from Nintendo's extensive universe, such as Link, Star Fox, or even Pikachu, might make an appearance at Super Nintendo World, adding to the entertainment and technology-driven lifestyle experience in the theme park.
