By: Andrew Bermudez
Prepare to be immersed in the largest battle zone you may ever see aboard the brand-new motion base dark ride, Transformers: the Ride - 3-D! This is what the ads have been saying about Universal Studios Hollywood's latest attraction.
Now, to be honest, I wasn't anticipating this attraction as much as the other new attractions that opened this year, like Cars Land at Disney California Adventure and the LAIR at the Los Angeles Zoo. True, I do like to see the latest technology, but...uh...let's just say that I'm not the biggest fan of the Transformers movies (I despised the second film in the series, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen). But, as the saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover; or, in this case, theme park attraction by its concept. So, let's get started.
Transformers: The Ride - 3-D rests in the sound stage on the Lower Lot that used to house Backdraft and Special Effects Stage (the latter of the two moved to the Upper Lot). The front of the new attraction is graced with a mural of Optimus Prime and Megatron battling in front of a massive explosion. Below the mural is the entrance to the ride.
Even if you are not familiar with the Transformers storyline, the story of the attraction is still easy to follow. You, the guests, are the latest recruits for N.E.S.T., or Non-organic Extraterrestrial Species Treaty. Their job is to assist the Autobots, a group of heroic transformers lead by Optimus Prime, in protecting Earth from the evil Decepticons, who want to destroy Earth and the Autobots. As you progress through the line, you find out that N.E.S.T. is housing the All-Spark, which can turn any electronic or mechanical device into a Transformer. You are just about to begin your training, but before you can, the Decepticons unleash an attack on the base, intent on stealing the All-Spark. You are then ordered downstairs, where you'll be evacuated, along with the All-Spark, aboard EVAC.
In past attractions, the ride vehicle acted solely as a means of moving the guests through the attraction. However, with both this attraction and Disney California Adventure's Radiator Springs Racers, the ride vehicle has now, literally, become a character in the story. In this attraction, EVAC is an Autobot who serves as the ride's vehicle.
Here, the set-up is done; the ride now begins. Using motion base and 3-D technology, you aim to escape the city, but the Decepticons ambush you at every corner. The Autobots provide enough covering fire to allow you to escape, but soon you're on your own with nowhere to hide. Megatron even tries to lower you're spirits by snarling, "Cowards run. Heroes fight." But EVAC is now done with running. He lunges at Megatron and uses the All-Spark to destroy his body. With Megatron gone, everyone returns to N.E.S.T. as heroes.
Despite my dislike for the movies, I really enjoyed the attraction. The quality of the line alone is top notch, and the ride itself seamlessly blends storytelling into its action to give the battle plausible context. The 3-D looks great, the sensory effects work really well, and the fact that the attraction is a motion-base dark ride rather than a simple simulator is a great touch. All-in-all, this is what I feel the movies should have been like. I highly recommend it if you plan on visiting Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Studios Singapore (the Universal Studios Orlando version is currently under construction), even if you don't like or haven't seen the movies. It's a great addition to the park.
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