Benjsh wrote:
It looks totally souless and "plonked" like most coasters in the US do outside of Florida. Tall? Yes. Fast? Most likely. Memorable? Perhaps not.
More or less every coaster they make over there could be the exact same ride just in a different colour. It's really dull. Makes me happy that AT actually have to abide by strict Height laws. At least then we get interesting layouts and LOTS of theming and near misses. That's what makes a ride for me. Not the height and speed.
Just take Nemesis for example. By no means the tallest B&M Inverted coaster but still my favourite by a DISTANCE and I've been lucky enough to ride quite a few of them all around the world too.
The Smiler kicks it's ass for New Rollercoaster of the year.
You've just made my point for me, take away all the theming from Nemesis and the Smiler, even without riding the Smiler we know both these rides are best in class for their ride experience of their type, which for me comes first. Nemesis has never dissapointed me, if leaves me wanting munchies.
Gatekeeper is no different, it raises the game on a wing-walker, we all know they aren't out and out white knuckle, if anything this adds to cedar points lineup, which I hope some day I can visit.
Sometimes I think the theming card is played a bit too much as some sort of trump card. Not all North american parks can't do theming mind. Dollywood, Busch Gardens, Seaworld, etc.
Mind the difference this ride has made to the
entrance (coaster force photo) is incredible.