Thorpe Park | Derren Brown's Ghost Train | VR Attraction
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owentaylor121
Giga Poster
Can someone please explain why it has the Victorian theme? It really doesn't make any sense at all and isn't anything to do with the story?... If everything works, the ride is actually rather good, however out of my 7rides, I only had one time were everything all worked. To know we won't be getting a coaster for a few more years now too just makes it even worse!
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Lofty
CF Legend
Re: Derren Brown's Ghost Train (WC16) | Thorpe Park | May 2
Ok, I've kept quite quiet about this ride due to the potential of possible working for Merlin, that fell through, so now I can actually say what I think...
It doesn't work. It's that simple. Not in terms of physically moving etc. I mean as a cohesive enjoyable experience, it doesn't work.
The preshow is great, really sets the scene up (it's annoying that you're in front of this amazing facade and then pass through a flimsy curtain, but oh well).
You're then ushered into the room with no theming, just a bricks structure before you head up to the load platform and this is where it starts to go downhill. There's no reason for that room to be there, none at all apart from batching. The creators couldn't even 'fit' the room with an existing theme and place within the story arc, and that's what annoys me - it could have been a fabulously decorated luggage room, or even a room with loads of clocks to become a quirky art feature, but instead, it's literally just a room...
As Joey said, you enter the platform at the wrong viewing point as a guest. Every single promotional piece of material before the ride opened showed the view from the bottom of the train 'floating', instead, you enter it at eye level and unless you aim your head down and aim to look elsewhere in the room (most general public members look directly ahead or at the lit spots), you're not going to notice that the train is floating...
Then, you see the beautifully themed victorian carriage. No grand reveal, no lighting effects or musical crescendo, just a passing observation as you're swiftly ushered to board the vehicle. The Tube looks so fab though, will admit, I was really enjoying taking in the details and then I was ordered to put on a **** VR headset which blocked my view of the wonderfully themed (and **** expensive) train!
The first VR is ok, sets the scene well. But, the length is WAY off, it goes on far too long than what it actually should do. At least half of that would be brilliant and catching, but nah...
The middle bit is a catastrophe. I'm sick of these 'actor interactions' that Merlin seem to want to add to every single experiential attraction. Unless you have an enthusiastic actor early in the day, you're **** because due to their somewhat lack of training, they've all lost their voices and sound like Rose when she's afloat in the Atlantic on Titanic... Jack. Come back Jack!
Then, you board the second VR disaster - I've seen better graphics in the first Resident Evil game. Plus, the **** are those creatures? That's literally all I'm going to comment on the second piece of VR, because I can't hate it enough.
Finally, why, WHY did they choose to root the narrative in fracking? If this was in Blackpool, perfect!, but it's not, it's in the South where, correct me if I'm wrong - fracking isn't as vogue as it is in the North. Saying that, fracking is also not vogue anymore, it was a year or two ago but now tends to be seen as old news.
So yeah, I don't like it and it needs so much work doing to it, but sadly, I truly believe that the damage is done and the cost of replacing the tech and making the experience exciting would be far too much for the park and Merlin to even consider.
VR does NOT have a place in theme parks or themed entertainment at the current time, the technology is nowhere near to the level it should be to be able to be used in a convincing entertaining fashion - you're constantly left thinking, "This is blurry AF".
Ok, I've kept quite quiet about this ride due to the potential of possible working for Merlin, that fell through, so now I can actually say what I think...
It doesn't work. It's that simple. Not in terms of physically moving etc. I mean as a cohesive enjoyable experience, it doesn't work.
The preshow is great, really sets the scene up (it's annoying that you're in front of this amazing facade and then pass through a flimsy curtain, but oh well).
You're then ushered into the room with no theming, just a bricks structure before you head up to the load platform and this is where it starts to go downhill. There's no reason for that room to be there, none at all apart from batching. The creators couldn't even 'fit' the room with an existing theme and place within the story arc, and that's what annoys me - it could have been a fabulously decorated luggage room, or even a room with loads of clocks to become a quirky art feature, but instead, it's literally just a room...
As Joey said, you enter the platform at the wrong viewing point as a guest. Every single promotional piece of material before the ride opened showed the view from the bottom of the train 'floating', instead, you enter it at eye level and unless you aim your head down and aim to look elsewhere in the room (most general public members look directly ahead or at the lit spots), you're not going to notice that the train is floating...
Then, you see the beautifully themed victorian carriage. No grand reveal, no lighting effects or musical crescendo, just a passing observation as you're swiftly ushered to board the vehicle. The Tube looks so fab though, will admit, I was really enjoying taking in the details and then I was ordered to put on a **** VR headset which blocked my view of the wonderfully themed (and **** expensive) train!
The first VR is ok, sets the scene well. But, the length is WAY off, it goes on far too long than what it actually should do. At least half of that would be brilliant and catching, but nah...
The middle bit is a catastrophe. I'm sick of these 'actor interactions' that Merlin seem to want to add to every single experiential attraction. Unless you have an enthusiastic actor early in the day, you're **** because due to their somewhat lack of training, they've all lost their voices and sound like Rose when she's afloat in the Atlantic on Titanic... Jack. Come back Jack!
Then, you board the second VR disaster - I've seen better graphics in the first Resident Evil game. Plus, the **** are those creatures? That's literally all I'm going to comment on the second piece of VR, because I can't hate it enough.
Finally, why, WHY did they choose to root the narrative in fracking? If this was in Blackpool, perfect!, but it's not, it's in the South where, correct me if I'm wrong - fracking isn't as vogue as it is in the North. Saying that, fracking is also not vogue anymore, it was a year or two ago but now tends to be seen as old news.
So yeah, I don't like it and it needs so much work doing to it, but sadly, I truly believe that the damage is done and the cost of replacing the tech and making the experience exciting would be far too much for the park and Merlin to even consider.
VR does NOT have a place in theme parks or themed entertainment at the current time, the technology is nowhere near to the level it should be to be able to be used in a convincing entertaining fashion - you're constantly left thinking, "This is blurry AF".
djreplay26
Roller Poster
Re: Derren Brown's Ghost Train (WC16) | Thorpe Park | May 2
Went on it once and that was enough, the first bit of vr was quite enjoyable. The rest was mediocre, lofty's right the second vr section looks like it's being rendered by a ps1, the first section is less noticeable as it's dark. I was shocked at how poor the graphics were, vr rely's on quality visuals for immersion and it's so far away it's ridiculous.
Went on it once and that was enough, the first bit of vr was quite enjoyable. The rest was mediocre, lofty's right the second vr section looks like it's being rendered by a ps1, the first section is less noticeable as it's dark. I was shocked at how poor the graphics were, vr rely's on quality visuals for immersion and it's so far away it's ridiculous.
Benenen
Hyper Poster
Re: Derren Brown's Ghost Train (WC16) | Thorpe Park | May 2
Rode this for the first time last week, I went in with moderate expectations but it's hard to get excited over a ride spent sat in a room with a VR headset on.
Saying that I thought the pre-show while very self indulgent set the mood nicely and the bit where the lady crawls through the window was incredibly tense. It's just after this it gets rather silly. The live action section really nails that hammy Sub Terra vibe and both times I've ridden I've been at the back so didn't even clock the train.
The second VR just doesn't work, there's a nice bit of shock when the wall crashes away revealing the street but from this point on there's little to no tension. I really like how Derren finishes his countdown at the end to make you think the whole thing was just a dream though.
So yeah, some nice ideas but it's a bit disjointed. It fills a noticeable gap in the ride lineup but I doubt it's going to be well ridden in ten years time.
Rode this for the first time last week, I went in with moderate expectations but it's hard to get excited over a ride spent sat in a room with a VR headset on.
Saying that I thought the pre-show while very self indulgent set the mood nicely and the bit where the lady crawls through the window was incredibly tense. It's just after this it gets rather silly. The live action section really nails that hammy Sub Terra vibe and both times I've ridden I've been at the back so didn't even clock the train.
The second VR just doesn't work, there's a nice bit of shock when the wall crashes away revealing the street but from this point on there's little to no tension. I really like how Derren finishes his countdown at the end to make you think the whole thing was just a dream though.
So yeah, some nice ideas but it's a bit disjointed. It fills a noticeable gap in the ride lineup but I doubt it's going to be well ridden in ten years time.
Howie
Donkey in a hat
Re: Derren Brown's Ghost Train (WC16) | Thorpe Park | May 2
Worst attraction I've ever been on. Absolute, utter garbage. Not scary, not thrilling, not fun... just downright boring. Hated it.
You know the Samsung VR Gear? There's a little demo you can download to play on it, a creepy room kinda thing, and that was a million times scarier than this poxy Ghost Train. And you can do that in your own front room with a decent phone and a 70 quid headset.
And that, in a nutshell, is where the problem lies. VR doesn't belong in a theme park. At all. VR is something you'd use at home to visit, say, a 'virtual' theme park. When you're actually at a theme park, why in the name of blue f*ck would you wanna sit in a dark room with a headset on when there's real rides and attractions whizzing around just outside?
It just doesn't make any sense.
The entire concept is fundamentally wrong.
On top of that, you've got the appalling execution, the pathetic and laughable physical effects, the bad acting from the staff and the atrocious quality of the VR graphics.
I just watched the teaser trailer again, just for a laugh, and it makes me want to kick Derren f***ing Brown square in the bollocks.
"A heart stopping experience featuring grand illusion, live action and special effects".
Really, Derren? Sorry, but it's painfully obvious how the 'grand illusion' is achieved, any idiot can see that. Being shouted at and ordered to 'panic' by some gobby teenage bint does not constitute 'live action', and I've seen better 'special effects' at a Punch & Judy show.
"This will completely re-write the rules of what theme parks can do."
No it won't, Derren. You're a knob.
"Over a thousand specialists have come together to create this experience."
Have they really? How come not a single one of them at any point said; "Hang on, this is gonna be sh*t. Shouldn't we be building an RMC or sumat?"
"I believe this represents the future for theme parks across the world."
No it doesn't, Derren. The only thing this represents is what theme parks across the world should never, EVER attempt to try again. You're a knob.
So yeah, firmly and emphatically in the 'absolutely hate it' camp. Joey's and Lofty's reviews are spot on.
What a tragic waste of an opportunity.
But here's some good news; apart from Derren Brown's Giant Turd, we had an absolute stonker of a day at the park
NEWSFLASH: Thorpe Park in 'Every Ride Open' Shocker!!
It's true, seen it with my own eyes I did. On Monday 19th Sept 2016, every ride was open, at least for a portion of the day (The jungle maze doesn't count). And also, there were like no people there! Seriously, it's been years since I've seen the place that quiet. Even with one train operation on the coasters you could still walk straight on most of the time, the longest wait of the day was for the Giant Turd at around 15 mins.
Cue lots and lots of re-rides, front and back row rides, ALL the flats and water rides and plenty of gooning about on the crappy filler attractions like Depth Charge, Storm Surge and the dodgems. Be honest, who doesn't love dodgems??
A fab day all in all then. Despite the Giant Turd, I still maintain that this is one of my favourite parks. Love the place! If you're lucky enough to drop in on a quiet day when ride closures are kept to a minimum, Thorpe Park really is hard to beat!
Worst attraction I've ever been on. Absolute, utter garbage. Not scary, not thrilling, not fun... just downright boring. Hated it.
You know the Samsung VR Gear? There's a little demo you can download to play on it, a creepy room kinda thing, and that was a million times scarier than this poxy Ghost Train. And you can do that in your own front room with a decent phone and a 70 quid headset.
And that, in a nutshell, is where the problem lies. VR doesn't belong in a theme park. At all. VR is something you'd use at home to visit, say, a 'virtual' theme park. When you're actually at a theme park, why in the name of blue f*ck would you wanna sit in a dark room with a headset on when there's real rides and attractions whizzing around just outside?
It just doesn't make any sense.
The entire concept is fundamentally wrong.
On top of that, you've got the appalling execution, the pathetic and laughable physical effects, the bad acting from the staff and the atrocious quality of the VR graphics.
I just watched the teaser trailer again, just for a laugh, and it makes me want to kick Derren f***ing Brown square in the bollocks.
"A heart stopping experience featuring grand illusion, live action and special effects".
Really, Derren? Sorry, but it's painfully obvious how the 'grand illusion' is achieved, any idiot can see that. Being shouted at and ordered to 'panic' by some gobby teenage bint does not constitute 'live action', and I've seen better 'special effects' at a Punch & Judy show.
"This will completely re-write the rules of what theme parks can do."
No it won't, Derren. You're a knob.
"Over a thousand specialists have come together to create this experience."
Have they really? How come not a single one of them at any point said; "Hang on, this is gonna be sh*t. Shouldn't we be building an RMC or sumat?"
"I believe this represents the future for theme parks across the world."
No it doesn't, Derren. The only thing this represents is what theme parks across the world should never, EVER attempt to try again. You're a knob.
So yeah, firmly and emphatically in the 'absolutely hate it' camp. Joey's and Lofty's reviews are spot on.
What a tragic waste of an opportunity.
But here's some good news; apart from Derren Brown's Giant Turd, we had an absolute stonker of a day at the park
NEWSFLASH: Thorpe Park in 'Every Ride Open' Shocker!!
It's true, seen it with my own eyes I did. On Monday 19th Sept 2016, every ride was open, at least for a portion of the day (The jungle maze doesn't count). And also, there were like no people there! Seriously, it's been years since I've seen the place that quiet. Even with one train operation on the coasters you could still walk straight on most of the time, the longest wait of the day was for the Giant Turd at around 15 mins.
Cue lots and lots of re-rides, front and back row rides, ALL the flats and water rides and plenty of gooning about on the crappy filler attractions like Depth Charge, Storm Surge and the dodgems. Be honest, who doesn't love dodgems??
A fab day all in all then. Despite the Giant Turd, I still maintain that this is one of my favourite parks. Love the place! If you're lucky enough to drop in on a quiet day when ride closures are kept to a minimum, Thorpe Park really is hard to beat!
DelPiero
Strata Poster
Re: Derren Brown's Ghost Train (WC16) | Thorpe Park | May 2
Howie's review tickled my funny bone. =D>
Probably because a monkey would've put something better in with the money spent. Like a Poo Throwing Adventure Park, at least it wouldn't disguise being ****.peep said:
Howie's review tickled my funny bone. =D>
SaiyanHajime
CF Legend
Re: Derren Brown's Ghost Train (WC16) | Thorpe Park | May 2
Does anyone still give a damn about this?
No?
Shame, I wrote a lengthy critique if anyone cares... http://themeparkthoughtsblog.blogspot.c ... horpe.html
I actually do give a damn about DBGT. I'm having a lot of fun laughing at it and how little anyone cares. Childish, spiteful? I don't even care. A friend said there are a lot of "fanboys" who like it... But like, where are they? So I went looking, and tbf, there are quite a few people who seem to think it's good on the Thorpe focused forums. And I guess that is kinda to be expected? But, why is there no one here praising it? Is it, maybe, that the overwhelming negativity towards it here has put people off interacting who DO like it?
If so, that's a shame. I hope that isn't the case. I mean, if you think it's good, you're wrong obviously... But all the power to you if you enjoy it! You're the winner here, really. I've lost, because it's now going to be ages until Thorpe build another major attraction... Presumably 2019?
So, yeah.
This would be my favourite topic, but in reality it's just so quiet... There's less hate and more apathy.
Does anyone still give a damn about this?
No?
Shame, I wrote a lengthy critique if anyone cares... http://themeparkthoughtsblog.blogspot.c ... horpe.html
I actually do give a damn about DBGT. I'm having a lot of fun laughing at it and how little anyone cares. Childish, spiteful? I don't even care. A friend said there are a lot of "fanboys" who like it... But like, where are they? So I went looking, and tbf, there are quite a few people who seem to think it's good on the Thorpe focused forums. And I guess that is kinda to be expected? But, why is there no one here praising it? Is it, maybe, that the overwhelming negativity towards it here has put people off interacting who DO like it?
If so, that's a shame. I hope that isn't the case. I mean, if you think it's good, you're wrong obviously... But all the power to you if you enjoy it! You're the winner here, really. I've lost, because it's now going to be ages until Thorpe build another major attraction... Presumably 2019?
So, yeah.
This would be my favourite topic, but in reality it's just so quiet... There's less hate and more apathy.
owentaylor121
Giga Poster
Re: Derren Brown's Ghost Train (WC16) | Thorpe Park | May 2
So this is happening...
So this is happening...
jayjay
Giga Poster
Re: Derren Brown's Ghost Train (WC16) | Thorpe Park | May 2
I suppose that amidst all the bad stuff VR brings about, it does mean that a ride is more easily customisable if something falls flat (which it looks like it has). Still, the cynic in me would even say that that gives parks more opportunity to be lazy in even more creative ways.
I suppose that amidst all the bad stuff VR brings about, it does mean that a ride is more easily customisable if something falls flat (which it looks like it has). Still, the cynic in me would even say that that gives parks more opportunity to be lazy in even more creative ways.
elephant58
Hyper Poster
Re: Derren Brown's Ghost Train (WC16) | Thorpe Park | May 2
Bit of a random question that I could probably find out myself if I could be bothered looking, but what does this actually do? Like, does the actual 'vehicle' move, or is it all just VR?
And also - who the **** actually manufactured this thing?
Bit of a random question that I could probably find out myself if I could be bothered looking, but what does this actually do? Like, does the actual 'vehicle' move, or is it all just VR?
And also - who the **** actually manufactured this thing?
SaiyanHajime
CF Legend
Re: Derren Brown's Ghost Train (WC16) | Thorpe Park | May 2
Wow.
Yeah, you'd think after how that didn't work with Swarm they'd learn.
Weirdest thing for me is that if anything was gonna change, you'd assume the creatures are going in favour of something... Ya know, not stupid? But their claws are in that graphic. So I guess the creatures are staying.
Where's the graphic from? Is this an official announcement or leak?
As for who built it? The actual ...physical, hardware, moving ... part, bit... I dunno, anyone know? Anyone care?
Wow.
Yeah, you'd think after how that didn't work with Swarm they'd learn.
Weirdest thing for me is that if anything was gonna change, you'd assume the creatures are going in favour of something... Ya know, not stupid? But their claws are in that graphic. So I guess the creatures are staying.
Where's the graphic from? Is this an official announcement or leak?
It's more like a walkthrough, like Dungeons. The "ride" portion does indeed move. But, it's not really part of the experience. It's hard to explain, but they did such a terrible job of pacing the theatre of it all, that the payoff for it moving rather than just being simulated movement is completely wasted. So, it might as well not move. But you spend most of the attraction on foot between the "ride" *coughs, splutters* portion.elephant58 said:
As for who built it? The actual ...physical, hardware, moving ... part, bit... I dunno, anyone know? Anyone care?