Difference between revisions of "Halfpipe Canyon"

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{{Bob
 
{{Bob
| image=Halfpipecanyon.jpg
+
| logo=HalfpipeCanyonLogo.png
| publisher=[[Sega]]
+
| image=TJP Halfpipe Canyon.jpg
 +
| publisher=[[Sega Enterprises, Ltd.]]
 
| developer=[[Sega AM5]]
 
| developer=[[Sega AM5]]
| players=2-4 (original), 4-8 (''Halfpipe Tokyo'')
+
| system=[[Large attraction]]
 +
| players=2-4
 
| genre=
 
| genre=
| releases={{releases
+
| releases={{releasesArcade
| arcade_date_jp=1996-07-12 (original)
+
| large_date_jp=1996-07-12{{magref|ssmjp|1996-13|43}}
| arcade_date_uk=2012 (''Halfpipe Tokyo'')
+
| large_date_ch=2006-05-26
 +
| large_date_uae=2009-08-21
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
{{sub-stub}}'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is an interactive ride created by [[Sega]] in 1996 for its flagship theme park, [[Tokyo Joypolis]]. In 2009, the ride was also installed as a major attraction at [[Sega Republic]].{{ref|http://blogs.sega.com/2009/08/21/sega-republic-opens-in-dubai/}}
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' (ハーフパイプキャニオン) is a [[large attraction]] developed by [[Sega AM5]]. Engineered by head planner [[Hiroshi Uemura]] to simulate a large skateboarding experience{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20131205183851/https://sega.jp/fb/creators/vol_13/1.html}} and installed as one of the first main attractions of the flagship [[Tokyo Joypolis]] indoor theme park in July 1996,{{magref|gamemachinejp|524|1}} a downsized iteration would later make appearances at other facilities, such as [[Sega Republic]] in Dubai.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20091006062541/http://www.segarepublic.com:80/attractions_attractions9.html}} It has since been remodelled at the original Tokyo location to become ''[[Halfpipe Tokyo]]''.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20120814145751/http://tokyo-joypolis.com/attraction/1st/veil.html}}
  
==Gameplay==
+
==Ride experience==
Two teams of two riders each strap onto a large "skateboard", which swings back and forth on a 7 meter tall halfpipe at speeds of 40 km/h. As with all [[Sega]] rides, ''Halfpipe Canyon'' includes an interactive element: when the skateboard reaches the top of its swing, teams gain points for stomping left-right-left-right on the board's footpedals in sychronization. If the players time their stomps correctly, the board does a 360 degree spin, and the team wins points. At the end of the ride, the team with the most points wins.{{ref|https://towersstreet.com/talk/threads/arabian-adventure-ferarri-world-more.3372/}}
+
[[File:Halfpipe Canyon 1996 2.jpg|thumb|left]]
 +
''Halfpipe Canyon'' can be best described as a stand-up pendulum ride combined with a two-player skateboarding game. Structurally and motionally, the attraction most resembles a [[wikipedia:pendulum ride|pendulum ride]], however a key difference setting ''Halfpipe Canyon'' apart from these is the titular 8 meter high halfpipe.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19961224110028if_/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/tokyo/pipe.html}} With its series of four large skateboard-like structures which move through large arms connected an upper ride mechanism operated by computer control, riders swing back and forth with a maximum tilt angle of 80 degrees.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19961224110028if_/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/tokyo/pipe.html}} The boards employ underside tires and an enclosed track to ensure smooth movement.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19961224110028if_/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/tokyo/pipe.html}}
 +
 
 +
As with many attractions developed by Sega, ''Halfpipe Canyon'' includes a physical interactive element. When players' skateboards reach the top of its swing at a maximum speed of 36 km/h,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19961224110028if_/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/tokyo/pipe.html}} their team gains points for stomping left-right-left-right on the board's foot pedals in sychronization. If the players time their stomps correctly, the board performs a 360 degree spin, and the team wins points, displayed on a series of monitors. Naturally, the team with the most points by the end of the ride's 2-minute duration are declared winners.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19961224110028if_/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/tokyo/pipe.html}} When originally installed, ''Halfpipe Canyon'' also made use of a DJ booth playing current dance music.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19961224110028if_/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/tokyo/pipe.html}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 +
===Development===
 +
[[File:Halfpipe_Canyon_concept.jpg|thumb|right|''High Jive'' concept art]]
 +
In 1994, [[Sega]] launched its [[Amusement Theme Park]] concept of interactive indoor theme parks, with pilot store [[Osaka ATC Galbo]] and then-flagship [[Yokohama Joypolis]].{{fileref|Amusement Theme Park JP Booklet.pdf}} Though the latter was claimed to be the first full-scale location opened under the ATP concept to properly differentiate itself from mere game centers,{{magref|gamemachinejp|479|14}} few large rides identifiably similar to those in outdoor theme parks could be found within it - one main attraction, ''[[Virtua Formula]]'', was little more than a super-sized version of Sega's ''[[Virtua Racing]]'' coin-op. As a result, [[Sega AM5]] intended to create an attraction which would attempt to move past these limitations.{{magref|segamagjp|8|38}}
 +
 +
One of the large projects envisaged by [[Hiroshi Uemura]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20131205183851/https://sega.jp/fb/creators/vol_13/1.html}}{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710160857/https://astamuse.com/ja/patent/published/person/6476097?queryYear=1998}} for the next full-scale ATP site, Tokyo Joypolis, was an attraction similar to the large [[wikipedia:Pendulum ride|pendulum]]-type rides found in numerous outdoor theme parks.{{magref|segamagjp|8|38}} Uemura and other developers noted their similarity in movement with the sport of skateboarding in halfpipes, and eventually established this as the concept to work around, believing it would add an element of cultural credibility.{{magref|segamagjp|8|38}} Provisionally titled ''High Jive'', early elements of the attraction included an enclosed area on one side and boards for each individual rider, though these were removed due to space requirements.{{magref|segamagjp|8|38}}
 +
 +
===Release===
 +
[[File:Halfpipedubai.jpg|thumb|left|''Halfpipe Canyon'' exterior at [[Sega Republic]], circa 2009]]
 +
After a press preview featuring the attraction held on the 10th,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210710152638/https://www.shutterstock.com/editorial/image-editorial/japan-sega-themepark-tokyo-japan-7285386a}} ''Halfpipe Canyon'' first became publicly accessible on the opening day of Tokyo Joypolis, 12 July.{{magref|ssmjp|1996-10|32}} As one of the main attractions of the park's initial "First Impression" floor and located to the immediate right of the entrance, the ride received significant attention from most visitors and press.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/19961224105841if_/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/tokyo/impress.html}} ''Halfpipe Canyon'', ''[[Power Sled]]'', and ''[[Time Fall]]'' were subsequently filmed for the 18/09/1996 edition of ''[[Famitsu]]'' television series ''[[Game Catalog II]]'' for a series of challenges hosted by [[wikipedia:Hikaru Ijūin|Hikaru Ijūin]].{{fileref|Game_Catalog_II_Halfpipe_Canyon.mp4}}
 +
 +
''Halfpipe Canyon'' remained exclusive to the flagship Tokyo location for a number of years, however the first instance of it appearing outside of the park occurred in 1998, when a downsized 4 player version was supplied to the Hokkaido branch of the Sugai Dinos entertainment center chain.{{ref|https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19980701p.pdf}} Though it is not known when this edition was removed, the same model was likely later relocated to the new Sega-owned [[Players Arena]] in Shanghai during 2006, making it the first ''Halfpipe Canyon'' location outside of Japan.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210709195745/https://www.hanwa.co.jp/leisure/works/data/JS-07.pdf}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20051223112929/http://sega.jp/release/nr051206_4.html}} Another 4 player setup would appear at [[Sega Republic]] in Dubai during 2009;{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20091006062541/http://www.segarepublic.com:80/attractions_attractions9.html}} both venues are now closed.
 +
 
===Halfpipe Tokyo===
 
===Halfpipe Tokyo===
In 2012, the ''Halfpipe Canyon'' ride at [[Tokyo Joypolis]] was revamped as part of major renovations to the park. The new version of the ride is called '''''Halfpipe Tokyo''''' (ハーフパイプ トーキョー) and features futuristic LED accents, large LCD screens for displaying scores and videos, and a fast-paced electronic soundtrack consisting of songs by famous ''dojin'' artists, including Masayoshi Minoshima, members of IOSYS, Tsukasa, zts and others.{{ref|http://www.joshuatly.com/halfpipe-tokyo-sega-tokyo-joypolis-part-2/}}
+
[[File:Halfpipetokyo.jpg|thumb|right|''Halfpipe Tokyo'' exterior]]
 +
In July 2012, the original ''Halfpipe Canyon'' installation at Tokyo Joypolis was revamped as part of major renovations to the park. Renamed ''[[Halfpipe Tokyo]]'', the attraction was remodelled to feature LED accents, larger LCD screens for displaying scores and videos, and a electronic dance soundtrack consisting of songs by famous ''doujin'' artists, including Masayoshi Minoshima, members of IOSYS, Tsukasa, zts and others.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20140827140434/http://www.joshuatly.com/halfpipe-tokyo-sega-tokyo-joypolis-part-2/}}
  
An official soundtrack album for the ride was released by Joypolis as a digital download on Amazon and iTunes, combined with songs from the arcade title [[Maimai GreeN]], which shares much of ''Halfpipe Toyko's'' music.{{ref|https://www.amazon.com/HALFPIPE-Original-Soundtrack-Various-artists/dp/B00ADKS3VA/}} ''Halfpipe Tokyo'' also doubles the capacity of the original ''Halfpipe Canyon'', allowing four teams to play simultaneously.
+
An official soundtrack album for the revamped ride has been released by Sega as a digital download on Amazon and iTunes, combined with songs from ''[[Maimai GreeN]]'', which shares some of the music featured in it.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210710162650/https://www.amazon.com/HALFPIPE-Original-Soundtrack-Various-artists/dp/B00ADKS3VA/}} ''Halfpipe Tokyo'' also doubles the capacity of the original ''Halfpipe Canyon'', allowing four teams to play simultaneously.
 +
 
 +
===Locations===
 +
*[[Tokyo Joypolis]]
 +
*[[Players Arena]]
 +
*[[Sega Republic]]
 +
 
 +
==Patents==
 +
<gallery>
 +
1998015251.pdf|JPA 100152514
 +
1998015253.pdf|JPA 100152534
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
==Videos==
 +
<gallery>
 +
Game_Catalog_II_Halfpipe_Canyon.mp4|Footage from 18/09/1996 edition of ''[[Game Catalog II]]''
 +
Halfpipe Canyon 2010.mp4|[[Tokyo Joypolis]], 2010
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 +
 
 +
==Promotional material==
 +
<gallery>
 +
Tokyo Joypolis JP CM 2008.mp4|2008 Info-CX JP commercial
 +
</gallery>
  
 
==Artwork==
 
==Artwork==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
HalfpipeCanyonLogo.png|''Halfpipe Canyon'' logo.
+
Halfpipe Canyon logo old.gif|Old logo
Hptokyologo.jpg|''Halfpipe Tokyo'' logo.
+
HalfpipeCanyonLogo.png|Newer logo
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
==Photo gallery==
 
==Photo gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Halfpipedubai.jpg|''Halfpipe Canyon'' at [[Sega Republic]].
+
TJP Halfpipe Canyon.jpg|[[Tokyo Joypolis]], 1996
Halfpipetokyo.jpg|''Halfpipe Tokyo''.
+
Halfpipe Canyon 1996.jpg
 +
Halfpipe Canyon 1996 2.jpg
 +
HalfpipeCanyon sign 2004.jpeg|2004
 +
Halfpipe Canyon 2005.jpg|2005
 +
Halfpipe Canyon 2005 2.jpg
 +
Halfpipe Canyon 2009.jpg|2009
 +
Halfpipe Canyon Players Arena.jpg|[[Players Arena]], 2006
 +
Halfpipedubai.jpg|''Halfpipe Canyon'' at [[Sega Republic]]
 +
Halfpipecanyon.jpg
 +
Halfpipe Canyon Dubai.jpg
 +
Halfpipe Canyon Dubai 2.jpg
 +
Halfpipe Canyon Dubai 3.jpg
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
==External links==
 +
*[https://web.archive.org/web/19961224110028if_/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/tokyo/pipe.html 1996 sega.jp page]
 +
*[https://web.archive.org/web/19991009202503/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/atc/halfpc.html 1999 sega.jp page]
 +
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20011122001314/http://sega.jp/joypolis/a_halfpc.html 2001 sega.jp page]
 +
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20040810091303/http://sega.jp/joypolis/attraction/a_halfpc.html 2004 sega.jp page]
 +
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20091006062541/http://www.segarepublic.com:80/attractions_attractions9.html 2009 segarepublic.com page]
 +
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20091231175336/http://tokyo-joypolis.com/attraction/02.html 2009 tokyo-joypolis.com page]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
[[Category:Medium-scale attractions]]
+
{{LargeAttractions}}

Latest revision as of 22:58, 8 November 2024

n/a

HalfpipeCanyonLogo.png
TJP Halfpipe Canyon.jpg
Halfpipe Canyon
System(s): Large attraction
Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Developer:
Number of players: 2-4
Release Date RRP Code
Large attraction
JP
¥? ?

Halfpipe Canyon (ハーフパイプキャニオン) is a large attraction developed by Sega AM5. Engineered by head planner Hiroshi Uemura to simulate a large skateboarding experience[2] and installed as one of the first main attractions of the flagship Tokyo Joypolis indoor theme park in July 1996,[3] a downsized iteration would later make appearances at other facilities, such as Sega Republic in Dubai.[4] It has since been remodelled at the original Tokyo location to become Halfpipe Tokyo.[5]

Ride experience

Halfpipe Canyon 1996 2.jpg

Halfpipe Canyon can be best described as a stand-up pendulum ride combined with a two-player skateboarding game. Structurally and motionally, the attraction most resembles a pendulum ride, however a key difference setting Halfpipe Canyon apart from these is the titular 8 meter high halfpipe.[6] With its series of four large skateboard-like structures which move through large arms connected an upper ride mechanism operated by computer control, riders swing back and forth with a maximum tilt angle of 80 degrees.[6] The boards employ underside tires and an enclosed track to ensure smooth movement.[6]

As with many attractions developed by Sega, Halfpipe Canyon includes a physical interactive element. When players' skateboards reach the top of its swing at a maximum speed of 36 km/h,[6] their team gains points for stomping left-right-left-right on the board's foot pedals in sychronization. If the players time their stomps correctly, the board performs a 360 degree spin, and the team wins points, displayed on a series of monitors. Naturally, the team with the most points by the end of the ride's 2-minute duration are declared winners.[6] When originally installed, Halfpipe Canyon also made use of a DJ booth playing current dance music.[6]

History

Development

High Jive concept art

In 1994, Sega launched its Amusement Theme Park concept of interactive indoor theme parks, with pilot store Osaka ATC Galbo and then-flagship Yokohama Joypolis.[7] Though the latter was claimed to be the first full-scale location opened under the ATP concept to properly differentiate itself from mere game centers,[8] few large rides identifiably similar to those in outdoor theme parks could be found within it - one main attraction, Virtua Formula, was little more than a super-sized version of Sega's Virtua Racing coin-op. As a result, Sega AM5 intended to create an attraction which would attempt to move past these limitations.[9]

One of the large projects envisaged by Hiroshi Uemura[2][10] for the next full-scale ATP site, Tokyo Joypolis, was an attraction similar to the large pendulum-type rides found in numerous outdoor theme parks.[9] Uemura and other developers noted their similarity in movement with the sport of skateboarding in halfpipes, and eventually established this as the concept to work around, believing it would add an element of cultural credibility.[9] Provisionally titled High Jive, early elements of the attraction included an enclosed area on one side and boards for each individual rider, though these were removed due to space requirements.[9]

Release

Halfpipe Canyon exterior at Sega Republic, circa 2009

After a press preview featuring the attraction held on the 10th,[11] Halfpipe Canyon first became publicly accessible on the opening day of Tokyo Joypolis, 12 July.[12] As one of the main attractions of the park's initial "First Impression" floor and located to the immediate right of the entrance, the ride received significant attention from most visitors and press.[13] Halfpipe Canyon, Power Sled, and Time Fall were subsequently filmed for the 18/09/1996 edition of Famitsu television series Game Catalog II for a series of challenges hosted by Hikaru Ijūin.[14]

Halfpipe Canyon remained exclusive to the flagship Tokyo location for a number of years, however the first instance of it appearing outside of the park occurred in 1998, when a downsized 4 player version was supplied to the Hokkaido branch of the Sugai Dinos entertainment center chain.[15] Though it is not known when this edition was removed, the same model was likely later relocated to the new Sega-owned Players Arena in Shanghai during 2006, making it the first Halfpipe Canyon location outside of Japan.[16][17] Another 4 player setup would appear at Sega Republic in Dubai during 2009;[4] both venues are now closed.

Halfpipe Tokyo

Halfpipe Tokyo exterior

In July 2012, the original Halfpipe Canyon installation at Tokyo Joypolis was revamped as part of major renovations to the park. Renamed Halfpipe Tokyo, the attraction was remodelled to feature LED accents, larger LCD screens for displaying scores and videos, and a electronic dance soundtrack consisting of songs by famous doujin artists, including Masayoshi Minoshima, members of IOSYS, Tsukasa, zts and others.[18]

An official soundtrack album for the revamped ride has been released by Sega as a digital download on Amazon and iTunes, combined with songs from Maimai GreeN, which shares some of the music featured in it.[19] Halfpipe Tokyo also doubles the capacity of the original Halfpipe Canyon, allowing four teams to play simultaneously.

Locations

Patents

Videos

Magazine articles

Main article: Halfpipe Canyon/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Artwork

Photo gallery

External links

References

  1. Sega Saturn Magazine, "1996-13 (1996-08-09)" (JP; 1996-07-26), page 43
  2. 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/fb/creators/vol_13/1.html (Wayback Machine: 2013-12-05 18:38)
  3. Game Machine, "1996-08-15" (JP; 1996-08-15), page 1
  4. 4.0 4.1 http://www.segarepublic.com:80/attractions_attractions9.html (Wayback Machine: 2009-10-06 06:25)
  5. http://tokyo-joypolis.com/attraction/1st/veil.html (Wayback Machine: 2012-08-14 14:57)
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/tokyo/pipe.html (Wayback Machine: 1996-12-24 11:00)
  7. File:Amusement Theme Park JP Booklet.pdf
  8. Game Machine, "1994-09-01" (JP; 1994-09-01), page 14
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Sega Magazine, "1997-06 (1997-07, 08)" (JP; 1997-06-13), page 38
  10. https://astamuse.com/ja/patent/published/person/6476097?queryYear=1998 (Wayback Machine: 2021-07-10 16:08)
  11. https://www.shutterstock.com/editorial/image-editorial/japan-sega-themepark-tokyo-japan-7285386a (Wayback Machine: 2021-07-10 15:26)
  12. Sega Saturn Magazine, "1996-10 (1996-06-28)" (JP; 1996-06-14), page 32
  13. http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/atp/tokyo/impress.html (Wayback Machine: 1996-12-24 10:58)
  14. File:Game_Catalog_II_Halfpipe_Canyon.mp4
  15. https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19980701p.pdf
  16. https://www.hanwa.co.jp/leisure/works/data/JS-07.pdf (Wayback Machine: 2021-07-09 19:57)
  17. http://sega.jp/release/nr051206_4.html (Wayback Machine: 2005-12-23 11:29)
  18. http://www.joshuatly.com/halfpipe-tokyo-sega-tokyo-joypolis-part-2/ (Wayback Machine: 2014-08-27 14:04)
  19. https://www.amazon.com/HALFPIPE-Original-Soundtrack-Various-artists/dp/B00ADKS3VA/ (Wayback Machine: 2021-07-10 16:26)


Large attractions
Sega Super Circuit (1988) | CCD Cart (1990) | Cyber Dome (1990) | Ghost Hunters (1994) | Astronomicon (1994) | Virtual Shooting (1994) | VR-1 (1994) | Rail Chase: The Ride (1994) | Mad Bazooka (1994) | Aqua Nova (1996) | Halfpipe Canyon (1996) | Time Fall (1996) | Treasure Panic (1996) | The Crypt (1996) | Fortune Museum (1996) | Beast In Darkness (1996) | Weird Photo Studio (1996) | Sega Rally Special Stage (1996) | Super Ranking (1996) | Shocking Maze (1996) | Sega Touring Car Championship Special (1997) | Aquarena (1997) | Lost Cemetery (1997) | Drift Cart (1998) | Fortune Cave (1998) | Viva! Skydiving (2000) | Speed Boarder (2000) | Dark Chapel (2004) | Ikiningyou no Ma (2005) | Spin Bullet (2006) | Fortune Forest (2006) | Tsukutte Hashirou! Dekoboko Motors (2008) | Initial D Arcade Stage 4 Limited (No results?) | Sonic Hopper! (2009) | Lola and Carla the Beauty Contest (No results?) | Dekoboko Crane Company (2011) | Veil Of Dark (2012) | Halfpipe Tokyo (2012) | Ace Attorney in Joypolis (No results?) | Sonic Ghost Shooting (2013) | Psycho-Pass The Shooting (201x) | Zero Latency VR (No results?) | VR Ikiningyou no Ma (2016) | Gekion Live Coaster (2016) | Psycho-Pass The Shooting 2 (2016)