‘Justice League’ ride — Watch NJ 101.5 staffers battle the forces of evil

JACKSON — It was a beautiful, sunny day in Metropolis. A crowd had gathered to welcome Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman...that's when the alarm sounded. The Joker and Lex Luthor were causing trouble and the Justice League needed a little help.

Fortunately, three staff members from New Jersey 101.5 happened to be on hand, ready to take on the forces of evil at Six Flags Great Adventure for the opening of "Justice League: Battle for Metropolis."

The 4D interactive ride features six-passenger cars and twist, tilt and turn through a 22,000-foot Hall of Justice that features wind, fire, mist and fog effects as well as life-like animatronic characters that had myself, meteorologist Dan Zarrow and producer Chris Swendeman feeling as though we were battling alongside DC Super Heroes Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Supergirl and Cyborg. At one point, we felt as though we had gone upside down. We could also feel the mist, heat and wind, while the virtual reality-type effects and constant motions and hairpin turns made this ride as thrilling as any major rollercoaster.

The experience actually starts outside the Hall of Justice in a section of Great Adventure that was recently renovated and transformed into Metropolis, complete with concessions, a gift shop, a phone booth (because Clark Kent has to have a place to change into his cape) and a gleaming marble statue of the Justice League.

Once inside, guests - who become members of the Justice League - put on special eyewear, board the cars, grab electronic pistols and help fight evil. Riders also battle each other for a high score (which, in our case, went to Dan Zarrow and one of the backseat passengers who shared the ride with us). It's like a 360-degree real-life meets virtual reality gaming experience that, according to Six Flags, has "state-of-the-art, real-time gaming elements including 600 virtual and tangible targets." I missed most of those targets but thankfully, Dan and Chris were quick on the trigger and had my back. I'll get 'em next time.

And in case you're interested here's a tip for new members of the Justice League riding for the first time: Pay close attention as you're waiting to board the ride. Watch the screen for direction on what types of targets to shoot at and how the scoring works. In the end though, Justice always prevails, which means the NJ 101.5 team managed to save Metropolis.

Toniann Antonelli is digital managing editor for programming at NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.