Just two years ago later this year we were there in the queue for that final ride on Nemesis with a whole combination of emotions of sadness but excitement for the future. During 2023 we often popped into Alton Towers to purely check out the construction of Nemesis with that fab platform overlooking the site. And eventually got to experience it the other day! So, let’s deep dive into our opinions on the fresher model of the absolute iconic UK rollercoaster.
The Area:
Stepping into the area that Nemesis lives in is a whole new world in comparison to how it once was. You head into Forbidden Valley now and it’s like you’re entering a new universe (until you get to the bottom end). The Phalanx has well and truly taken over. There’s so much to notice and explore now. Heading down to the Plaza of Nemesis is beautiful. The track itself has taken a whole different direction and intensely transformed the theming aspect altogether. Then onto the virtual theming components that have been added like the eye on the station Nemesis has finally been given the storytelling through theming it’s always deserved but just didn’t get. I never predicted such a fierce difference in appearance.
Queue Line & Soundtrack:
Okay, the older queue line was a lot less gruelling on the legs. However, the new queue line quite plainly has the most spectacular views of any of the Alton Towers rides. You head up and around but the perspectives of the coaster itself are just tremendous and unique. On busier days it feels wrong to walk past so many beautiful picturesque views. It’s nice to also have some sort of theming within the queue line although admittedly I can’t say I took all that much notice of such due to being blown away by the coaster views themselves. So, I think that’s a win but loose in the same sense. I also really loved the descended bits of the queue that are almost like little viewing platforms. The new layout for all queues is so much better too. There’s an obvious path for each guest and their queue whether you’re an ambulant RAP user, fast track user or entering the general queue. It’s very apparent and caters to everyone without the ambulant RAP users losing out on the views you’d get from the general queue. But it flows better too.
To be entirely honest I really can’t say I notice the new soundtrack. However, I did admire those extra sounds within the area to heighten the all-around experience. They did precisely what they were put there to do.
The Station:
The original station was relatively bland and didn’t really have much to it. Not really any theming or atmospheric lightning just nothing of the kind to compliment the ride itself. However, the new version is genuinely fantastic. I was gobsmacked by how much change has taken place. The lighting is so moody. The extra theming elements like the veins etc just make the story more fascinating and initiate a really drastic vibe. Admittedly the loss of the front row queue is a little pants but understandable too. The new organisation of the exiting and RAP entrance is miles better as well. The whole experience within the station just felt more organised although I do prefer the selection of seats but can entirely appreciate why that’s not the case within the first year of reopening.
The Ride Itself:
This is a strange one for me. I’ve always really enjoyed Nemesis it’s always had that intensity that doesn’t quite reach to other UK coasters at that time. However, I had a row 6 ride which almost felt too tame for Nemesis. There’s no denying the new track is an improvement on the smoothness to some extent. However, that last corner into the brake run what’s with that? It was so jumpy/bouncy it wasn’t comfortable at all! The OG Nemmy never had that? However, the remainder of the layout was slick and fun but wouldn’t say it felt the same as to be expected given the brand new track. I’m convinced it’s based on the row we had which made it feel that way.
I do think a back row would have been ace. The added bits of theming around the area have really made the ride experience more thrilling and exciting. With regard to the bizarre sensation on that final bank into the brakes, I’m very baffled about that sensation. The outer seat didn’t seemingly have it. Let me know if you’ve also experienced what I’ve described.
Which is Better?
Oddly enough for the intensity, I do miss the OG version. However, the rest of the factors of Nemesis Reborn are just lovely. I feel having the row we had did take away from what it truly has to deliver and I’m definitely enthusiastic to grab another ride on a different row (hopefully) for a fair impression. What the team have done from the minute it was announced this would be happening, the marketing, the colour scheme, the storytelling of the area & ride, the additional theming… they all need to be damn proud of themselves and deserve some pay rises because it really has been the most astonishing marketing I’ve ever seen and the area looks extraordinary.
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Thank you for reading & let me know your thoughts on the transformed Nemesis!