[quote="kebab"] [u:2i0eh9z8][b:2i0eh9z8]AIR - Alton Towers Review[/b:2i0eh9z8][/u:2i0eh9z8] [b:2i0eh9z8]"Described as an engineering breakthrough, 'Worlds First Flying Coaster' AIR pushes the possibilities of what a Rollercoaster can do; to a whole new level"[/b:2i0eh9z8] Back in 1992, Mr John Wardley (the man responsible for designing Nemesis, Oblivion and AIR) had a vision, something that would bring the world of Rollercoasters into another dimension. Working with Rollercoaster kingpin company [i:2i0eh9z8]'Bolliger and Mabillard'[/i:2i0eh9z8], The Towers birthed what was to be the most [u:2i0eh9z8]innovative[/u:2i0eh9z8] and [u:2i0eh9z8]exciting[/u:2i0eh9z8] coaster of the 1990's, [b:2i0eh9z8]Nemesis[/b:2i0eh9z8]. Groundbreaking in design as well as culture, Wardley described Nemesis as a sensation of flying, with the combination of suspended trains, inversions and terrain-hugging near misses, it set a new mark within the industry. 10 years later, we're back with a remotely similar scenario. It was a concept Wardley had in mind for many years, and took an [i:2i0eh9z8]extensive[/i:2i0eh9z8] amount of planning to design, again, the park worked with pioneers B&M for this project, it was codenamed [i:2i0eh9z8]'Secret Weapon 5'[/i:2i0eh9z8]... A.K.A The [i:2i0eh9z8]'Worlds First Flying Coaster'[/i:2i0eh9z8] [i:2i0eh9z8]Aerial Inversion Ride[/i:2i0eh9z8] or better known as simply; [b:2i0eh9z8]AIR[/b:2i0eh9z8]. The concept left enthusiasts in awe, as compared to Nemesis in which you are just suspended, AIR also tilts you face-down into a [i:2i0eh9z8]'Superman'[/i:2i0eh9z8] position, which gives a whole new element to riding a Rollercoaster. It truly is groundbreaking, probably [i:2i0eh9z8]more-so[/i:2i0eh9z8] than Nemesis. AIR is located within the [b:2i0eh9z8]'Forbidden Valley'[/b:2i0eh9z8] area of the park, neighbouring the iconic Nemesis, it seems like an unusual location for it's aesthetics and theme, but contrasts beautifully within it's dark, grim surroundings. Approaching AIR on a sunny day is a treat to the eye, the vibrant yet subtle light blue track glimmers in the background of the valley, with The Towers signature lush greenery supporting it. It is also one of the tallest Rollercoaster in the park, reaching a height of [b:2i0eh9z8]65 feet[/b:2i0eh9z8] (Alton Towers have a strict height restriction, they are forced to build below tree height!), but doesn't appear intimidating. Whereas Nemesis makes use of its underground trenches and near-misses, AIR takes advantage of it's surrounding paths and soars above guests heads! Unlike Nemesis and Oblivion, AIR doesn't have any underlying themes and background stories, this maybe underwhelming since Alton Towers are [u:2i0eh9z8]so[/u:2i0eh9z8] good with their concepts, but I think AIR seems fine without it. The one aspect I find underwhelming about it's appearance, is that it looks bland, and their are so many spots within the layout that has absolutely [u:2i0eh9z8]nothing[/u:2i0eh9z8] but green to look at, sure it looks nice, but at least throw in a river of blood or deadly looking traps! The one thing that keeps me going throughout the queue however, (more than anything else in the park) is it's [u:2i0eh9z8]fantastic[/u:2i0eh9z8] soundtrack. The combination of that sci-fi atmosphere, swishing synth and trippy bassline makes queuing for AIR an [i:2i0eh9z8]almost[/i:2i0eh9z8] lucid experience. The seats are [u:2i0eh9z8]fantastic[/u:2i0eh9z8], and although it tilts you into what would be an excruciatingly uncomfortable position, is saved by the cushiony Neoprene jacket that cuddles you into place. From then on you are brought into the dark depths of a tunnel, before climbing up the 82 foot high lift hill. The first drop and fly-to-lie segment provide some [u:2i0eh9z8]joyous sensations[/u:2i0eh9z8], and whilst not as intense as it's neighbouring [u:2i0eh9z8]powerhouse[/u:2i0eh9z8] Nemesis, AIR delivers an [u:2i0eh9z8]elegant[/u:2i0eh9z8] and [u:2i0eh9z8]smooth[/u:2i0eh9z8] ride. AIR shamefully loses all of it's momentum after the small tunnel section (one of the the highlight moments, where you feel literally [i:2i0eh9z8]inches[/i:2i0eh9z8] away from the ground!), and then slowly meanders its way around the layout and back into the station. Whilst AIR has a relatively [u:2i0eh9z8]strong[/u:2i0eh9z8] first half, the second half is weak, however the layout homes some of the most [u:2i0eh9z8]interesting[/u:2i0eh9z8] and [u:2i0eh9z8]unique[/u:2i0eh9z8] elements in the rollercoaster world to date. Whilst not as culturally impacting as Nemesis, AIR is an excellent addition to Altons line-up and will continue to harness massive queues! The sensation of flying is very unique, especially within the United Kingdom, so AIR is a true gem to have here in the Midlands. I've always had a soft spot for AIR, and while it doesn't offer the most intense adrenaline-pumping journey, the smooth, lucid experience of flying continues to blow me away. Good going Alton Towers! [b:2i0eh9z8]8/10[/b:2i0eh9z8] ___ Haven't got a great picture, but here it is anyway! [img:2i0eh9z8]http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/553493_10150906452419044_517980726_n.jpg[/img:2i0eh9z8] [/quote]

[quote="attackhammer"] I love Air, it really feels like your flying. [/quote]

[quote="coastergeek14"] amazing experience. I loved every single second of it, inverting on the ride is sensational. Perhaps one of the most memorable rides ever. 10/10 [/quote]

[quote="mattercoaster"] This ride is just pure genius! especially on a sunny blue sky day! loved it! my Mum aint the biggest coaster fan and even she was having a whale of a time on it!! M [/quote]