TowersTimes has learned that, after the successful launch of Galactica this March at Alton Towers Resort, a second iconic attraction, Nemesis, is to receive a virtual reality makeover for 2017.
In plans due to be submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands Council within a matter of weeks, Nemesis will receive a number of changes and adjustments within the station area in order to facilitate the addition of what will most likely be the same Samsung Gear virtual reality technology used on Air’s transformation into Galactica, however TowersTimes understand that the Resort may also consider installing the virtual reality system from Occulus Rift – we’ve created some concept images below to indicate what each of the different headsets may look like when installed. Many of these changes and adjustments will be to enable the integration of the technology required to run the VR system, with the intention being that much of the exterior theming will visually remain the same. The refurbishments seen as part of the Towers Loving Care initiative, including the repaint of the track and restoration of the station, have all been part of the wider plans to prepare the rollercoaster for its VR makeover next year. Perhaps one of the most significant changes will be the addition of a photo opportunity at the fastrack merge point in the form of a small green screen building – similar to that seen in the Galactica queue.
At this stage, not much is known about what the content of the virtual reality video will be, however it is understood that, due to the iconic nature of the Nemesis legend, the Resort plans to incorporate a storyline that uses and builds upon the current Nemesis backstory with one possible idea being that riders will take on the role of the Nemesis creature itself as it attempts to resist capture by Phalanx Control. In the future there may even be the possibility of inter-linking the VR experience between Nemesis and Galactica.
Should the plans be given the go ahead, the addition of virtual reality to Nemesis will mean that Forbidden Valley will become a VR hub within the Alton Towers Resort Theme Park allowing the Resort to fully take advantage of what is fast becoming a popular form of technology in theme parks across the world with both Europa Park, and Six Flags utilising the experience within their parks. Although the plans are still in their early stages, it is thought that the newly refurbished Nemesis would not open with the rest of the Theme Park in March 2017, instead opening in April 2017.
What are your thoughts on the addition of virtual reality to a second coaster at the Resort? Is Nemesis the right attraction to choose, or should the Resort have chosen a different ride to add the technology to? Have your say over on the Attraction Source Forum. TowersTimes will be sure to bring you all the latest news on these intriguing developments.
