Here’s the best thing you’ll see today, and probably all week: custom RollerCoaster Tycoon coasters synchronized to “Defying Gravity,” the biggest song from Wicked (specifically the recent film adaptation of the Broadway musical).
Tube Cody, who uploads Rollercoaster Tycoon and The Sims videos, is the designer.
The entire, nearly 8-minute song from the film is here with only a few edits to keep it in sync (though the full unedited video is apparently pretty close, and available via Cody’s Patreon). The coasters were built in a blank map using OpenRCT2, an open source update of RollerCoaster Tycoon 2.
According to Reddit, Tube Cody was inspired by the synchronized RCT2 coaster of “Bohemian Rhapsody” from 2020 (another infamously long song), by ChuggersRCT.
Cody’s custom coaster is extra impressive as he built two dueling coasters, representing Glinda and Elpheba. The pink and green steel coasters cleverly intertwine, then separate, throughout the iconic song.
I won’t spoil it, but there are some awesome surprises and clever nods throughout the performance. A real treat for Wicked fans!
For curious RCT fans, Cody posted the stats of the two coasters. Both feature over 9 minutes of ride-length, and Intensity ratings well over 20 (needless to say, the green coaster is way more intense!). If he ever opens the park, I don’t think anyone would be willing to give them a ride (or survive the experience!).
OpenRCT2 is free for owners of RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 or RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic on PC. RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic is also available on consoles.