8 Massive Predictions For Universal Studios' Nintendo Theme Park
$250 million has been invested, so who makes the cut?
It's something that video game fans have dreamed about for decades: a massive theme park based off Nintendo's countless intellectual properties. For so long the concept was nothing more than a (warp) pipe dream, but now it seems that that dream is set to become a reality.
The news that Nintendo was partnering with Universal Studios to build its very own world in Universal's theme park was met with excitement, yet initially there was some skepticism. How big would this Nintendo section actually be? Now, however, it's reported that Universal is investing around two-hundred and fifty million pounds into the endeavour, around the same amount spent on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter so it's clear it's being taken seriously.
With the comfort that Nintendo's zone is going to be absolutely huge, then, comes the luxury of being able to speculate what kind of attractions might be coming. Since the park is going to be based off a wide range of Nintendo properties, the potential for a bunch of absolutely amazing rides is firmly within reach.
From a thrilling trip through the Lylat System in Star Fox's Arwing to Universal's answer to Disney's Cinderella Castle, here are eight massive predictions for Universal Studios' Nintendo theme park.
8. Donkey Kong Mine Cart Roller-Coaster
The premise is fairly simple: the player hops into a mine cart which is propelled forward at a huge speed, the challenge being dodging the various obstacles that feature along the way. How incredibly fitting would it be, then, for a Nintendo theme park to feature a real world equivalent? So much of the design is already there: the rickety tracks, the rusted carts, even some of the hazards could be transplanted.
For example, what if at various sections during the ride other tracks ran parallel to the main one, with other carts inhabited by Kremlings pulling up alongside? Or if like in the original level runaway carts appeared to be rocketing towards the audience, only to switch lanes at the last minute? The thrill of the mine cart level is in avoiding destruction at every turn for a brief, intense couple minutes. A ride with a similar ethos could be incredible.