Universal Studios is well known for their immersive environments; transporting attendees to the magical world of Hogwarts, allowing them to go for a stroll through Springfield, and even encounter dinosaurs at Jurassic Park. Despite worldwide fame, many manga and anime fans would still be surprised to learn that Universal Studios Japan really does include an Attack on Titan theme park, with a brand new VR coaster: Attack on Titan: Race for Survival XR.
Attack on Titan started as a Japanese manga series back in 2009, but like most manga series that obtain any sort of popularity, the manga was converted into an anime which has since become a global phenomenon. The series takes place in an alternate world where humans live in fear of massive man-eating humanoids referred to as Titans. Cities are surrounded by giant walls and protected by a specialized military trained to take on the giant creatures. The story follows protagonist Eren Yeager as he swears to take the world back from the Titans.
First starting out as a small Attack on Titan "experience," Universal Studios Japan has actually seen the franchise through numerous temporary attractions over the years, including the chance to pose in the hand of a life size Titan. Now a brand new VR Coaster, titled Attack on Titan: Race for Survival XR, is here for the summer, and well, due to COVID-19 affecting people's opportunity to experience it, possibly even longer. While this isn't Universal's first dabble into a ride based on the franchise, this coaster definitely stands to be the most immersive yet. A recent viral video has provided further insight into the attraction, giving viewers a sneak peak of what they would experience on the ride itself. Warning, this is where spoilers for the attraction itself begins.
Oricon News posted a ride-through video that not only features the coaster, but the actual VR footage riders see while strapped into the headset. The VR headsets instantly transports riders into the world of Attack on Titan, converting the real life coaster into a cart attached to a horse. Guided by Mikasa and Levi, riders twist and turn through Titan battle after Titan battle as they attempt to escape disaster. The footage is synced with the coaster itself, making riders feel truly immersed as all of their senses are stimulated simultaneously with what they are seeing virtually.
The experience doesn't end with the coaster however, park goers can now even shop and dine like they are in the Anime. With meals straight from Attack on Titan itself, visitors can eat in a real-life Investigation Corps' mess hall. Much in Universal Studios spirit, the mess hall is adorned with little trinkets to make the experience feel that much more real, such as Expeditionary Corps members' tools, bags, and other knicknacks scattered about. Visitors can also shop for special limited time merch such as real-life Corps jackets and, even better, one can purchase their very own Omnidirectional Mobility Gear.
Attack on Titan: Race for Survival XR is bound to make any Attack on Titan fan's dreams come true, and, regardless of it's temporary nature, this entire section of Universal Studios Japan is sure to make their bucket list.