If you didn't already find roller coasters stomach churning enough, then perhaps a virtual reality headset strapped to your face will do the trick.
Six Flags is integrating Samsung Gear VR headsets into nine of its roller coasters around the country. Here in Los Angeles, the Oculus-powered virtual reality headset will find its way into the New Revolution, a fighter jet-themed combat experience coming to Magic Mountain. The ride will open March 26 to season pass holders, with an official opening to follow later in the spring.
Magic Mountain regulars will recognize the ride as a refresh of the existing Revolution coaster from the '70s. Though wearing the 3-D headset is optional, all riders will experience a 90-foot-high loop and speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.
Virtual reality can induce motion sickness issues in some people, but Six Flags suggests that the visuals' synchronization with the ride movements should minimize the risk of nausea—at least beyond the coaster's inherent queasiness.
We'll let you decide if VR on a roller coaster defeats the entire purpose of a ride—we actually enjoy the park's surprisingly scenic views of Santa Clarita Valley—or if it provides a meaningful augmentation. Until then, check out this video preview of the New Revolution.
