Six Flags Coaster Makeover Will Be Super, Man

The thrill machine that gets my nod as the best steel coaster on the planet (Earth and Krypton), Superman: Ride of Steel at Six Flags New England in Massachusetts, will be even more super next season. According to Six Flags, the hypercoaster will offer onboard audio (which will surely be adrenaline-inducing music), fire burst effects, and rehabbed trains when it opens in 2009. Superman already delivers two fog-filled underground tunnels to accompany its near-perfect medley of airtime-nirvana hills, helixes, and other coaster elements. The chain performed a similar, albeit more extensive, makeover of its X coaster (re-dubbed X²) at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The Eagles Life in the Fast Lane mine train coaster at Hard Rock Park features a surprise burst of fire at the conclusion of its ride.

I'm not the only one who places Superman: Ride of Steel in such high esteem. The trade publication, "Amusement Today," recently bestowed its 2008 Golden Ticket Award for the best steel coaster to the Six Flags New England hypercoaster.

• Superman: Ride of Steel Coaster Review
• The Top 10 Best Roller Coasers
• Six Flags New England Photo Gallery

Photo: Superman: Ride of Steel at Six Flags New England in Massachusetts. ©Arthur Levine, 2006. Licensed to About.com.