Universal Studios' Super Nintendo World is Hysterically Crazy, According to Epic Universe Reports
Universal Studios' collaboration with gaming behemoth Nintendo continues to flourish with the inauguration of Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe this week. The event also marks the entrance of a legendary Kong, one of a different breed.
io9 was privy to the media week preview for Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando. Whilst Universal's West Coast park welcomed a version of the land in 2023, Epic Universe's iteration boasts an "expansion pack" in the form of a whole Donkey Kong Country area, complete with a brand-new mine cart ride, Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness.
In the spirit of gaming, visitors can engage in real-time gaming, race on Rainbow Road, and explore beyond the role of mere spectator, much like at the initial Super Nintendo World. Universal Creative Director Steve Tatham shed light on the concept, stating, "Epic Universe is designed to create a 21st-century theme park, a next-generation wonderland. We employ advanced technology and state-of-the-art ride systems." He further explained that the revolutionary figures, focal points of the park's newer experiences, are "next level."
A highlight of the Donkey Kong Country expansion is the brand-new ride. Guests traverse the intricate landscape of the iconic game alongside Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. Universal opted for a more immersive experience by making gaming aspects secondary, with scores kept track of through physical gameplay rather than screen-based interfaces. Accessibility is emphasized in line with Nintendo's design philosophy, encouraging exploration to accumulate points and unlock hidden sectors of the land.
Tatham underscored, "Technology is integral, but it doesn't take center stage. Storytelling takes precedence. Technology serves the narrative for an emotion-laden experience." While a screen-based approach might lend itself more toward a video game feel, Universal's approach fosters a more engaging and participatory experience.
One of the standout features is the hidden boss battle unlockable by accumulating points across the new land. What would a video game theme park be without a secret boss, after all?
The development of Super Nintendo World is the latest evolution in Universal's partnership with Nintendo as the latter begins to capitalize on its storied characters beyond video games. Tatham mentioned a close collaboration with Nintendo partners and Miyamoto-San, Nintendo's creative mastermind, throughout the process. Every element was reviewed and refined to ensure authenticity.
Future iterations may include characters from beyond Mario and Donkey Kong, but Tatham remained tight-lipped on specifics, remarking that "Epic Universe will never be complete, because there's always more ideas." Epic Universe opens this Friday at Universal Studios Orlando. Travel and accommodations were provided for the purposes of this review.
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- io9 was granted a media week preview for Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando, presenting an expansion pack in the form of a Donkey Kong Country area with the immersive Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness ride.
- In the new Donkey Kong Country expansion, guests can engage in a more participatory experience, traversing the landscape of the iconic game alongside Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, with scoring and gameplay occurring through physical interactions, placing technology as a supporting element to storytelling.
- The development of Super Nintendo World is an evolution of Universal's partnership with Nintendo, featuring characters from beyond Mario and Donkey Kong in potential future iterations, as declared by Universal Creative Director Steve Tatham, emphasizing the continuous growth of Epic Universe.
