Six Flags America unleashes virtual ‘Galactic Attack’ on Mind Eraser ride

ANALYSIS/OPINION:

The ride is already called the Mind Eraser, which may perhaps be why the operators of Six Flags America in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, have added a virtual reality component to the roller-coaster in order to perhaps get those brain neurons once again firing.

Marrying VR technology with the traditional thrills and screams of a coaster, “Galactic Attack,” at Six Flags through May, employs the same type of device that park-goers have become familiar with for Ride of Steel, the Superman steel coaster in which the riders wear VR helmets that display an animation synced perfectly to the track of the coaster.

After donning the helmet, the Mind Eraser train begins its trek up the first hill. Riders around me all said, “I still don’t see anything” before a sudden animation in front of my eyes opened up a “wormhole,” and as the train dipped over the first hill, inside the simulation we “flew” into the wormhole itself, emerging on the opposite side of the portal in the midst of an intergalactic war.

This is an interactive experience, after all, and you use your eyes to aim your alien fighter’s laser beams at the interstellar bad guys out to take you down. (I was told by a park rep that seasoned gamers often use their thumbs reflexively, but it’ll be to no avail here.)

I’ll be the first to admit, it’s a bit of an overwhelming 45 seconds as your body senses the application of physics upon you while at the same time, you’re basically watching an interactive movie — so you’re never quite sure whether to watch or scream with your eyes closed.

Unfortunately, my VR helmet began to slide off my head slightly during the ride, so I look forward to returning to watch more of the interactive virtual dogfight in outer space.

Whatever the case, “Galactic Attack” offers thrill-seekers the next generation in interactive amusement rides. I suggest trying out the simulation ride more than once in order to get the full experience of exploring the virtual world and its war among the stars.

Oh, and don’t forget to scream!

For more information, visit SixFlags.com/America.