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Hex [2024 Refurb]: General Discussion

Hex was pretty much like a Theatre play in terms of execution, but instead of watching a stage, you are ON the stage.

Isn't that like every theme park ride in existence though, this is where the term backstage comes from. I know that Disney looked at their attractions this way from the 1950's onwards while also being the first, then everyone else followed suit.
 
They canā€™t do themes anymore

Itā€™s meant to be a restoration project youā€™re talking through and stumble upon a vault behind a bookcase

Instead we get flashing lights as though it can hear the music. Awful.

Itā€™s a mysterious 18th century vault!

Iā€™m really not looking forward to doing this again at fireworks.
 
Hoping to ride the refurb on Saturday, so I'll hold off any judgement until then. I am fearful though after seeing a glimpse of onride footage on YouTube. I loved the mysterious feel of hex, the lack of colour was perfect to me, a little concerned that it will feel more like a BPB attraction now with over the top coloured lighting, I'll find out for myself I guess. But sometimes subtletly works beautifully
 
If youā€™ve ever seen Harry Potter and the cursed child at theatre youā€™ll understand how projection mapping can be used in a very tasteful and clever way, that doesnā€™t take away from the classic set design asserts. But when required the projection allows more depth and for the set to move when in reality itā€™s not, it can travel in time and bring things to life In a very tasteful way (no bright colours or over the top CGI render) Disney has done many fantastic projections from old school to new style.

Mickyā€™s Mine train although not comparable in this case is an example of very in your face projection, but works very well in my opinion for that ride for the cartoon immersion and story telling. Itā€™s actually a very clever and fun ride which does have physically sets and great animatronics to.

I could flip the argument and say whats the big movement on here against projection mapping? It brings rides alive and makes them more immersive and itā€™s not something you can just do at home so is that why we like dark rides?
Escape reality and be moved on an immersive story?
 
Enthusiasts - "Towers needs to reopen Hex, it's awful without it!"

Towers - *Re-opens Hex*

Enthusiasts - "Not like that!"
This can be applied to any reboot of any major franchise of fans wanting it before then hating the damn thing.
People seem far too eager/desperate to throw a wobbly and say something is "ruined" these days. I blame hate-bate youtube thumbnails.
Oh yes, while yes some of them have problems, they just make it sound worse as if gunk on Oblivion's track or the Monorail not getting any attention is considered a war crime and want someone to blame for the issues. Honestly some folk need to take a step back.
 
Although i guess it is hard to get an ā€œintense finaleā€ on a madhouse though
Indeed. Which is, I suspect, why they're trying something new. I think projections are a good fit for the problem in concept, but they probably can't rely on perfect alignment like most building based projection mapping is dependant on. Hence why it's more of a particle effect. I'm sure we'll see it get refined along with more dialling in of the other lights with the new system they've installed. Same as we've seen them progressively adjust curse or even the teeth on Nemesis based on feedback.
 
Since I'm breaking with tradition and have no intention of visiting this shambles of resort again this year, I just hope all this mentioned lighting is still actually working by the time I do manage to experience it to make my own judgment. I was lucky enough to get on Hex with just me and my son (we were the only ones on it) Christmas 2021 before it did a burton. I have missed it.
 
People seem far too eager/desperate to throw a wobbly and say something is "ruined" these days. I blame hate-bate youtube thumbnails.
Not sure I agree, it's a symptom of being enthusiastic about something rather than just more passively enjoying it.

I seem to recall a lot of talk about Rita ruining Ug Land, for example. Kumbak ruining Grand National is another that springs to mind.

Not every change is positive unfortunately and when something you really like is changed even moderately for the worse it can feel like it has been ruined.
 
Outside of the Vault, I can't see why people can find anything to have a negative opinion of? They've added subtle lighting and sorted out the Octagon effects.

Think the best thing for the TVs would be to build a frame on them to cover the black bars and just show the footage.
 
Did anyone post this excellent recent article on Hex? Covering many cool things about the rides past and long gone show. Well worth a read, like most of their articles and features actually...

 
Did anyone post this excellent recent article on Hex? Covering many cool things about the rides past and long gone show. Well worth a read, like most of their articles and features actually...

I'm guessing you mean this one (from the same site)? https://darkridedatabase.com/alton-towers-hex-special-feature/

Excellent article by Peter (Euro Theme Park Archive). You may spot a thanks to myself at the bottom too (mainly for sourcing some of the old images of the house) :)
 
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