The Jurassic Park franchise has captivated fans for decades. There’s the ongoing film series, the animated television shows on Netflix, the numerous video games, and of course, the many theme park attractions at Universal Studios destinations worldwide.
Now, the magic of Jurassic is coming to “Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024”.
“Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024”, described as “the most technologically advanced” game of its kind to date, allows players “to create flight plans anywhere on the planet and experience real-time atmospheric simulation”. The official website’s description reads:
“From light planes to wide-body jets, fly highly detailed and accurate aircraft in the next generation of ‘Microsoft Flight Simulator’. Test your piloting skills against the challenges of night flying, real-time atmospheric simulation, and live weather in a dynamic and living world. Create your flight plan to anywhere on the planet. The world is at your fingertips.”
Now, in collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences, Orbx has unveiled “Jurassic World: Archipelago”, an officially licensed add-on that lets you fly over Isla Nublar (as seen in Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, and Fallen Kingdom) and the five islands of the fictional archipelago known as Cinco Muertes: Isla Sorna (as seen in The Lost World and Jurassic Park III), Isla Matanceros, Isla Muerta, Isla Tacaño, and Isla Pena.
It also includes real-world Costa Rican locations like Juan SantamarÃa Airport and Herradura Bay Marina.
Check out the official trailer below:
“Jurassic World: Archipelago” — What To Expect
The add-on is set just before the events of Jurassic World (2015), with the islands captured at a moment when the titular park is operational but “not everything is under control”.
“Isla Nublar hums with activity: monorails weave through the jungle, the Innovation Center stands tall, and the island is ready for guests,” the website’s description reads.
“Meanwhile, Isla Sorna remains untouched – its abandoned structures slowly being reclaimed by nature. Fly between islands, land at iconic locations, and take on aviation challenges like VIP Transport and Guided Tour. You can even head to the mainland, complete with a custom ferry port and upgraded international airport, including a Jurassic World inspired VIP terminal.”
During their journeys and explorations, players can expect to see all sorts of dinosaur species, including fan-favorites such as Stegosaurus, Velociraptor, and Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Related: Universal’s Latest ‘Jurassic Park’ Addition Has Fans Roaring : Disney Fanatic
Why Isn’t There a Jurassic Park Simulator Experience at Universal Studios?
While this announcement has left Jurassic Park fans very excited, we can’t help but wonder why there’s no “simulator”-style attraction at Universal Studios.
After all, Disney World has Avatar Flight of Passage, the immersive, breath-taking 3D flight simulator ride with a wrap-around screen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But why hasn’t Universal tapped into the hugely popular Jurassic Park franchise for something similar?
Where Jurassic is concerned, Universal currently offers roller coasters (VelociCoaster), log flume rides (Jurassic World: The Ride, etc.), and immersive themed areas.
A simulator attraction would demand space, cost, and maintenance that may not align with Universal’s long-term plans. And besides, all the existing attractions, from Jurassic Park: The Ride to VelociCoaster, already draw huge crowds without such an experience.
So, while Flight of Passage allows guests to swoop through Pandora, at least Jurassic fans will have soon have “Jurassic World: Archipelago,” which may prove a lot more immersive.
When Is “Jurassic World: Archipelago” Available To Buy?
According to the website, “Jurassic World: Archipelago” will be available around the end of August/beginning of September. Visit the website’s FAQs for more information.
The upcoming simulator isn’t the only Jurassic experience you can sink your teeth into. The latest film in the series, Jurassic World Rebirth (2025), is currently showing in theaters and streaming digitally. And later this year, Chaos Theory Season 4 will premiere on Netflix and the third game in the “Jurassic World Evolution” game series will be released.
Are you excited about “Jurassic World: Archipelago”? Let us know what you think!
