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Tatsu became my very first B&M flying coaster experience (I have since ridden S:UF at Great Adventure), and it was a great experience at that. Even before riding, you know that Tatsu has changed Magic Mountain forever, as the entrance plaza is no longer dominated by fountains and Revolutions sole vertical loop. Now, Tatsus orange track towers over everything, swooping gracefully yet imposingly around the hillside. Though the ride is technically part of Samurai Summit, it is nice that you dont have to climb the hill to reach it. The line forms at the bottom of the stairway, next to Roaring Rapids. Though it does take a while to load each train, the dual station and three-train operation kept the queue length very reasonable. The trains look quite sleek with great dragon designs, and the seats are nice and comfortable, with over-the-shoulder restraints and barely noticeable ankle restraints. Its funny to see peoples reactions as the seats get lifted into the flying position, and I found the sensation to be quite interesting myself. Now on to the ride. The lift is located on the Samurai Summit hill, so its not obvious right at first how high you are. However, at the top, the hill drops away and you are face to the ground--and its a long way down! The Roaring Rapids river is just a trickle from this view. There is a small drop to allow the train to pick up some speed, which is neat as you are pointed head-first. Then begins all the swooping glory that is Tatsu. Its hard to differentiate all of the elements when youre in this position (I dont know how the birds do it), but it really doesnt matter, as the thrill is just to be soaring so far above everything. The dragon carries us around the Sky Tower, rolls us around on our backs a couple of times to face the sky, and glides through a few other unique elements. However, the definitive Tatsu stamp of excellence comes near the very end with the pretzel loop. Now, I had heard that this was a powerful inversion, but for some reason I just couldnt believe that it could be all that bad. But holy $#!%. This manuever turned the dragons serene flight into a fit of rage. This is the one element that you can see as you approach it, and as soon as you are plunged into it, you know the meaning of positive g-forces. Until now, Goliaths signature helix has held the title of most intense roller coaster forces I have experienced. Well, thats changed. The whole way--diving into the loop, careening along the bottom, and pulling out of it--was just pure head-rushing insanity. Prepare yourself, and this will be some of the best insanity of your life. As if to say "Im not finished with you yet," the dragon flips us through one final heartline inversion before dropping us off at the station. I will forever be an X fanatic, but Tatsu does take a place of honor as the best B&M coaster at Magic Mountain, and most certainly the best B&M flying coaster in operation.
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