BoldMove announces exciting extension of Smash & Reload dark ride with new formats and theming

Brussels, 19th July 2022 - BoldMove's anchor product, the interactive Smash & Reload dark ride, will be demonstrated at IAAPA Expo on Booth #238, featuring an exciting ride dynamic with extended choice of sizes and theming. Also latest developments in the phygital AR Hybrid Quest, WaterSlider VR and Houba World will be on show for theme and waterparks, FECs, zoos and tourist destinations.

A Smash & Reload is currently in production for the leading French theme park LePAL. The interactive ride is designed to fit into an existing building, with the fun TooMush IP as gameplay. Responding to market feedback, BoldMove is pleased to diversify its IP offer and formats, with increased throughput to create an interactive dark ride that can stand alone or fit premium locations.

Midway game approach for inclusive attraction
​Smash & Reload's midway game approach optimizes interactivity with focus on a simple and intuitive action, which is based on a two-step approach to balance the skills of all players. This caters for an inclusive experience with broad demographic reach: while being dynamic (moving & rotating), vehicle movements are not extreme, characters are hilarious with an easy to understand storyline. The ride features a very comprehensive experience with vehicle movements, action, light and sound designed to keep the players engaged during the entire ride.

Benoit Cornet, CEO of BoldMove Nation, who devised Smash & Reload based on years of dark ride expertise, explains: "All vehicles will be fully synchronized in a smooth choreographic movement, which means they simultaneously turn and stop at each screen during loading and smashing. This creates more excitement during the ride for all players and optimizes the experience, avoiding sound pollution between the vehicles. Players are immersed in a global ‘ambiance’ that is changing according to each phase they play. To this end we integrate exciting light and projection technologies on special materials inside and outside of the ride with partners like Chauvet and Panasonic."

Smart configurations for varied environments and higher capacity
​BoldMove's Smash & Reload comes in two shapes: the Original with five vehicles and the Compact XXS with three vehicles. These layouts can be multiplied, repeating the same content or offering a different ride for each. Smash & Reload XXS can also be used as a component in a larger immersive experience, combining multiple stories and thus achieving a larger capacity. An example of this creative use of available components is the 3XXS version (3 theatres). In this setup, three separate narratives are made possible by combining them in a larger venue as part of an overarching story and theming. These three rides can each feature their own immersive walkthrough, opening possibilities for creative and repeatable activities.

For the parks which need a very high capacity, the Original can be used in multiples for stellar performance, operating in synchronization with each other such as it is the case for the 2XO combination. In this case, both dark rides are sharing the same entry and preshow, leading to a single loading platform and post-show. The compact format of the ride and the pragmatic and realistic configuration provides an incredible experience to around 800 persons per hour, limiting the infrastructural needs to a standard industrial building.

The main goal is the action
​Smash & Reload features a multi-sensory gameplay across the four main scenes to play and three stations to reload. The easy and intuitive action makes it attractive for all ages and all levels. More seasoned players can be challenged by searching the easter eggs and thus improve their high scoring. The main goal is the action, the storytelling is supportive, resulting in a highly ‘repeatable’ game. The media content is designed to fit the interactive Smash & Reload dynamics and environment, aligning gameplay with all ride elements into an exhilarating experience.

A rapidly expanding universe
​Thanks to the creative expertise of the BoldMove team and partners, the Smash & Reload concept and its almost unlimited possibilities are put to use in a wide variety of content. In addition to the proprietary "Too Mush" content, which challenges us to protect our city from lots of now evil (but still hilarious) mushrooms, there are two very well-known and endearing IPs.

Marsu's Incredible Supply Chase, an exotic adventure
​The first one takes us to the exotic setting of the Palombian forest where the cute Marsupilami family lives. Starting with the simple task of collecting food for the young Marsus left in the nest, players will soon find themselves in the hands of a bunch of funny animals that don't like to be disturbed.

The Daltons' Big Escape: a crazy Wild West adventure
​True to their nature, the Dalton brothers have escaped from prison again, with the help of Ma Dalton. With Lucky Luke away, it's up to the players, with the help of Rantanplan, to stop them and put them back in prison. The means at their disposal to capture them are not at all traditional and will be a pleasant change from the traditional 'gun', with some very unexpected encounters. ​

Benoit Cornet concludes: "We keep developing and diversifying the Smash & Reload range so each venue obtains a unique configuration with different visitor experiences. Our team can also turn an existing park mascot and story into an interactive ride experience with adapted media content and characters. I'm proud to say that we succeeded in creating a future-proof dark ride that is affordable for everyone and will offer a fun and memorable experience for park guests!"

About BoldMove Nation ​
​Together with a strong network of expert partners, BoldMove Nation creates happy worlds for leisure, tourist and retail venues. Media-based attractions are based on proven technologies and fun gameplay around compelling stories for immersive visitor experiences. With the customer interest at heart, the BoldMove Nation team offers turnkey creative and experience design services from master planning to implementation, with a broad choice of IPs and theming. Besides experience design for dark rides, media attractions and indoor parks (FEC), BoldMove offers the double-action Smash & Reload dark ride family, WaterSlider VR and Hybrid AR Quest. Established in 2021, the team is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium and headed by interactive dark ride veteran Benoit Cornet.