BioWare fans rejoiced when the game developer announced that its space opera RPG series, Mass Effect, is coming to life in the form of a theme park attraction. The location is set for Great America in Santa Clara, California and will host numerous surprises. It is bound to feature characters from the trilogy, live technology from the sci-fi universe as well as 4D effects.
In the frame of theme parks, 4D effects generally consist of jets of pressurized air, seats that accelerate the spectator into multiple-G experiences as well as simple splashes of liquid. Whether visitors of the park will get squirted with something resembling medi-gel, blood of destroyed aliens or oil lubricant from the Reapers, remains to be seen.
"Travel through awe-inspiring landscapes, face off against bigger-than-life adversaries and ultimately help save the day," are what visitors of the attraction can expect to embark on.
The lore and rich content of different games and sci-fi series spells opportunity for amusement parks. Disney has already set things in motion for a Star Wars-themed world. There will be two different parks, one at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and the other at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
The Mass Effect attraction will be hosted by a live performer that rumors say is a personification of the game's AI, EDI. It is very likely that one of the main features will be a built-to-scale replica of the Normandy, or at least important parts of it, such as the command center.
"EA and BioWare are thrilled to partner with Great America and see one of our most iconic games turned into an exciting high-tech attraction," said Patrick O'Brien, EA vice president of entertainment and licensing.
The amusement park attraction opens to the public in 2016, the same year the next Mass Effect title comes out. During E3 2015, BioWare confirmed that Mass Effect 4 will be renamed Mass Effect Andromeda and that its release date is scheduled for late 2016.
The game will come to Xbox One, PS4 and PC.
