Universal Japan introducing videogame, anime and manga attraction in the new year
Universal Studios Japan has unveiled plans for a new attraction to feature anime, manga and other elements of Japanese pop culture.
The Osaka theme park’s operator – USJ Co – announced the upcoming ‘Universal Cool Japan’ area, which will launch on 23 January 2015 and combine four popular Japanese IPs.
• The first part of the attraction will be based on manga series Attack on Titan. Guests will be able to walk through a reproduction of the brand’s iconic scenes using animatronics to bring the world to life. As part of the attraction, visitors will be able to see the spectacle of 15m (50ft) high titans doing battle.
• A 4D dark ride themed on the hit anime Evangelion will feature an original story that can only been seen in the park. 4D effects will include bomb blasts, flashes, water spray and vibrations to shake guests’ seats.
• Based on the videogame of the same name, Biohazard: The Escape will see guests bid to escape a television station under threat from zombie attacks. The immersive experience will include a wide range of traps, a time limit competitors have to beat and multiple, detailed riddles which must be solved in order to escape.
• Finally, there will be an area based on the videogame – Monster Hunter. This will see monsters from the game, which has sold more than 31 million copies since its launch in 2004, recreated in life-size, allowing guests to get up close and personal with several of the series’ beasts.
In addition to the main attractions, a range of new Universal Cool Japan products will also soon be announced, likely to be included in themed shops and restaurants.
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