The Experience
Introduction
Abyssus is a 2021 Vekoma Shockwave model located at Energylandia in Poland. Energylandia was already well into its legendary coaster onslaught when management decided to secure the world's first installation of Vekoma's next-generation thrill design: the Shockwave. Given that the park already featured Formula - a smaller, modern Vekoma launch coaster - it is certainly interesting that they doubled down on a similar concept (though that head-scratching logic could be applied to many additions at Energylandia). However, in our opinion, Abyssus is easily the bigger and better of the two. Let us explain why.
Making Waves
Although Battlestar Galactica at Universal Studios Singapore was technically the first modern Vekoma thrill coaster to introduce their completely redesigned track system, Formula is widely recognized as the true poster boy for the "New Vekoma" era. Because of this, it feels entirely appropriate that the next major step in that design evolution would debut at the exact same park.
This massive Shockwave model was placed in the Aqualantis zone, located at what was then the far back end of the park. For Energylandia standards, the theming actually feels mostly finished - even if the park's chaotic, rapid-fire expansions make that a bit tough to discern at times. The coaster boasts a fantastic presentation; beyond the imposing scale of its individual elements, the aquatic-themed guest bridge cutting straight through the center of the coaster's signature Batwing inversion looks absolutely spectacular, especially when framed by the surrounding water fountains. It is an incredibly impressive-looking attraction that brings a wonderful visual energy to the surrounding area.
This massive Shockwave model was placed in the Aqualantis zone, located at what was then the far back end of the park. For Energylandia standards, the theming actually feels mostly finished - even if the park's chaotic, rapid-fire expansions make that a bit tough to discern at times. The coaster boasts a fantastic presentation; beyond the imposing scale of its individual elements, the aquatic-themed guest bridge cutting straight through the center of the coaster's signature Batwing inversion looks absolutely spectacular, especially when framed by the surrounding water fountains. It is an incredibly impressive-looking attraction that brings a wonderful visual energy to the surrounding area.
3 Course Meal
The actual ride experience on Abyssus plays out much like a classic three-course meal. The initial launch and the layout that follows serve as the starter. The launch delivers a decent initial yank, though it isn't overly forceful. From there, you cruise through a series of sweeping turns and low camelbacks, offering pleasant pops of airtime at a moderate pace.
The mid-course boost launch marks our entry into the main course. While the boost itself isn't a massive highlight - it lacks immediate punch but builds momentum toward the end to hit top speed - the elements it feeds into absolutely are. The towering top hat serves as a major high point, offering sweeping views followed by a wave of strong airtime. Next, you whip through a vertical loop before plunging into the signature Batwing. This inversion is the true star of the ride, diving beneath the guest bridge while pinning you to your seat with heavy positive forces. The main course then wraps up perfectly with the ride's strongest airtime hill.
By this point in the feast, you are already feeling pretty full, but Abyssus still treats you to a few light dessert elements. The layout winds down with a couple more airtime humps, a pair of helixes with decent positives, and a wonderfully floaty corkscrew before you finally hit the brake run.
The mid-course boost launch marks our entry into the main course. While the boost itself isn't a massive highlight - it lacks immediate punch but builds momentum toward the end to hit top speed - the elements it feeds into absolutely are. The towering top hat serves as a major high point, offering sweeping views followed by a wave of strong airtime. Next, you whip through a vertical loop before plunging into the signature Batwing. This inversion is the true star of the ride, diving beneath the guest bridge while pinning you to your seat with heavy positive forces. The main course then wraps up perfectly with the ride's strongest airtime hill.
By this point in the feast, you are already feeling pretty full, but Abyssus still treats you to a few light dessert elements. The layout winds down with a couple more airtime humps, a pair of helixes with decent positives, and a wonderfully floaty corkscrew before you finally hit the brake run.
Taking its Foot off the Gas
While Abyssus is undoubtedly a fantastic coaster - a fact that will be reflected in its final score - it is still not without its flaws. The layout is exceptionally long and features a massive arsenal of elements. However, if there is one thing keeping Abyssus from reaching true "elite" tier status, it is the fact that the ride occasionally feels like it is holding back.
The launches are somewhat average for a modern thrill coaster, and not every single element hits the mark. Several of the turns offer very little in the way of forces, and the small outer-banked hill later in the layout unfortunately ends up being a bit of a dud. Luckily, Abyssus throws enough elements at you that a few dead spots don't severely hurt the overall ride experience. That said, the argument that this layout suffers from a bit of unrealized potential is definitely a valid one.
The launches are somewhat average for a modern thrill coaster, and not every single element hits the mark. Several of the turns offer very little in the way of forces, and the small outer-banked hill later in the layout unfortunately ends up being a bit of a dud. Luckily, Abyssus throws enough elements at you that a few dead spots don't severely hurt the overall ride experience. That said, the argument that this layout suffers from a bit of unrealized potential is definitely a valid one.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Abyssus is a great ride, period. It boasts lovely theming and a sprawling layout packed with a diverse mix of elements, including a handful of true standout moments that deliver powerful forces. It is also incredibly smooth, offering flawless tracking and utilizing Vekoma's highly comfortable modern trains. While we know the vest restraints can be polarizing among enthusiasts, we personally don't have any issues with them. Ultimately, it is a highly re-rideable coaster that stands out as perhaps the attraction with the absolute broadest appeal in Energylandia's massive lineup.
Gallery
Abyssus Gallery
Loading images...
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Super Smooth | |
| Great Entrance theming | |
| Very Long Layout | |
| Great Tophat | |
| Great Batwing | |
| Launches could have been better | |
| A few misses in the layout |
Information
Technical Specs
Specifications
Sit DownMegaLaunchedMulti-LaunchedLSMClonedBoost Launch
TypeSteel
Length4317,6 ft
Height126,3 ft
Speed62,1 mph
Inversions4
G-Force4,0 G
Duration80 sec