The phrase 'over the edge' has always come in handy when describing the most extreme thrill rides in the world, but never has that phrase had the ability to be used so literally, until now. Nothing else could better describe the third thrill ride to be placed atop of Las Vegas' landmark, the Stratosphere Tower: this ride is as 'over the edge' as they come. Imagine being flung over the edge of a building nearly 900 feet in the air and speeding down past the end of a track with only a lap bar to hold you in. Well that, my friends, is exactly what X-Scream is. Dreamed up by Interactive Rides of Utah and Stratosphere, X-Scream joined the Tower's 1996 Big Shot S&S Space Shot tower and High Roller circular steel coaster (Replaced by the Over-the-Edge spinning ride Insanity in 2005) on October 31st, 2003 to prove that location can be everything when it comes to providing thrills. The Stratosphere thriller dangles eight thrill seekers at a time over the Las Vegas Strip from some 866 feet above the ground by shuttling riders back and forth along a teeter-tottering 86-foot-long track, sending them tilting over the edge of the Tower's lower observation tower and back onto the platform in a repeating motion. While original plans for a floorless vehicle were scrapped, the design of X-Scream's four-row car is as open as possible, with only single lap bars to keep riders in their seats. But don't be mislead, this ride is as safe as they come, with thoroughly redundant computer, braking, and restraint backup systems in place.

X-Screamers travel 866 feet above the crust of the earth to Stratosphere's base observation deck to prepare to board the eight-passenger vehicle. While waiting, thrill seekers can take in the view of Las Vegas and watch the current riders disappear over the edge of the tower into open space. But the view is just about to get a whole lot better. The ride comes to a stop and the next load of passengers boards the green and orange car while pushing the escape-proof lap restraints down into place, then waiting for the action to commence. The track tilts back and X-Scream shifts into 'extreme dive' position and things really get rolling. Riders speed past the edge of the Tower and head off into space, plunging towards the end of the track at a 30-degree angle. Just when it seems that the drop's going to be a little longer than 45 feet, the magnetic brakes kick in and bring the car to a quick stop, with the very front of the vehicle hanging off of the track. The ride swings upwards and passengers roll back towards the firm foundation of the Stratosphere Tower, whizzing past the queue line and onlookers to the back end of the 85-foot track again. Once the car reaches the end, it starts back on the path to nowhere again as X-Screamers fly out 31 feet from the edge, high above the city. The magnetic brakes bring the car to a swift stop once again, only for it to be flung back towards the Tower and over the edge once more. Finally, the ride levels out and the car comes to a stop at the back end of the track for unloading.

If you're afraid of heights, X-Scream is certainly not the ride for you! If you're in Las Vegas, be sure to experience the next generation of xtreme!