According to intergameonline, Sega Japan and Emaar Malls Group reached an agreement to put a Sega theme park inside the Dubai Mall. Dubbed “Sega Republic,” the theme park will be a two-level 76,000 square feet monstrosity of goodness. It is being modeled after Sega's “Joypolis,” currently in operation in Tokyo.

Sega Republic will feature three different sections called the Speed Zone, Sports Zone, and “a huge redemption zone.” My guess is that the redemption zone will not offer the type of salvation that instantly comes to my mind. I wonder what kind of icon Sega could place in the Speed Zone? I was thinking Daytona USA, but I believe there are better options available.

Honestly, I really want to see this. I doubt I’ll be swinging by Dubai anytime soon, but it would be interesting to check this out when completed. When I think Sega theme park, I get this instant mental image of a huge Sonic the Hedgehog with a waterslide down his spine. It’s a lot better than the majority of that rubbish we see in theme parks. I can even foresee a Shenmue simulator, where people walk around a static town and ask dumb questions for hours on end.  

What kind of rides would you guys like to see? Do you envision any specific rekindling of favorite Sega characters or themes? More than likely the park will just be a standard deal like Joypolis, but it’s fun to speculate.