Six Flags to unveil virtual reality roller coasters this year

Even theme park powerhouse Six Flags has caught the VR bug: The company recently announced plans to open “North America’s first virtual reality roller coasters” later this year.

In a nutshell, Six Flags will combine its existing thrill ride repertoire with Samsung’s Oculus-powered Gear VR headset to create realistic VR experiences which leverage the power and speed of roller coasters. The technology will debut at nine parks in 2016, six of which will adopt an alien flight sim dubbed New Revolution. Its official description reads:

“On the six New Revolution virtual reality coasters, you will be transported to a futuristic battle to save planet earth from an alien invasion. Co-pilot your own fighter jet as you strap in for air-to-air combat. As your virtual plane ascends out of a secret bunker, test fire your weapon using the world’s first-ever interactive gameplay technology on a roller coaster. Then race through the city where you’ll battle drones to reach and destroy a mother ship.”

The remaining three parks will add in a Superman-themed VR experience described as an opportunity to battle Lexbots alongside the airborne superhero. Both Revolution and Superman VR experiences will launch throughout this month and into the summer.

As Six Flags said in an FAQ, VR coasters will be completely optional, and free with any park admission. The technology will also be available day and night.

“This remarkable technology is a definite game-changer for theme park rides and represents everything our brand stands for—delivering the most thrilling and innovative rides and attractions in the world,” Six Flags President and CEO John Duffey said in a press release. “With the addition of these virtual reality coasters, Six Flags will be introducing more than double the number of new coasters and rides than we did in 2015, and more than any year in the last decade.”

Thanks, GameSpot.