Nintendo fans will soon be introduced to a life-sized video game theme park by Universal Studios in Japan. A press conference held mid-January announced that the theme park will open in Japan this summer, just in time for the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Universal Studios Japan has promised its fan base an opportunity to experience a technological marvel in the form of a life-sized video game.
Universal Studios Japan officially confirmed the many interactive features adopted to enhance visitors’ experiences. It was announced that upon entry guests will be provided with ‘power-up’ wristbands and by the help of a specially designed mobile app, guests will be able to move their bodies to trigger interactive responses throughout the theme park.
For example, they will be able to collect various stamps and points and unlock “boss battles” against different characters. To make things more interesting for the guests, the bands will boast designs inspired by different characters such as Luigi, Mario, Princess Peach, Toad and Yoshi. Apart from the games, the theme park will have many shops and a restaurant with interactive themes as well.
The theme park will focus on stories made face by Nintendo games, such as a mission to recover a stolen golden mushroom, and will house several themed-attractions like the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario Kart and Bowser’s Fortress. This concept will also make its way to parks in Hollywood, Orlando, Florida and Singapore with no set time frame announced yet.
The CEO of Universal Studios Japan, J.L. Bonnier, stated during a briefing in Osaka, “Super Nintendo World will provide an experience you cannot have anywhere else”.
Little details are given in regards to what other interactive adventures are waiting for the guests following the opening of the theme park but Universal creative senior vice president, Theirry Coup says, “You’re not just playing the game; you’re living the game, you’re living the adventure. Nintendo’s most iconic locations and experiences will be brought to life, including Mushroom Kingdom, Peach’s Castle, an incredible Mario Kart ride, Bowser’s Castle – and more”.
It is enough to drive up anticipation among fans as they clamour to buy tickets and fly to Japan as soon as possible.
The late president of Nintendo Co. Satoru Iwata had expressed his desire to open a theme park with a creative tinge some time back. He wanted to add interactive elements to the company’s iconic characters in a real setting.
To build up hype for the park, British music artists were invited to help make a video giving a glimpse of what the theme park entails. The video was more a proof of concept rather than a teaser and revealed very little about the majority of activities. It shows the racing game where the guests have to race each other to win coins and interact with each other to get past enemies and reach their flagpole.
Despite the name, Nintendo World, the games are mostly focused on Mario themes. Just looking at the teaser videos, there seems to be no sign of the Legend of Zelda or Splatoon-related games, which could be a source of disappointment for some fans.
