TOTAL RECALL
If you experience a complete memory wipe, it's probably from the brain aneurysm this coaster gave you.
'Mind Eraser' is your standard Vekoma SLC, now with optional virtual reality headsets. Much like the Oculus rift setup used on SFGAm's 'Demon' last fall, riders are given the choice of wearing goggles that place them in a completely immersive environment.
Six Flags added VR headsets for the 2017 season and marketed the ride as "Galactic Attack", which makes a LOT more sense on inverted coasters than others, since every row except for the front has an obstructed view anyway. Can't see sh*t, might as well make a video game out of it.
Odds are good that if you're a coaster fanatic like me, you've ridden one of these inverted clones before. They come in a variety of models -- some with an added helix, some with an expanded footprint -- but the inversion layout remains the same. Last summer I got the chance to experience 'Thunderhawk' at Michigan's Adventure, an identical ride. This one's no different.
Unfortunately, as is the trend nowadays, VR is becoming increasingly common at parks as a way of breathing new life into aging or unpopular rides. This creates excessive lines and can nearly double or in some cases TRIPLE the wait times, even for those merely wishing to ride sans headset. I didn't get to experience this coaster's VR, as the combination of rain and a stalled train (smh) took this ride out-of-service during my 2nd attempt.
Even without the goggles strapped to your noggin, the ride experience is pretty extreme. There's a great deal of head-banging (the painful sh*tty kind, not the Judas Priest heavy metal kind) and padded restraints don't do much to help.
Exacerbating matters, this 5-inversion inverted coaster was basically built in/over a marsh, so muggy weather in warmer months will bring out mosquitoes like nobody's business. SFA stuffed this cookie cutter model into a far corner of the park, so it's also tough to get to.
Eric S's SFA Coaster Ranking = 7th out of 8.
+ coaster review in 40 words or less +
I'd recommend this ride for anyone running low on their personal Rufalin supply. It's cheaper (and faster) than a lobotomy; long lines and getting your ears boxed all adds up to a HARD PASS. read more