Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe Is Truly Insane!
🆕 Universal Orlando's Super Nintendo World: A Virtual Kingdom of Fun 🆕
USM (Universal Studios) and Nintendo's journey together has taken a quantum leap forward with the unveiling of Super Nintendo World within Epic Universe. Plus, the arrival of everyone's favorite Kong - not the mighty Kong of Kong: Skull Island, but Donkey Kong himself!
During the media week preview, io9 got the lowdown on Epic Universe's version of the land. While the California park had a taste of the action in 2023, Epic Universe boasts an "expansion pack" in the form of a full-blown Donkey Kong Country area, complete with a zany new ride.
Just like its predecessor, Super Nintendo World in Epic Universe lets players engage in real-time gaming and participate in a Mario Kart race on Rainbow Road, seamlessly stepping beyond the confines of spectatorship. Steve Tatham, Creative Director at Universal, sheds light on this integration into the new theme park concept, "We wanted to create a 21st-century theme park, a next-gen park. We leverage state-of-the-art technology. We've got prototypical ride systems, and the animated figures are next level for sure."
A highlight of the Donkey Kong Country area lies in its brand-spankin' new Mine Cart Madness ride. Chock-full of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, the ride takes passengers on a wild and wacky journey through scenes straight out of iconic Donkey Kong Country games.
Tatham elaborate, "The technology is there, but technology is not the focus. The story is at the forefront. People have an emotional experience, and that's enhanced by technology, so we're not showing off the technology-we're using it to serve the story."
The spirit of Nintendo's welcoming accessibility permeates Super Nintendo World. Guests are encouraged to interact with the physical game world, collecting points with their Power-Up Band as they explore Donkey Kong Country's nooks and crannies or take on some whacky mini-games, such as bongo-bashing.
Reach enough benchmarks in your adventure, and you'll be rewarded with a secret hidden boss battle-an exciting homage to classic video games!
Tatham emphasizes that Nintendo's involvement was integral to getting every detail right, making the experience feel authentic and true to hardcore Nintendo fans. He also hints that Epic Universe might expand its roster of characters in the future, potentially welcoming heroes like Link and Fox McCloud, as well as those pint-sized pocket monsters!
Epic Universe's doors open this Friday-get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Nintendo like never before! 🔥🕰️🕹️🌟
Ready for more gaming goodness? Dive into our guides on upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases! Plus, explore the future of the DC Universe in film and TV, or delve into the vast world of Doctor Who secrets! 🔎🕯️🚀🐉
- According to Steve Tatham, Creative Director at Universal, the technology used in Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe is intended to serve the story, not merely show off the technology itself, ensuring an authentic experience true to hardcore Nintendo fans.
- In the Donkey Kong Country area of Super Nintendo World, guests can interact with the physical game world, collect points wearing Power-Up Bands, and engage in mini-games like bongo-bashing. Reach enough benchmarks, and you'll encounter a hidden boss battle, a tribute to classic video games.
- Besides the Nintendo characters already present, Tatham hints at potential future expansions to the Epic Universe roster, suggesting the possible addition of characters like Link, Fox McCloud, and even the pocket monsters from Pokémon.
