Six Flags plans to introduce virtual reality roller coasters at nine of its parks in North America, using Samsung Gear VR powered by Oculus. (Six Flags)
What's missing from roller coasters that have silly names like Space Flight, or Tornado? No matter how much the ride twists and turns, you're always looking at either a theme park that's definitely not in space, or a green-faced co-rider. That's going to change at Six Flags parks in the near future, thanks to Samsung and the Gear VR headset. The technology company has partnered with the theme park to augment current rides with incredible 360-degree virtual worlds. Suddenly, you'll really feel like you're flying through space.
There are nine roller coasters set to get a VR twist, although there are only two scenarios spread between them. Samsung and Six Flags have come up with a VR experience based around riders becoming fighter pilots battling against invading aliens, which takes place in a cityscape complete with a death-defying plunge over the edge of a skyscraper. There's even the chance to shoot off some virtual weapons, making the ride truly interactive.
This VR experience will be applied to the Shock Wave ride in Six Flags Over Texas from March 10, Dare Devil Dive at Six Flags Over Georgia from March 12, The New Revolution at Six Flags Magic Mountain from March 26 -- but all these are sneak previews for season ticket holders. The Ninja at Six Flags St. Louis, Steamin' Demon at The Great Escape, and Goliath at La Ronde in Montreal will also get the VR treatment at a later date.
Additionally, the new Superman Virtual Reality Coasters will, obviously given the name, be upgraded for VR. After Lex Luthor's Lex Bots cause chaos with an anti-gravity ray, you'll fly alongside Superman as he fights to save the city. This will debut on the Superman Krypton Coaster at Six Flags Fiesta, Superman The Ride at Six Flags New England, and Superman Ride of Steel at Six Flags America.
Six Flags isn't the first to announce a VR roller coaster. That honor goes to Alton Towers in the U.K., with its forthcoming Galactica ride, which goes a step beyond the above rides by being completely custom made for a single track. Riders will lay prone for what promises to be a heart-pumping experience. They will also wear the Samsung Gear VR headsets, just like the Six Flags rides. It's set to open in April.
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