Alterface, developer of interactive ride technology, has developed Qingdao Wanda, an indoor rollercoaster, for the Wanda Mall in China.

Alterface

The ride combines a roller coaster experience with mixed media interactivity.

Based on an ancient Chinese myth called Investiture of Gods, participants travel along seven scenes, each of which represents a popular legend.

Altogether, nine trains run on the tracks at nine meters per second, with every train consisting of three four-seater vehicles - a total of 12 players per train. One game lasts 522 seconds, from boarding to departure. On average, 800 visitors can be entertained per hour. The interactive elements include shooting, points collection and SFX. All objects are virtual 3D, with the physical elements used only for design and decoration.

Alterface designed and installed all image generators and the shooting system, featuring a total of 132 guns, which are supported by over 40 3D projection screens. Examples of the effects used include a hot wind effect in a scene displaying fire and, furthermore, all vehicles have “buttkickers” to vibrate the bench seats, managed by the Alterface show management system.

Ben Cornet, founder and CEO at the company, said: “Alterface regards a strong dark ride not as a collection of components but as a precisely crafted expertise that combines the power of technology with the visitor’s cultural background and expectations. Alterface is always teaming up with local media and design companies to make sure they can provide the best win-win solution for everyone involved.

“Mixed-media rides require a different set of skills and a lot of companies are currently asking our help to move faster on that learning curve. Increased and closer collaboration between manufacturers and customers seems to be the path of the future, and towards success. We are very pleased that we accomplished this with the Qingdao Wanda ride and teams, resulting in a high-quality ride.”