It’s inevitable that the classic warrior had been adapted into movie games at some point or another given the popularity and enduringness of the character Indiana Jones. Indiana Jones games have in fact been present for nearly as long as the movies themselves, starting with 1982’s Raiders of the Lost Ark on the Atari]… ]
On Den of Geek, the second article Indiana Jones Games Ranked from Infernal to Magical second appeared.
When Universal Epic Universe opened in Orlando, Florida, next year, it was not only the first major theme park to debut in the United States in 24 years, it marked a significant move ahead in what a great range in-person pleasure experience may be. Spanning five new “lands” across 750 acres — the Universal Monsters ‘ themed Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, How To Teach Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, and the Celestial Park access point — this isn’t just a big garden, it lives up to its title of amazing with its level of immersion, interactivity, and indeed, rides.  ,
For perspective, I grew up a theme park person in Orlando. I can vividly recall being a boy in 1990 when I saw eye-popping billboards of Ghostbusters, King Kong, and E. T. promising the appearance of Universal Studios Florida where guests were invited to not only drive the movies, but also live them. I was raised very much in the darkness of Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World. I have remained a theme park kid, and theme park professional, covering the development and openings of new attractions throughout the years.
In addition to chasing the newest advancement in rollercoasters or 3D technology, I’ve always pursued that idea of living the movies. Even as I grew older, I craved the ability to play pretend, and disappear for a stretch within these worlds of make-believe.
Of all the experiences I’ve had so far, Epic comes the closest to accomplishing this. After attending the media preview and grand opening celebration, logging about 20 hours in the park —, riding every attraction, meeting-and-greeting as many characters as possible, trying all the food and drinks, and spending about a week processing the experience—here are a few arenas where Epic Universe has taken the crown on the American theme park scene.
Revamped Worldbuilding
What converts a one-time theme park visitor to a devotee who never quite gets enough? It’s the experience beyond the attractions alone, and the dedication to worldbuilding.  ,
For instance, I love going to Walt Disney World, even though I’ve been a thousand times, and I’m content just to walk around, grab a drink and bite, and soak it all in. I enjoy roller coasters and attraction, but what keeps me interested is the overall atmosphere of the place.  ,
Disney has, for me, traditionally been more of the theme park destination where I can show up and enjoy a day regardless of wait times for attractions. Disney has just felt nicer and more fully realized, to be honest. Whereas Universal Orlando, encompassing the parks Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, has been the place I go to, rather than hang around at. It’s always been a great place to ride thrilling rides, but I’ve never really wanted to “live” there.
There was a glimmer of hope when The Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter lands opened, first with the Hogsmeade area at Islands in 2010, then Diagon Alley in 2014 at Studios. It was close to the idea of a theme park world where I could lose myself in a story. But it wasn’t quite there.  ,
Disney promised immersiveness at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in response to the challenge presented by Wizarding World.  ,
The experiment started strong, with cast members dedicated to greetings of” Bright Suns”!, the rowdy vibe within Oga’s Cantina, the in-world merchandise. Things have gotten worse over time. These days, the bartenders aren’t even allowed to cheer to the” Una Duey Dee” drinking song, and the” story” of Blackspire Outpost on the planet of Batuu has been all but abandoned. Some of the magic has vanished, but the theme has remained my favorite. ( In fact, the best example thus far where I felt lost in a fictional world was my two days aboard the tragically short-lived Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel. RIP. )
The stakes have now been raised by Epic Universe.  ,
Epic is alive, or perhaps more appropriately, there is electricity in the air.  ,
From the moment I passed through each of the land’s elaborate portals, everything on the other side ( and in the rest of the theme park ) seemed to fade away. I was immediately taken in by them as being independent and with a unique vibe.
Within Dark Universe, I believed I entered an eerie old monster movie, but with a soundtrack by Danny Elfman. In Super Nintendo World, I was surrounded by colors and the sensation of being sucked Jumanji-style into a video game. Then I traveled through time to a magical world in Paris in the 1920s. My colleague summed up Isle of Berk best by saying it was like they were dropped into someone’s vibrant D&, D campaign.
If the level of world building is maintained, Epic commits to creating a lively and exciting environment.  ,
Character Interactions
Dark Universe
The exceptional level of character interactivity within these lands adds such an unquantifiable amount of fun, and repeatability, to Epic. And the people I ran into didn’t just pose for a picture or pass by, but they also took a break to get creative.
In Dark Universe, I had extended conversations with the Invisible Man, Ygor, a few of the monster-hunting Hounds, and a mysterious violin player. You can also meet Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride. ( An updated, cohesive canon at Dark Universe states that this Frank is not the original, and that the Bride is more his friend. ) But I digress. )  ,
The back-and-forth was jaw dropping as these characters offered clues about the secrets of the Darkmoor, the village setting. They were also quick-witted, funny, and importantly, never broke character. Griffin the Invisible Man will eat up all of his praise when you talk to him and heap praise on him. But if you act snarky, or get demanding, he might become snappy, or ask if you’re done requesting him to perform. He even once criticized me for making too many obscene puns.  ,
Meanwhile, one of the Hounds I encountered was Gregor the Guardian. He had me enthralled at the Burning Blade Tavern with tales of killing a werewolf. He told me about how monster-hunting has terrible benefits, unless the rest of the hunting party doesn’t survive, and he didn’t need to split the reward. Next, I showed him my own battle scars, which were caused by Mary Ellen Moffit’s breaking of my heart, and he showed off his facial scars from a monster attack. He also expressed concern about my colleague rocking a werewolf hat/mask until I allayed his fears that she was just undercover. Actually, every experience I had at the Burning Blade was phenomenal. I just wanted to stay in this lived-in tavern because it features old battle scenes with supernatural forces and monster trophies. Truly, next time I visit, I’ll be spending two hours here just hanging out.
Ygor, the real heart of Dark Universe, is next, though Frankenstein’s Monster might be the place’s abby-normal brain. Following my transformation at the Monster Makeup Experience, I ran into Victoria Frankenstein’s assistant, where he wondered who had done my monster stitches. He suggested he could have done better with less obvious wounds. He then launched himself into the bushes after it appeared a branch was attempting to attack my cameraperson. Ygor is not only the heart of Dark Universe, he might be a burgeoning rockstar based on the social media love he’s been generating.  ,
Ministry of Magic
The aurors ( a. k. a. wizard cops ) at the Ministry of Magic, set in 1920s Paris during the Fantastic Beasts films, are similarly a treat to speak with as they look for shady characters up to magical misdeeds. Jazz musicians parade through the streets in style with a cuddly, interactive puffskein creature. A trio of students — from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, and exchange students from Hogwarts and Ilvermorny Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry — carry the Monster Book of Monsters. Ask the right questions, and they might let you peek inside. And the coolest new interaction experience in the Ministry of Magic is the ability to personally interact with talking portraits, which is a first for any of the Wizarding Worlds.
Plus, aspiring sorcerers can test out their spellcasting, using an interactive Wizarding World wand — and they can pick up a new one at wandmaker’s Cosme Acajor rather fancy Baguettes Magique — to discover magical mysteries and even stir up activity with fantastic beasts, like a thieving niffler.  ,
Isle of Berk
Ruffnut and Tuffnut, the snotty viking characters, might make guests laugh and spit out at Isle of Berk, and Gobber the Belch will teach them some Dragon-training history. But there are literal dragons all around the land. These are not only of the animatronic variety, but interactive, robotic dragons. Two tiny dragon pups, in reality Boston Dynamics ‘ robo-dogs transformed into the fantastical creatures, are present, as well as a chance to meet and greet with a huge Toothless.
The lines to meet the famous Dragon were long, but worthwhile because guests can approach him, slowly, and allow him to have a sniff before they are allowed to pet and scritch the cuddly guy as he purrs. Because you’re friggin’ petting a dragon, you can’t even doubt the special effects behind the moment, which is a joy-inducing experience!
Easter Eggs, Secrets, and Details Galore
Beyond the character interactions, what lends to Epic’s immersiveness is the attention to detail.  ,
Although it is present in Super Nintendo World, where I felt lost within a video game, this is especially true for Dark Universe, Berk, and Potter. There are endless nods to the Universal Monster films in Dark Universe. There’s the portrait of mad scientist Dr. Pretorius within his descendants ‘ Scientific Oddities shop, where homunculi hide in the rafters. Footprints on the ground document the horrifying change from man into werewolf.  ,
There’s even graveyard statues that pay homage to the monster films, including one honoring the little girl Maria — killed by Frankenstein’s creation in the 1931 movie. Additionally, there is a growing trend to place flowers next to her grave. The fact that the statue itself was found by Creative Director Brandon Kleyla, and he said on social media he always hoped guests would bring flowers, highlights that there appears to be a lot of love from fellow fans in the creation of this park.
Along with the tall, seemingly true-to-scale buildings populating the Parisian landscape in the Ministry of Magic, artwork, shops, and signage all make one feel embedded in this realm while also paying dividends to eagle-eyed fans.  ,
Overall, the intrepid explorer’s curiosity, and patience, is rewarded at every turn in Epic. One might find out about a secret drink order for the tavern if one hears a fight between opposing voices behind the doors of Dr. H. Jekyll Apotheker at Dark Universe. Fans who recall that the Sorcerer’s Stone was hidden in Paris in the 1920s might be able to discover it in the Ministry of Magic ( maybe around, say, the Le Gobelet Noir ).  ,
The restaurant options, such as Das Stakehaus, a place where Dracula’s friends live and work alongside vampires who have been killed by vampires and have no connection to garlic, are also a part of the theming.  ,
The lavatories at Epic are impressive even. Super Nintendo World’s are themed with plumber pipes, underwater imagery and music, Isle of Berk’s has artistic viking murals, Ministry of Magic’s is old-timey with classy Parisian decor, Dark Universe’s” toiletten” begins with splattered blood silhouettes at the entrance, and is gothic-inspired inside with black toilets, moody lighting, and a dearth of mirrors ( because Dracula doesn’t need to be outed as a vamp while counting to number two ).
The Rides
Monsters Unchained
With 11 rides throughout Epic, there’s plenty of thrills to occupy two days of a visit. The highlight is unquestionably Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment in the Dark Universe land.  ,
The storyline of Monsters Unchained revolves around Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, the great-great-granddaughter of Henry. We learn more about the story in a pre-show as we encounter a Victoria animatronic with a towering ( and walking? ) face. Frankenstein’s Monster animatronic — , which is a groundbreaking piece of tech.  ,  ,
Though she’s our protagonist, that Frankenstein family obsession runs in her blood, and Victoria sounds slightly unhinged as she boasts she’s learned how to capture, control, and even tame the Universal Classic Monsters. Or so she thinks. While her research into the original monster Frank succeeds, the new version comes off as tame and friendly, but her hubris deviates as she tries to do the same with Mummy, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and monster boss Dracula and his brides. Drac escapes and unleashes the other baddies. Victoria, Frank, and Ygor make an effort to stop the rampage as all the chaos arises. And the visitor to Darkmoor is unfortunate enough to be a willing attendee to the experiment when it goes horribly awry.  ,
As one enters Frankenstein Manor’s magnificent gothic environs, complete with grand staircase adorned with large statues, and descends to its catacombs, the queue of Monsters is full of Easter eggs. There are call outs to the original Universal Monster films, such as photos of the original Frankenstein and his fiancee Elizabeth ( actors Colin Clive and Mae Clarke from the 1931 film ), or a portrait of Clive-as-Henry opposite the new character Victoria. Additionally, Victoria’s modern-day tech scans the body of the original Frankenstein creature. And throughout the mansion, we visit her fireplace den, see boxes of mysterious cargo, and watch found footage of her and her trusty Ygor hunting monsters. There’s also this really cool vampire bat containment unit scene that looks physical despite being a 3D animation. As I delved deeper into the catacombs, which were actually teased at the land’s entrance in the form of a stone structure with a gated entrance, I came across coffins and crypts, teeing up the monsters we’ll be encountering, and the vibe is undoubtedly eerie.
The best part of this dark ride is getting up-close-and-personal encounters with updated designs of the classic monsters ( including appearances by Lon Chaney-era Phantom of the Opera and the Hunchback of Notre Dame ). As the rider is propelled on a KUKA coaster arm, the attraction makes use of a variety of effects, including incredible audio-animatronics, practical sets, and animated action scenes. As opposed to, for instance, the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, which also uses a KUKA arm, the ride on Monsters is unobstructed, has more motion, and got me close enough to smell the Wolfman’s breath, while tipped on my back ( thanks to the arm being attached to the bottom of the vehicle, rather than behind ). Another notable element is the escape of Dracula’s brides. A very cool transition between screens and physical animatronics really blew me away.  ,
Just an added note here that made me smile: According to the attraction’s description, Ygor is driving the ride-sharing vehicle, the Catacombs Navigation Unit. When he switches on his controls, the vehicle transitions from moving fluidly to getting a bit janky, as if he’s still figuring out how to drive the thing.  ,
Although the setup is actually creepy, the ride is more of an adventure than a scary one. There were plenty of moments I saw “behind the curtain” and witnessed the mechanical arms on the animatronics in-ride, but it wasn’t a terrible distraction. On Monsters Unchained, there is so much going on that repeat rides are required ( far more than the numerous times I did it ) in order to take everything in. It’s a feast of senses for all the monster kids out there.  ,
Battle at the Ministry
Then there is the Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry attraction that zoomed me through London’s Ministry of Magic on an enchanted elevator. Although the attraction is set in 1920s Paris ( during the Fantastic Beasts movies ), it takes place in the 1990s, right after the Harry Potter movies. On the day her trial is to take place, Voldemort lieutenant Dolores Umbridge escapes, necessitating the arrival of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the house-elf Higgledy to save the day.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the pre-existing Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley lands at Universal. However, I must admit that I wasn’t looking for another Potter-themed attraction. However, Battle more than delivers. Ironically, the wait alone is worth the queue as visitors enter the Ministry offices. What struck me as the largest, tallest, deepest indoor area I’ve seen at a theme park (yes, even bigger than the Star Destroyer reveal on Rise of the Resistance at Disney ). It would be insulting to say this is like a movie set, rather, it is real, down to the marble tiles, as well as nearly infinite stretching into a sky of realistic clouds. The scope of the entire experience is enormous.  ,
We zoomed through the Ministry’s labyrinthine depths while on the actual ride, where a feast of visuals never stop flashed by. More visually engaging than the other Potter attractions, Forbidden Journey and Escape from Gringotts at Universal Orlando, this is also a smoother attraction while remaining exciting. The ride elevator — a 14-seater, two-row vehicle with safety belt restraint — , is bumpy, but not in a jarring way, with a few big drops that avoid any intense stomach sensations. And the action on large-scale ( and incredibly vibrant ) screens seamlessly blends with the massive physical sets.  ,
The entire situation is magical. Plus, I love the new character of Higgledy, and the massive Erumpent let loose from the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures is a most impressive animatronic.
I suspect Battle at the Ministry might be one of the best theme park attractions I’ve yet seen. Although Monsters Unchained is my personal favorite at Epic, this is still stunning despite the immersion that it teaches. My only minor quibble is a nerdy continuity one, as the plot point on how we went from the 1920s to 1990s is a tad wishy-washy. I enjoy having a tight story with my themed lands, but I’ll just attribute the time travel to MetroFloo shenanigans, Time Turners, and a Ministry Time Room.
Stardust Racers
While Monsters Unchained was my overall favorite attraction at Epic, the Stardust Racers dueling coasters in Celestial Park may have been my biggest surprise. I wasn’t particularly excited about the central land within the hub-and-spoke layout, which may be because it’s not associated with any classic Universal IP ( even though the ride cars are “powered” by Doc Brown’s flux capacitor ). But Stardust Racers has now earned my top spot for favorite roller coaster ( s ).  ,
The story behind this one is that the cosmic Celestians have captured two comets, and they have allowed us to hitch a ride on them to see which is faster. But the story really doesn’t matter so much because the focus is on the top speed of 62 mph, and the rising, falling (up to 133 feet ), criss-crossing inversions and exhilarating launch of this baby. I’ve taken both the green and yellow sides of the attraction a few times, and I can’t tell which is better, but I believe the yellow side has a better view. Although the Jurassic Park VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure might previously be considered the best of the bunch at Universal, Stardust has a stellar edge to it.  ,
Mine-Cart Madness
For my second favorite coaster at Epic, I was leaning towards Hiccup’s Wing Gliders at the How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk land. The attraction is an adrenaline rush for the more coaster-wary crowd, on par with Hagrid’s Magical Motorbike Adventure at Islands. I rode four times in a row, and it remains fun, even without flipping or spinning. The restraint, which got more and more uncomfortable and tight throughout the ride, was what initially caught my attention as a concern with this one. It became straight-up painful at one point. It should be noted that I don’t really have a big frame, and this was not due to the coaster attendants making the restraint too tight ( although that has happened way too frequently in the past ). The operators responded to my request and said they had heard this complaint enough to declare it to be a known issue.  ,
Despite that, Mine-Cart Madness in Super Nintendo World, in the Donkey Kong Country zone, is the real contender for best coaster overall. What makes this coaster so noteworthy is the “boom coaster” technology that allows for the illusion of a vehicle on a track system, while the “real” track is underneath, and the vehicle is attached to a hidden arm on the side.
The result is a fun adventure where I was navigating the Golden Temple to help DK protect the golden banana — all as the mine cart launches, lifts, drops, skims across water, and jumps across seemingly broken tracks. I just couldn’t get enough of this coaster because it’s so much fun. Plus, I love how perfect it is for this particular land as I was able to live within a DK game, but in the real-world.
Final Thoughts
There is more to be said about Epic Universe than can be contained in one article write-up ( and I will be discussing it further in my Talking Strange show, as well as sharing videos from the preview on the Den of Geek socials ). But throughout the course of my excursion in Epic Universe, I was witness to something special, and new.  ,
In an era where it’s a challenge to get audiences out the door and into cinemas for the latest blockbuster — because they have a pretty excellent, and customizable, viewing situation at home, with the treats they like, and only chattering loved ones to contend with — a theme park offers a unique experience that can only be fully enjoyed in person. The path forward is epic. It’s not a success just for theme parks, but for entertainment, where a visitor can become lost within a world they love, and interact with characters from those worlds, while experiencing top-notch technology displayed right in front of them.  ,
Simply put, it serves up wonder in epic fashion. Or, to paraphrase that old mad scientist Dr. Pretorius from Bride of Frankenstein, welcome to a new world of gods, monsters, wizards, dragons, and Bowser-battling plumbers.
The post Universal Epic Universe: A Giant Leap Forward for Theme Parks first appeared on Den of Geek.
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