A new augmented/virtual reality ride is thrilling visitors at the Great America amusement park in California, thanks in large part to Medialon’s Showmaster LE show control system, which expertly orchestrates the immersive experience.
Developed for today’s adventure-seeking gaming audiences, Mass Effect: New Earth is a 4D holographic ride created by the park and Electronic Arts (EA), publisher of the Mass Effect™ video game trilogy developed by BioWare™. The 4.5 minute ride combines 4D effects with a live performance and incredible special effects. Visitors are treated to an immersive journey where they travel through awe-inspiring landscapes, face off against giant adversaries, and ultimately save the day (spoiler alert)! A custom 60-foot 4K 3D LED display delivers the visual spectacular, complete with 80 channels of surround audio, wind, water, and motion special effects. It’s currently the single largest attraction investment at the Great America amusement park.
The entire show is controlled with a Medialon Showmaster LE, a show control system that safely and consistently drives and synchronizes all of the ride’s critical elements. The Medialon system features an easy-to-use interface to enable an operator to efficiently run the show, empowering master operational and maintenance control of the audio, video, effects, motion seats, power doors, and lighting. Touchscreen operator panels and touchscreen tablet control can also be used for maintenance and system checks anywhere in the theater.
3D Live designed the attraction, from scripting to overall concept and system selection. Electrosonic handling the detailed AV system design, system integration, and programming of the AV and show control elements. MediaMation installed and programmed the moving seats, and 3D Live acted as project managers, keeping the entire project on schedule.
Photos courtesy of 3D Live