This video was shot to display the stunning set design of the Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood. Eye goggles were not used to clearly showcase the intricate details of the set, video wall, lighting, and show-action equipment.
Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, alternatively known as Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge in Japan, is a prominent augmented reality dark ride located at Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood, with a future installment planned for Universal Epic Universe. This attraction takes its core inspiration from the Mario Kart 8 video game.
Over several years, details about the ride's design and specifics were gradually disclosed through leaks, patents, and construction updates. On January 13, 2020, Universal Studios confirmed the ride through the "We Are Born to Play" music video, though keeping many specifics under wraps. The formal reveal occurred on November 30, 2020, and the ride officially opened at Universal Studios Japan's Super Nintendo World on March 18, 2021.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ride and Universal Studios Japan temporarily shut down on April 25, 2021, but later reopened in June 2021 with improved health and safety measures.
The Universal Studios Hollywood version of the ride debuted on February 17, 2023, and a similar version is set to open at Universal Epic Universe in the Summer of 2025.
The ride's setting and queue area are themed around Bowser's Castle. The storyline revolves around "Team Bowser" challenging "Team Mario" to the "Universal Cup."
In the ride, guests use augmented reality visors. The initial pre-show room features Lakitu and Mii characters demonstrating how to adjust the visor. The next room, filled with Mii outfits from Mario Kart 8, has Lakitu explain the kart-like vehicles and the gameplay, resembling a shooting gallery.
The four-person vehicles, inspired by Mario Kart 8 karts, follow a predetermined track. Guests attach AR visors to in-vehicle lenses to see Mario characters racing beside them. By rotating their heads and pressing a button on the steering wheel, guests launch Koopa Shell ammo within the augmented reality. Points are scored by hitting "Team Bowser" characters, with additional points for synchronized drifting.
Before reaching the starting line, riders practice aiming and firing in augmented reality.
The ride navigates through various Mario Kart 8 locations, including N64 Royal Raceway, GBA Mario Circuit, 3DS Piranha Plant Slide, Dolphin Shoals, Twisted Mansion, Cloudtop Cruise, Wii Grumble Volcano, and Rainbow Road from Mario Kart 64. The outcome hinges on points: a collective score of 100 results in "Team Mario" winning, while a lower score leads to a "Team Bowser" victory.
Like Toy Story Mania, point totals are displayed at the ride's end. Scanning a Power-Up Band against the steering wheel allows guests to record and track their high scores on Universal Studios' smartphone app.
The ride has received varied reviews. It is acclaimed for its cutting-edge technology, elaborate theming, and special effects. Still, it has faced criticism for its slow pace, contrasting with the high-speed nature of the racing franchise, and for the AR lenses providing a limited view.
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0:00 Super Nintendo World
0:05 Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge Sign
0:08 Ride Start
6:09 Exit
6:20 Retail Store
7:36 Ride Vehicle - Audio Loop
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4 июн 2024
