Sunday Special: Spiderman VS Transformers

Today's 'Sunday Special' is on a topic that has been a debate for many within the theme park community.

Universal Studios in the last decade has become obsessed with using screen based ride systems and attractions, while some can argue that this is understandable, considering they are a movie studio based park, the over-use of 3D screen based rides, involving some sort of motion simulator, relying heavily on a screen, is oh too apparent.

This is perhaps most apparent in two almost identical attractions, just across the way from each other.

Universal Studio Orlando's 'Transformers: The Ride' and Universal's Island Of Adventure's 'The Amazing Adventures Of Spiderman', both use the same ride system, relying on the use of 3D screens and special effects.

But which attraction is better? Which takes the crown?.....

Please as always remember these are my views, everyone has different ideas and opinions, which is the best thing about being within such a diverse community of enthusiasts, now that we have cleared that up?!...

Here's my personal opinion and breakdown....

Theme: 

The theme's across the two attractions clearly differ, based off of their own individual IP's. 

But which works best? 

Here is where the first vote goes to Transformers for me. The industrial feel of the attraction moving through the 'N.E.S.T' facility, during the line is perfect! Not to mention on the actual ride, the moving between screens, explosions and physical sets, feels like it fits, within the industrial feel of the ride. 

The ride itself, doesn't put too much emphasis on the place and time, all we know is we are in a city of sorts, no specific land marks or reconisable areas. Meaning as riders we are not drawing comparisons to real life and therefore it takes away the pressure of having to really suspend disbelief during the course of the experience.  

This is were I think Spiderman fails slightly. With the world being set within New York City, and putting such a strong emphasis on this, within the ride itself, its hard to truly believe during the ride you are physically there, due to the fact that so many people will have actually visited and can clearly see that we are not there.   

SPIDERMAN: 0    ----   TRANSFORMERS: 1 

Effects: 

Lets dive into the coolest part of any dark ride, the special effects! This really can make or break an attraction! especially within the case of motion, screen based rides, it can arrive as a welcome relief to the continuous screen watching! 

While both attractions feature great effects, its Spiderman that wins the battle for this round. 

During the course of the adventure, you can't but help be shocked by the amount of temperature changes, the various vibrations, not to mention the, physical effects, smoke and wind, lighting. 

The entire package here comes together, with the various villains we interact with, giving a slightly different and new special effect! 

The integration of these is so smooth, within the ride and the story, making sense throughout the ride. 

Transformers, on the other hand, this is less easy to follow during the battle scenes and therefore, some off the effects feel a touch random and un-needed, in connection to what is happening within the story of the ride at the time. 

So Spiderman takes the win for this round... 

SPIDERMAN: 1   ----   TRANSFORMERS: 1

Thrill Factor: 

Its easy to make a rollercoaster a thrilling experience, or even a fast flat... lets be honest, in some cases, we have even seen a Zamperla Tug Boat to be a thrilling time at some parks! 

But the real challenge is how to make a slow moving dark ride "thrilling". 

Now please don't mistake me, this ride system does have the ability to move, spin and also act as a motion simulator on the go. The possibility's are truly endless, making it a very versatile and safe choice for universal. 

But for the best use (in terms of thrill) of this ride system has to go to Transformers. 

The comparison is very different indeed. Transformers really does spin, dip and dive taking the riders for a sometimes overly bumpy wild journey! The thrill factor here is boosted up, which emphasises the battle scenes and chaos of the entire experience! 

Looking at this with Spiderman, the ride is somewhat a tamer experience, of course we have to acknowledge, that Spiderman was made in the late 90s and Transformers was in the 20 teens! But even still, the fact of the matter is, that Spiderman, feels like a family version of almost the same ride. 

This round... Its back with Transformers... 

SPIDERMAN: 1   ----   TRANSFORMERS: 2 

3D Experience: 

For my final round, I will quickly touch on the screen experience, both attractions use 3D to enhance our visual experience, but which does this better. 

Spiderman really gets the pie for this one! The various villains that are throughout the ride, attacking the riders, really pop out the screen, not to mention, the weapons used throughout! 

Also who can forget that giant falling section of the ride, it really makes your stomach drop! 

Here is where I feel transformers could have done more, the story is lacking and confusing. The 3D only amplify's this.. unfortunately moments are lost within the chaos. 

So quite plain and simply this round goes to Spiderman.. 

SPIDERMAN: 2   ----   TRANSFORMERS: 2 

OVERALL: 

well would you look at that! Its a draw! Both attractions have great quality's that make them unique. I encourage you to ride both attractions during your next visit to Universal Orlando Resort, and make your own mind up! 

Did I miss something? Do you have your own thoughts? If so I would love to hear them! Get in Touch or please do comment Below! 

Thank you so much for reading and supporting the blog! 

Check next week for upcoming articles, rumours and reviews. Also have a look next Sunday, for the next Sunday Special!!! 

See ya Soon!.. 

Sam x