SSSammy

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I saw it ?️??️

As part of this series reviewing the fantastic NEDC6 entries, I will enter into a commentary on how the builders have decided to approach using Pacificoaster’s layout, and how those decisions compare and contrast one another. I encourage reading all my reviews on NEDC6 to get the most out of this more fragmentary commentary you will find interspersed here if you find this interesting or desire clarity.

A deeply pleasant surprise to see such a builder, and as one has come to expect from Sulakke, we have a classy, conceptually complete entry. An Egypt setting with a rural tack makes for well trodden ground, but plenty of room for execution to win the day.

The first thing I noticed upon opening the entry is the small scale. The scope is drawn fairly tight around the actual ride with few supporting elements. There are a few canoe hires and a motion simulator, but for the most part the coaster is left to speak for itself. However, everything present is executed to a high level of quality, with thoughtful moments everywhere you look. This makes me think that the builder had a limited timeframe and decided to choose a limited scope and knock it out of the park.

The park opens on the “inside L” viewing angle, where the predrop turn is above the cobra roll, but I don’t think the macro implies this to be the dominant viewing angle. The opposite angle, 180 degrees rotated, feels much more natural. The terrain steadily lowers down toward the river, creating a natural backdrop for the coaster. Additionally, the river becomes a focal point, with the crocs share of our buildings dominating that lower section. The detail is also weighted in that direction, with gorgeous orchards and farms and beautiful foliage and landscaping to complete the image. Additionally, the entries to the area follow the river, with no entrance from the perspective of “inside L”, making it hard to imagine it is the key focal direction.

There is, of course, path crossing the entry and exit of the cobra roll. That aside, there’s not much in the way of integration for the titular coaster. One of my pet peeves is when the coaster becomes outlined by path, and we see that around the diveloop. I think it would have felt more balanced to perhaps have bridged through the diveloop diagonally, perhaps to where the restaurant sits currently. This could have helped the balance of the section while helping integrate the coaster.

The coaster station is perhaps small and understated, but the detail that is there is top-notch. The entry plaza is fantastic, and the little pond it circles before entering the queue is a wonderful little moment. The rest of the queue is modest.

The main problem this entry experienced was a lack of bravery. The theme wasn’t brave, the scale wasn’t brave, the coaster integration wasn’t brave. Something with more personality completed to this level of detail and finesse could easily be a frontrunner. I look forward to anything Sulakke builds next.

SCORE: 75%, impressed but left wanting more.

As part of this series reviewing the fantastic NEDC6 entries, I will enter into a commentary on how the builders have decided to approach using Pacificoaster’s layout, and how those decisions compare and contrast one another. I encourage reading all my reviews on NEDC6 to get the most out of this more fragmentary commentary you will find interspersed here if you find this interesting or desire clarity.

I’m so sorry otter, please understand I am a fan of yours. I really didn’t like this. I’m not a fan of the cell shaded look in RCT, and I found the choice of theme to be saccharine to the point of nausea.

The dominant viewing angle appears to be “inside L”, where the cobra roll is beneath the predrop turn. There is no path over the cobra roll, as this section is contained inside the go-kart track, which nicely frames the elements. Otter managed to send the karts under the loop, the barrel roll, under the turnaround into the MCBR, and under a corkscrew, which feels excellently composed. Makes me wish otter had chosen any other genre and item set.

I think that is realistically all I have to say. I found the viewing experience unpleasant, so I have to remember all the times that otter made me fall in love with him. Talent shines through, but we all have to accept that some things just aren’t meant to be - like me enjoying this item set. Or theme. Or music.

SCORE: 60% against all odds

As part of this series reviewing the fantastic NEDC6 entries, I will enter into a commentary on how the builders have decided to approach using Pacificoaster’s layout, and how those decisions compare and contrast one another. I encourage reading all my reviews on NEDC6 to get the most out of this more fragmentary commentary you will find interspersed here if you find this interesting or desire clarity.

Wellspring Gardener shows that Lurker can wrestle with the big dogs without compromising their own style. And in fact, I think that it is that style that brings the strength to this entry. A blend of NCSO with a modest selection of custom objects, this entry displays a classic sensibility where composition is the name of the game.

I believe the main viewing angle to be “inside L”, where the cobra roll appears beneath the predrop curve. Instead of path over the cobra roll, there is a bridge through the diveloop. The ride is effectively trenched through from the first drop, with several elements diving into wellsprings and over rocky outcroppings. A small path winds through the course to offer layer separation.

The theme is achieved effortlessly - a medieval paradise in a wasteland. This optimistic theme works perfectly with Lurker’s storybook building style, where his small scale and narrow paths harken a more simple world. The yellow of the track helps it pop while the rest of the entry uses more modest, muted colours. I feel as though this entry should have been less effective than it ended up being, and I think this is due to Lurker’s compositional eye. Each moment is very well framed, without much obstruction from nearby features. The result is incredibly readable and just delightful to look through.

I think the thing that would have pushed this entry into the higher tiers would be some braver choices. At the end of the day, this is an exemplar of the Lurker signature, but still lands comfortably within that realm. I think some bigger swings, perhaps incorporating some braver macro elements, could push your game to the next level without changing what makes you you. Perhaps an uncomplicated entry, but as I’ve stated in other reviews, you can’t argue with solid fundamentals. And nor should you.

Score: 80% presented in a tiny tiny box

As part of this series reviewing the fantastic NEDC6 entries, I will enter into a commentary on how the builders have decided to approach using Pacificoaster’s layout, and how those decisions compare and contrast one another. I encourage reading all my reviews on NEDC6 to get the most out of this more fragmentary commentary you will find interspersed here if you find this interesting or desire clarity.

What is it with this character and witches and moss? At least we know what to get AJ for christmas. A fairly modest entry with solid fundamentals, Metal Moss shows that AJ has their own defiant style. A tasteful blend of NCSO and specific CSO additions, this makes for a classic feel with a more modern sheen. The castles are tastefully composed, and the motif of the roman pillar with flowers on top is a really cute choice.

I believe the main viewing angle is “inside L”, where the cobra roll appears beneath the predrop curve. We, of course, have a path which crosses the track where the cobra roll begins and ends. This moment is nicely framed on an island formed by the rapids ride. The layout is artfully framed dancing over and under the curtain walls, providing ample context for the coaster. I don’t think it necessarily pushes the envelope, but shows good instinct nonetheless.

The rapids ride is a surprisingly harmonious supporting ride. With a final splash framed by the diagonal bridge as you enter the area, the ride provides enough interest, even if it isn’t mindblowing. I think the main thing I have to say is that I recognise the skill, but my interest isn’t necessarily fully captured.

Overall I find this to be an incredibly competent submission displaying AJ’s style and confidence. It didn’t, however, leave me astounded. I would have loved to see some of the macro ideas pushed even further to really accentuate the strengths of your style. Always looking forward to whatever you build us next.

Score: 75% except presented by a moss covered witch