28 years on from being launched as Sony PlayStation: The Ride, Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s shot tower is back with a modest bang.
Now operating as the space-themed launch pad, this 180-foot, S&S Power thrill ride is presented in galactic form.
Smoke effects and boilersuit-wearing staff are the most notable changes, accompanied by smart new paintwork and signage.
An American-accented countdown is either imperfectly timed by design, or in need of synchronisation.
You lift off as the countdown reaches around 2 or 3 seconds.
This would make for a surprise had you not noticed it while you were queuing.
Ultimately the same ride
There is moderate upward acceleration, and that much desired (or feared depending on your stance) stomach-sinking downward float remains.
In a self-described “transformation period”, the Pleasure Beach’s reasons to refurbish this ride are not immediately clear.
For all the cost and hardware replacement, it is ultimately the same ride it was in 1997.
The American space theming is also a little out of place adjacent to the Valhalla ride, but efforts to add more theming in an amusement park should be commended.
A new Launch Pad merchandise line in the gift shop is predictably high-quality, but overall this re-launch feels just a little underwhelming.
The ride’s retention will however be welcome among the Pleasure Beach’s many superfans, who have lost a number of established rides in recent years.
Launch Pad is open now at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.