Rowe said:
Why would you show visitors an extra-terrestrial egg when you know it's dangerous?
Well, that could quite easily be answered. The Phalanx believe it's safe and will do no harm to the public. But the alien inside was just waiting for the right moment to attack (in small ways a bit like the plot to Alien if you like).
Rowe said:
What's the point of having the Phalanx try to hold back the public when they should be evacuating the premises far away from a bunch of newborn aliens and an imminent explosion?
You could argue the alien has had some effect on them, taking over their bodies and causing them to kind of attack the visitors. Probably a bit of a random story as it would leave more plot holes (why change them and not us?) but probably the simplest thing you could assume.
I quite like Sub-Terra. I love Hex so any dark ride with an immersive story always grabs my attention. While the story is rushed in parts and can easily be misunderstood by your average guest it still holds a place in my heart. It's quite an intense experience when it wants to be and I think the execution of the experience is done really well. You do not get taken away from the theme at all throughout, when you're 'underground' it feels rather real, the sound effects, music and general atmosphere make Sub-Terra's environment feel just as realistic as Hex's does.
Although with that it has its flaws. Firstly, I hate the drop ride, I find it painful (I may as well have someone slap my arse) and uncomfortable. The back prodders are really irritating. For the first prod it feels realistic, although the minute it's constantly hitting me I get fed up and each prod starts to feel like I'm being poked with a knife.
Secondly, the Phalanx Operatives. This is my main gripe of the story, if you're being welcomed to a military facility, you're not shouted at and insulted. Every time I've gone on Sub-Terra I've seen very unimpressed guests around, not looking too pleased at how the staff are acting.
Sometimes this authoritative manner works and the staff have some form of control. It can be funny and works well with the theme. Other times I've seen staff enjoying their role a little too much, perhaps even using it as a way to get away with insulting guests and causing upset just because they are 'in role'. This is one of the main reasons as to why I don't bother with Sub-Terra now unless there is someone with me who is eager to go on. I don't find being insulted and shouted at a fun experience. I left that kind of thing in high school.
Now I'm not saying all staff are rude on there. But from the handful of times I've gone on it, staff have been very hit or miss in terms of how they control their role and how they consider the feelings of guests around them. Most staff do it well, mixing a serious character in with comedy and not upsetting anyone. Although others leave guests looking not impressed at all and potentially insult guests in a way that could upset them. I know they are only ride hosts and not actors. But some clearer guidance seems to be needed.
Saying that, the experience as a whole package is pretty good. Although it has its flaws and will never quite be perfect. But I cannot blame the ride itself for not being comfortable (in terms of the drop feeling like you're getting a good arse slap). The staff however, they won't change, but that's the only thing I really blame with the current version.
