Sega R360Z
| Sega R360Z | |
|---|---|
 | |
| AKA | R360Z; Transformers: Human Alliance Special |
| Type | Motion simulator |
| Released | 2015 |
The Sega R360Z is a two-person full-motion simulator introduced by Sega in 2015 for the attraction:
Transformers: Human Alliance Special
The machine revives the basic concept of Sega's original R360 from 1990, using a spherical cockpit capable of rotating the riders through a full 360 degrees.
Unlike the original single-seat R360, the R360Z accommodates:
two riders
in the same moving pod.
The R360Z is primarily documented at Tokyo Joypolis, where multiple units operate together as part of Transformers: Human Alliance Special. Sega/Joypolis describes each ride as holding two people, with five machines operating simultaneously for a maximum of ten riders. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
History
The original R360 was introduced in 1990 as an extreme motion-simulator cabinet capable of rotating a player through 360 degrees on multiple axes.
In 2015 Sega returned to the concept for:
Transformers: Human Alliance Special
at Tokyo Joypolis.
Contemporary arcade coverage describes the new machine as a redesigned or updated R360 concept, while surviving machines are physically marked:
R360Z
on the lower structure. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
The attraction opened at Tokyo Joypolis on:
18 July 2015
and represented a substantially modernised interpretation of the original R360 idea. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Design
The R360Z consists of a large enclosed spherical motion pod mounted within a fixed support structure.
Major visible features include:
- Enclosed spherical cockpit
- Two-person seating
- Full-body safety restraints
- Twin player control positions
- Illuminated exterior trim
- Transformers-specific yellow and black exterior
- Full 360-degree motion
- Fixed external loading platform and safety barriers
The machine differs substantially in appearance from the original R360, despite retaining the same fundamental concept of physically rotating the player in response to the game.
Two-player cockpit
One of the most significant differences from the original R360 is capacity.
The original R360 was designed for:
one rider
whereas the R360Z seats:
two riders
inside the same moving capsule. Contemporary coverage specifically highlighted this as a major development over the earlier machine. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Each rider is secured by a substantial harness and seat restraint.
Motion system
Tokyo Joypolis describes the attraction as rotating:
- Forward and backward
- Left and right
- Through a full 360 degrees
while the players shoot enemies appearing on screen. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
The arrangement therefore continues the defining concept of the original R360: the entire player compartment moves rather than merely the seat or control panel.
The exact motor specifications, axis drive system and mechanical limits have not yet been located in public factory documentation.
Controls
The R360Z version of Transformers: Human Alliance Special uses simplified shooting controls designed for operation while the cockpit is rotating.
Contemporary reports describe each rider as using controls attached to the restraint area, including:
- Aiming control
- Fire triggers
The attraction automatically controls the pod's movement rather than giving the players direct control of the simulator itself. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Transformers: Human Alliance Special
The R360Z was developed for:
Transformers: Human Alliance Special
a motion-attraction version of Sega's earlier arcade shooter:
Transformers: Human Alliance
The attraction places the players alongside characters from the Transformers franchise while fighting Decepticons.
Tokyo Joypolis specifically mentions:
- Bumblebee
- Optimus Prime
- Megatron
and describes the attraction as an interactive shooting experience using visual displays and player controls combined with the rotating pod. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Tokyo Joypolis installation
Tokyo Joypolis currently lists:
5 R360Z rides
operating simultaneously.
Each carries:
2 riders
giving a maximum simultaneous capacity of:
10 people
The official attraction page states that the machines do not provide networked competitive play between pods. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Earlier reports from shortly after launch documented three pods, indicating that the installation was later expanded. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Ride duration
Tokyo Joypolis gives the complete attraction duration as approximately:
10 minutes
This includes the ride cycle and operating procedure rather than necessarily ten minutes of active gameplay. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Safety
Because the complete cockpit rotates through 360 degrees, riders are restrained within the capsule.
Contemporary reports describe:
- Safety harnesses
- Seat restraints
- Controlled loading area
- External safety barriers
The R360Z therefore continues the strong safety emphasis of Sega's original R360 installations, although its mechanical and restraint systems are substantially redesigned for the two-person pod.
Relationship to R360
The R360Z is widely described as the successor or modern revival of the:
The two systems share the central feature of full 360-degree cockpit rotation, but the later machine differs considerably.
| Feature | Sega R360 | Sega R360Z |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 1990 | 2015 |
| Riders | 1 | 2 |
| Cockpit | Open / semi-open | Enclosed spherical pod |
| Motion | Full multi-axis 360-degree rotation | Full multi-axis 360-degree rotation |
| Player control of motion | Game dependent | Automatic ride motion |
| Associated software | Several Sega titles | Transformers: Human Alliance Special |
The designation:
R360Z
is physically visible on surviving machines, confirming that Sega retained the original R360 naming lineage rather than this being solely a later collector nickname. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Specifications
Factory technical specifications such as dimensions, weight, motor power, display size and electrical consumption have not yet been located in publicly available Sega documentation.
Known details are:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sega |
| Model | R360Z |
| Year | 2015 |
| Type | Full-motion simulator / attraction |
| Capacity | 2 riders per pod |
| Motion | 360-degree rotation, fore/aft and left/right |
| Associated software | Transformers: Human Alliance Special |
| Installation | Multiple-pod attraction |
Gallery
-
R360Z units at Tokyo Joypolis -
Multiple R360Z pods in the Tokyo Joypolis installation -
Transformers: Human Alliance Special attraction area -
R360Z motion pod
External Links
- Tokyo Joypolis - Transformers: Human Alliance Special
- Wikimedia Commons - R360Z at Tokyo Joypolis
- Arcade Heroes - 2015 launch coverage
