Epic Universe's Super Nintendo World Shows an Outrageously Wild Experience
Rolling Out the Virtual Keg: Nintendo Meets Universal at Epic Universe
Universal Studios is cooking up a storm with their gaming goliath partner, Nintendo, as Super Nintendo World lights up Epic Universe this week. But that's not all! A banana-flinging monkey king muscle-bound and ready for action has caught our eye.
We were lucky enough to attend the sneak peek for Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando, and the hype was real! Although the West Coast saw a version back in '23, Epic Universe is taking it to the next level, leveling up like a boss with a full-fledged Donkey Kong Country region! Kick start your adventure with an all-new donkey kart ride to delight you and your inner gaming fiend. Yes, you heard right - an actual ride in the world of Donkey Kong! Expect Donkey Kong himself alongside his sidekick Diddy Kong in iconic gaming scenarios sure to give you nostalgia vibes.
Steve Tatham, the Creative Director at Universal, let us in on a few secrets behind the scenes. "We're creating a 21st-century theme park, a next-gen experience," he said. He went on to share that the advanced technology and state-of-the-art figures bring the new park experiences to life and enrich your emotional journey. The interactive storytelling is not all flare and no substance; it's about creating a real-world gaming experience that leaves you wanting more.
Stepping into Donkey Kong's stomping grounds, you won't be stuck in a screen-based world. Physical engagement takes center stage, and there's a welcome invitation to explore and play the old-school way. The Power Up Band lets you access hidden touchpoints, collect points, and unlock secret areas to earn bigger rewards – just like in the games. And if you're feeling competitive, take on fellow park guests in collaborative mini-games, earning bonuses that pile up the points and hold your place on the leaderboard.
Get ready to show off your gaming skills! Reach for the top score, deploy your tactics, and challenge other park goers. Pull off a perfect jab and the secret boss battle is yours! What's a video game land without a hidden boss confrontation, right?
Nintendo seems to be serious about expanding beyond their game realm, and Donkey Kong Country is just the beginning. As Tatham teased, Epic Universe's dream is never-ending, with new stories to tell and franchises to incorporate. Maybe it's about time to explore the limitless realms of Zelda, chase after Star Fox, or maybe even bring the Pokémon to life! Only time will tell. So gear up, grab your power-up band, and dive headfirst into the exhilarating world that merges gaming and theme park attractions when Epic Universe opens this Friday!
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The future of gaming and entertainment is rapidly evolving as Nintendo integrates its iconic characters into the real world at Universal's Epic Universe, such as Donkey Kong, a highlight of the new Super Nintendo World. As Steve Tatham, the Creative Director at Universal, hinted, this vintage-inspired gaming experience not only promises an emotional journey through advanced technology and interactive storytelling but also invites visitors to engage physically, compete with others, and potentially explore other beloved franchises like Zelda or Pokémon in the future. For more engaging content about tech, lifestyle, and entertainment, turn to Gizmodo and io9.
