With rollercoaster simulators a popular way to showcase virtual reality (VR) its no surprise that actual theme parks would also utilise the technology. Last week UK-based Alton Towers announced plans to launch Galactica this April, and now another UK park has followed suit. Thorpe Park has today unveiled plans for a VR Ghost Train, designed by mentalist Derren Brown to open this spring.
The VR Ghost Train features a 20 metre long carriage styled in the Victorian era, that’s suspended three meters up in mid-air using chains. This is all located inside a warehouse where visitors are required to board the carriage by crossing a bridge. The ride will use a mix of live-action, 4D special effects and “next generation technology” reports Engadget. With the next gen tech referencing the use of the HTC Vive head-mounted display (HMD). “A unique feature is that multiple (HTC Vive) headsets can work in the same space with no impact on performance. This makes it the ideal choice for Derren Brown’s Ghost Train,” the designers are quoted as saying.
Further details of what happens inside are being kept under wraps, but the amusement park has said the ride will last around 10 – 15 minutes, with two alternate endings and 12 variations on the journey.
VRFocus will continue to follow any further news on the VR Ghost Train closely, reporting back the latest announcements.
-END-
The post VR Ghost Train Announced By Thorpe Park Using HTC Vive appeared first on VRFocus.
