Re: The Swarm - B&M 'Wing-Rider', Thorpe Park 2012
^ That is a good point about the near misses detracting from the other ones. However, I think the nature of Raptor's near misses that go the length of the roll is a brilliant idea, and works really well because of the constant directional change. I don't think the effect would work quite so well were the track not twisting, as it only fits through right at the last second.
I for one get bored on rolls such as that, I don't understand or really appreciate hangtime, and find the inline twists on Colossus dire. I think these near misses make up for that and will make it better.
That is Raptor though, and from the looks of it, The Swarm does not have as many near misses, or as much theming, so we'll see.
One thing I am concerned with is somewhat of a small factor in the coaster, but nevertheless important anyway; the finishing of the pathways. I always feel that pathways and fencing especially are Merlin's downfall, and they always feel to have been put in as cheaply as possible, without blending into the theme of the area. It'll be interesting to see how or IF they well integrate the pathways and fencing into the theme of a warzone.