Just a few weeks before it officially opens to the public on February 17, Super Nintendo World allowed several media outlets to visit, giving an insight into what to expect from the catalog of interactive activities, such as real-time Mario Kart racing, Bowser’s challenge, AR-enhanced telescopes, and mind-bending puzzles. A recent article by the LA Times reveals a plethora of details and images, giving fans a great idea of what to expect when it opens in just a few weeks.
The first video-game-driven land in the US has a storyline behind the whole experience, during which guests will walk through Mario’s hallmark pipes, explore the castle of Princess Peach, and take on a mission to help the Princess get back her golden mushroom.
Perhaps most interestingly, Super Nintendo World introduces the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, which will have players boarding cars and riding along a predetermined path to win the game. “To get to the ride, visitors will first traverse a blazingly vibrant land that will mash up multiple scenes from the popular Super Mario Bros.” reads the feature post from the LA Times. It is described as a participatory racing challenge in which players will compete against the demonic version of Bowser and marks the first American ride that melds physical sets with movement-tracking augmented reality.
Image by Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times
Players will also be able to join multiplayer challenges, one of which is a mini-game that will culminate in a group battle against Bowser Jr. Many of the park’s games are themed around helping characters get their golden mushroom back. Players won’t be able to run and jump through the land like Mario does in the games, however, there will be turtle-like Koopas, mushroom-themed Goombas, and side-scrolling platforms that take players up to higher lands. There’s even plenty of augmented-reality-enhanced telescopes will be available to peer through.
Going into more detail, guests will be able to purchase power-up bands for $40, serving as interactive wristbands that will connect with an app to track the player’s progress. Bands also allow players to collect virtual coins and keep a tally of their Mario scores. Furthermore, Mario and his pals, including Luigi and Princess Peach, will respond to players based on their progress recorded by their bands. “Most of the games require participation among multiple parties of guests. Some are timed challenges, others are crank-led puzzles, and one is a chaotic, touch-fueled game that has players turning over digital blocks,” according to the LA Times.
It has been stated that everything players will do at Super Nintendo World will be tied to their bands, tracking their record in a full-blown game that differentiates itself every time based on the player experience. The park offers a reactive social environment where challenges, friends, families, and beloved characters from the Mario universe immerse together.
Image by Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times
Introducing the inside of the castle, it has been pointed out that screens will double as windows, showing guests the areas populated with ghosts. It is said to be the centerpiece of Super Nintendo World and features numerous nods to the Mario Kart games and Bob-omb-making machines. Unfortunately, the ride was not available to media previews, so information about real-time kart racing is currently scarce. However, it is expected to be one of the best video-game-inspired rides to date, emphasizing speed, constant turns, and collecting items along the way. Players will press a button to toss a shell and aim in a direction by simply looking at the target.
“So now we’re putting you inside one of the most popular games of all time and putting you inside that environment. How deep can you go in terms of immersion and, in this case, gamification?” Vice President at Universal Creative John Corfino said.
Described as “the most participatory theme park universe ever envisioned”, Super Nintendo World opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on February 17, 2023.
