[2024] Thorpe Park: Hyperia - Mack Hypercoaster

[NuttySquirrel]

I've been on Blue fire multiple times recently, and didn't even realise it was supposed to have onboard audio!

I think there's only one train left in the fleet where it actually works properly. Some of them don't even have it at all.

It is bloody good when it works though.

 

[MaxPower]

Y'all are thinking too small. Y'want some true 'imagineering'? Y'know what would make Hyperia more atmospheric, more immersive, more unique?

VR.

Just sayin'.

What about: VR-ave it backwards....

 

[The Big Mack]

What about: VR-ave it backwards....

Don't give them ideas please.

 

[The Big Mack]

It’s not the most impressive. Dispatch soundtrack, bit of smoke, some lights at the front of the station, and a projection mapped pair of wings above the front of the station where the train exits.

While it's hardly in the same league as the dispatch sequence on a more elaborately themed coaster like Toutatis, I think it's still a nice touch that they didn't have to implement on a hyper coaster but ultimately did to add an unexpected layer of theatre. I do think it adds to the euphoria, I wasn't expecting it to compete with far more immersive stations like the one I mentioned above, because like the majority of other hyper coasters out there Hyperia does not set out to immerse you in another world, and we've known this since the plans went live two years ago. Most Thorpe guests haven't been to European parks like many of us have, so it's something new for them that'll elevate their experience.

Having ridden Silver Star this weekend, the Hyperia station did entertain me a fair bit more than Silver Star's and Shambhala's do.

I do see what John Burton is getting at when he grades the park guests, but it's likely just one of the ways he pitches nice to have bonuses on a new coaster to corporate execs. I think it's perfectly harmless if it means we get to have unexpected flourishes.

 

[Smiley]

Have you got a quote from Mack that you'd be willing to share? I'm looking to install some in my toilet seat.

Depends - does your toilet seat use waist or over-the-shoulder restraints???? Obviously if you're sitting on the toilet the right way (as per South Park) it would make more sense to install in the top of the cistern. Maybe it's just me, but I really like on-board audio (in the same way the Smiler music is a perfect build-up/accompaniment).

As for cost, all COTS parts. Speakers, amp, music player, power, bit of string to connect them together... So yes, compared the cost of a "seat" it probably does add very little.

As for VR - only experienced it on Air and Drop of Doom (6FMM), and both made the rides infinitely worse. When VR is better than R it's time to take a long hard look at life