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Intensity: Difference between revisions
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Intensity represents the physical factors that guests experience during a ride. This sense of danger is what gives thrill-seekers the rush of adrenaline needed to enjoy rides. However, it is a fine line that must not be crossed, as coasters that are too dangerous are simply too dangerous. The primary factor in determining this is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-force G-force]. The games simulate the movement of ride trains along the track compared to acceleration and ride speed to calculate three metrics: Positive Vertical Gs, Negative Vertical Gs, and Lateral Gs.
Lateral G-forces are the most important factor, and having too high Lateral Gs can singlehandedly make a Roller Coaster unpopular. The default resting rate of a stationary coaster is 0 Lateral Gs, and this cannot go below 0. As a train goes around a curve, the rider is forced in the opposite direction, and thus a "sideways" force of gravity is felt. On the Graphs screen of a ride, "positive" Lateral Gs represent a force to right, while "negative" Lateral Gs represent a force to the left. In a ride's stats, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_value absolute value] of the highest Lateral G is displayed. The threshold for extreme Lateral Gs is between ~2.70 and 3.00, depending on the particular type of coaster. If a maximum Lateral G is too high, this number will be displayed in red and the Intensity rating will skyrocket. Banked curves can help alleviate this by diffusing much of the G-force, so banks should always be utilized when a train is moving fast. Also, using a curve with a larger radius can be more beneficial than using a curve with a small radius. Try to use the type of curve that is most appropriate for the speed of the train at any given moment.
Vertical Gs play a smaller role in determining a coaster's Intensity, but are important nonetheless. The default resting rate of a stationary coaster is a Vertical G-force of +1 (the normal rate of Earth's gravity). As a train moves upward, Vertical Gs increase, and as it moves downward, Vertical Gs decrease. At 0 Vertical Gs, a sense of weightlessness is achieved, hence the term "zero-gravity." A Vertical G-force of -1 means that a force is acting opposite to the usual direction of gravity. In other words, the rider is pulled up, not down. The total amount of time a coaster spends at or below 0 Vertical Gs is called 'air' time and is displayed on a ride's benchmark test. Vertical Gs can also reach extreme levels which can be detrimental to Excitement ratings, however these thresholds are much higher, being upwards of +5.00 Vertical Gs and -2.00 Vertical Gs, and are typically only achieved by building deliberately intense coasters.
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