FANTASTIC ROLLER COASTER. Kraken took me by suprise, I had seen the photos and heard the love, but it never really looked special to me. Well, two rides later, is has proven itself worthy to me... worthy of my top 10. Kraken was designed wonderfully. As you pass over the crest of the lift and make a turn to hit the first drop, you are given a great view. On that drop, commence weightlessness that rivals that of a hypercoaster. The OTSRs dont interfere too much, and then begins the glass-smooth series of inversions. The loop is great, the dive loop is sleek and the cammelback zero-G roll on the Floorless coasters continue to flat out kick butt. After passing through the corba roll and barke run, the second half was filled with suprises and excitement to me. It is what really made the ride great - some B&Ms tend to weaken after the brakes (Hulk & Montu, for example) but Kraken delivers. A typical vertical loop dug into the trenches a la Montu, followed by a wrap around turn through a tunnel in which riders on the left side of the train get a little misting from the waterfalls. An excellent tunnel in my opinion. The ride finishes solid and after dismbarking I was struck with awe. I didnt expect it to be as good as it was. Kraken reall impressed me a lot, and I cant complain about anything. It did something I wasnt sure was possible - it beat Medusa BY A LOT for my favorite floorless (out of five). It comes away vying for a spot in my top 10, and though it doesnt quite crack my TPC Top 10, it does slide into the steel top 10. It has tied Top Gun as my favorite B&M Looping coaster. Easily a top 5 B&M on my personal list. Oh, the accomplishments go on.I really wanted to give Kraken a 9, since its more of a 9.5 than anything. However, Medusa got a 9 and it just isnt on the same level as Kraken. Ill go with the 10 and do what Ive been meaning to do: upgrade Jet Coaster to a 10 as well, bringing the number of steel coasters to be awarded a 10 by me to six. Great job Kraken, you deserve it!!
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