New Element is a revolving-door community at its finest; members feel free to flit in and out at any whim, without any warning, and can stay or go as long as they like with very little repercussions on their work or their community standing. Case in point, Xophe. See, a couples years back, Xophe was NE's newest parkmaker, fresh off of a win with Zippo's Wacky World of Wonders, the highest-scoring release on the site at the time. The park raked in numerous awards for him as well, including RCT2 Park of the Year, Best Idea, Best Water Ride, and Best Comeback. Yet, in a disappearing act that David Copperfield or Harry Houdini would be proud of, he pretty much dropped off the face of NE, resurfacing with a screen maybe once or twice a year. However, like Zippo's was a resurgance to Xophe's NE career, so is his latest work, Canyoneer, his first design accolade and first released work since 2009.

Despite this being a realistic design, Canyoneer is no park-based coaster. Well, certainly not a theme park, although national park would be an apt description. Although the coaster is an excellently-paced Intamin rocket coaster, the real treat is the setting. The design situates itself on the rim of a large canyon, akin to those in the Southwestern areas of the US. This landscape is the launching point, pun unintended, for the key feature of the coaster, its interaction with terrain. The ride zips through tunnels, around buttes, and over rocky crags to make a thrilling ride that unites various elements into a unique experience. Also unique is Xophe's contextual approach, as he strays away from any theme park approximation of a canyon and instead goes for a full-on National Park area, complete with fittingly-generic architecture, a visitors' center, souvenir stands, and walking trails. Equally impressive is the landscape, a vast terrain that features extensive elevation changes and fitting foliage for each zone.

Overall, Canyoneer is an excellent return to form for Xophe. Those expecting a Zippos Pt. II may be disappointed, although Canyoneer is equally impressive in its execution on its concept. Unique, daring, and classy, Canyoneer stands on its own as a memorable design, and we can only hope that Xophe decides to avoid repeating the past by giving us a new release before another two years go by!

Review by robbie92