Las Vegas, Nevada

Space, the Final Frontier

Today is my last day in Sin City. Despite some of the un-pleasantries, I did have a fun time.

With hours remaining before heading back to the airport, I needed to experience one last adventure, that of Star Trek: The Experience. This consisted of two rides; Borg Invasion and Klingon Encounter. Although both were part of the same exhibit, each used completely different technology to immerse the audience.

Although both are considered rides, the Borg Invasion did not rely heavily on mechanical motion. The floor shook but that is about all. Where this ride sacrifices motion, it makes up for in special effects. Remember on Friday I experienced the ultimate in 3D effects at the IMAX. This ride utilized the same polarization effect. In addition, the seats were equipped with air puffers, water misters, and actuators, all designed to give the audience the full assimilation experience as well as enhancing the battle sequences.

On the Klingon Encounter, the adventure is entirely on a rapid moving simulator taking you through a roller coaster ride into a 24th century battle with the Klingons.

What set those aside from other simulation rides was they were both preceded by live actors who guide the audience through a story, complete with fear, intrigue, and plot twists.

Before leaving, I head toward Quark's bar on the DS9 promenade for some lunch.

posted by Peter Rilling @ 2:48 PM