Category: nerf

Toy Fair Preview: N-Strike Elite NERF Cam ECS-12 Blaster – Coming Fall 2014

“Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war…” – Julius Caesar: Act 3, Scene 1, page 13
 
 And Engadget sure did.  They posted Yet Another Nerf Exclusive and it was the N-Strike Elite NERF Cam ECS-12 Blaster.  No press release, but as discussed on my Facebook page (join the conversation!  “Like” me!) here is the story so far:

  • Integrated camera (!) – 0.3 megapixels (urk) at 20 fps(urkx2), comes with 4 GB SD card (ok).
  • MSRP: $75 (?!)
  • 8 (!?!) AA batteries (4 for the camera, 4 for the blaster)
  • Flywheels (dat accelerator trigger)/semiauto (but looks like a Rapidstrike, no?)
  • Allegedly hits up to 90′ (probably angled)

 

Nerf Cam ECS-12 (prototype to Engadget)
Photo courtesy of engadget.  Opted for this one because it’s the real life prototype they used.  Final will have a clear magazine and blue trim.      

That being said, let’s get some quick thoughts down:

Holy carp, $75?  The biggest complaint I’ve been receiving is that is just too much $$$ for a camera that isn’t even a single megapixel.  Furthermore, even if it is for kids (which it is), that’s a lot for an 8 year old’s toy who either has a mobile device of some sort or some other camera in this day and age.  Even if it is integrated, that price is so darn high against other tech toys with better resolution.  Regardless of the blaster hitting 90′ (the Elite line originally touted 75′ ranges) I can’t see telling anyone to pay for the camera AND blaster when the camera is of such low quality.  Engadget’s piece also has a video, and…. well, I hope the camera gets an improvement from this prototype to the final version.  The flywheels and camera each require 4 AA batteries, so there’s an additional cost right there.

Also, the proximity of the camera to the motors.  The engadget video illustrates it perfectly: “VRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR” is what I heard. 

Otherwise, the aesthetics and power boost (hopefully) are the better parts I can see about this blaster.  While I can’t advocate strapping an expensive iPhone or iPod Touch to the top of your blaster (personally, I use a GoPro, but that’s me.  Yes, maybe the camera will provide a tactical advantage cornering and yes, the camera integrated into the shell is more streamline, but a Rapidstrike is considerably less and full auto.  If you need practice with trigger control, then this is more your style unless you would rather get a Stryfe.

So I’m ambivalent about this blaster.  I want to love the way it looks, but I don’t know if that’s enough for me.  For $75 I could buy a Rapidstrike or Stryfe and extra darts.  I can remove whatever camera I’m using to put on other blasters or for a project unrelated to Nerf.  But for the Nerf Cam?  Thumb middle of the road until the final version.  Hopefully this will be available at New York Toy Fair, and I’ll get a better look then.

G’luck in your struggles!

London Toy Fair 2014 – UK Nerf’s report

London Toy Fair 2014 – Thoughts on the Nerf overview from UK Nerf

UK NERF was at the London Toy Fair this week, and posted up a report of what Hasbro had on display.  Hasbro sent out exclusive release info already on the Nerf Zombie Strike Slingfire, N-Strike Mega Thunderbow, N-Strike Elite Demolisher, and Rebelle Agent Bow.

UK Nerf, was able to try them out.  Make sure to read the entire report, but here are some choice bits:

About the Slingfire:

“About the same size as the Sledgefire and roughly the same weight. This was designed to be used one handed so the balance is spot on. You can flick it to prime it and it lands neatly in your hand so rapid fire with this technique would be possible with a little practice, keeping the other hand free for a secondary or to reload.”

The Demolisher:

” The Grenade launcher is not detachable, nor can it be without a lot of work (as far as I could see). It is fairly heavily integrated into the shell and I think if it were removable, simply using it would wrench it off the rail anyway.”  Word has it the Demolisher may be full auto due to the popularity of the Rapidstrike, so that remains to be seen.

Go read the rest if you want to know more!  It sounds promising though, and I am looking forward to getting a turn at these come New York Toy Fair.  UK Nerf mentions a total of 10 releases, so it’s bound to be a busy year.  No word on N-Force or Dart Tag though, we’ll have to wait and see.

I’d really love to say more and speculate, but honestly there’s not much to say without the blasters.  It’s a little weird to see the Thunderbow reliant on the bow arm as part of the priming mech, unlike the Big Bad Bow or BnA, where the bow arms were extraneous.  The Demolisher is going to be fun I think, and I really want to know if the diameter of the missile is the same as the Mega darts.  I strongly think the Rebelle Agent Bow is going to be the dark horse of the new releases, with the new arrows (tipped something like ball, per UK Nerf).  Anyway, have fun with the info!  It looks like Hasbro didn’t allow video or photos at all in their showroom hence the lack of images and photos from anybody.  UK Nerf does have some new angles though.  Thanks to them for taking time out of their lives to make the trip!

Lock and Load.

A shot from last year’s New York Toy Fair

 

Nerf Rebelle Agent Bow, thanks UK Nerf!

Fresh from the London Toy Fair, UK Nerf posted a press release from the London Toy Fair.  Besides the already revealed blasters, there was one more, the Nerf Rebelle Agent Bow!

Ages 8 years & up·         
SRP: $29.99·         
Available: Autumn 2014

The Nerf Rebelle Agent bow is perfect for high-profile missions that require accuracy and skill. Release the string and watch as the first ever Nerf Rebelle foam-dart arrows soar up to 85 feet across the sky making a whistling sound! For added precision, the Agent Bow features an electronic glowing red dot that provides better aiming accuracy with every shot. 

New Nerf for 2014: Nerf N-Strike Elite Demolisher 2-in-1

NERF N-STRIKE ELITE DEMOLISHER 2-IN-1 Blaster

(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99/Available: Fall 14)

Got a bunch of messages about this Popular Mechanics post, but I see Basic Nerf, The Prop Weapon Co Op, Adult Fans of Nerf, Click Click Bamf and Awesome Nerfer posting about it as well. 

Grabbed from Popular Mechanics

Also grabbed from Popular Mechanics, illustrating the size.  Uhm, dang.

Here is the product description:

“Take NERF shots to the next level with the 2-IN-1 blaster that dominates both MEGA and ELITE missions! The DEMOLISHER 2-IN-1 blaster is impressive in size and power firing up to 100 feet, featuring semi-motorized blasting, a 10 dart banana clip, and all new missiles. Connect NERF scopes and lights to the blaster’s top Tactical Rail System and set sights on some of coolest NERF shots performed. Blaster includes two missiles and 10 N-STRIKE ELITE darts. Four AA batteries required, not included. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyshop.com.”

2 missiles, 10 darts…. the banana mag that so many folks have been asking for over the years, an undermounted missile launcher, swappable stock (though I may have to run with the given to have that missile storage.)

This LOOKS great, sure.  I won’t get a look at this until February for New York Toy Fair (though UK Nerf looks to be on a collision course with the UK Toy Fair, who knows what goodies they’ll reveal.).  The F2A Facebook page is wondering about flywheels (pretty sure that’s an accelerator trigger), I’m wondering if the undermount is going to get 100′ (crossing fingers).  Anyway, enjoy the pics and onward to the Toy Fairs!

Nerf Mega Thunderbow Info (2014 Release)

Started getting some messages, and heard about this – 

“NERF N-STRIKE MEGA THUNDERBOW
 
NERF N-STRIKE MEGA THUNDERBOW Toy
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99/Available: Fall 14)

Awesome NERF MEGA performance transitions from blaster to bow with the addition of the N-STRIKE MEGA THUNDERBOW toy. The bow’s dynamic arms and traditional pull back system can fire five NERF MEGA whistler darts in a row up to an amazing 100 feet.  Includes 10 MEGA Whistler darts and holds up to five NERF MEGA darts at a time. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyshop.com

So there you have it, a 2nd surprise info drop from Nerf (leading up to the UK Toy Fair, and eventually New York.)

I’ll admit, I’m going to hold back judgment though given this Air Zone Extreme Power Bow blaster from some time ago – 


I’m sure Nerf’s taken the design and jazzed it up (especially shooting Elite Mega darts and all) but until the blaster’s in my hands there’s just not much I can comment on.  I’m intrigued to check it out though,  

I don’t think I see a trigger or a tactical rail on the blaster… so… “dynamic arms… traditional pullback…” interesting. 

 

Ah well, enough speculatin’.  We’ll just have to see!
 
 

New Nerf Blasters for 2014 – Nerf Zombie Strike Slingfire

New Nerf blaster for 2014 is announced!  Just before the UK Toy Fair begins, here we go!

UPDATE: Here’s a video of the blaster I took from New York Toy Fair:

NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE SLINGFIRE Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Fall 14)

Zombie hordes are no match for the ZOMBIE STRIKE SLINGFIRE blaster! The blaster’s lever-action allows for quicker reloads on the run and DIY-style designs lend an authentic feel to any NERF zombie attack. Blaster comes complete with one six dart clip and six ZOMBIE STRIKE darts which can be fired up to 75 feet. Features the NERF Tactical Rail System customizable with NERF N-STRIKE scopes and accessories, each sold separately. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.

Interesting look, lever action, and supposedly going to get the 75′ Elite ranges.  I wonder how a drum mag is going to look in there.  1 tactical rail, 2 sling points (the barrel and the buttstock), and…. there you go!  The UK Toy Fair is going to see this first, and I do believe I’m going to get a crack at this next month at the New York Toy Fair.  How do you feel about that $30 price tag though?

Don’t forget to check out some of the other U.S. Nerf bloggers that receive info like this for their unique spin (their might be others by this point, I am not sure) –
Basic Nerf, Adult Fans of Nerf, Click Click BAMF, Shining Foam

Also, New York Toy Fair 2014 is next month!  I’m all booked and set to go, now it’s just the waiting game until I get there.  Coverage begins February 16, and I’ll be in the Hasbro/Nerf Showroom at 9 AM.  Just a quick reminder – this trip is out of pocket for me, no company flies me out (unlike the Nerf summer gathering/release parties) nor do they sponsor me so I’ll visit/give their products additional coverage.  But as long as I have a press pass, I’ll make sure to head out so I can get what info I can to share.  It is one of the first looks I get up close and personal with the blasters for 2014, so I have some direct experience with what you might expect.  There are also prototypes and toys which may not make it to market, but that’s the risk in the toy industry!

Nerf Mission AppUpdate: Battle Holiday Zombies with the Nerf Zombie Strike Tactical App

Looks about time to release this…. news on the Nerf Zombie strike theme to upgrade your Nerf Mission app!

No mention of a droid version (this is all Apple/app store info) but I will have to follow up and see what they say. 

Williamsburg, Virginia – Hunter Research and Technology is pleased to announce a new Zombie Strike theme for the Nerf Mission App, developed in partnership with Hasbro. Featuring great artwork by UI designers at Manifest Digital, the Zombie Strike theme features a zombie-inspired heads up display, Zombie Strike blaster arsenal, and all new Zombie Strike missions. This update of the Nerf Mission app also include a special long range heads up display for the new Nerf Centurion MEGA blaster.

The Nerf Mission App works with the new Nerf N-Strike Elite Tactical Rail Mount Accessory and turns any rail-equipped Nerf blaster into a full battle cam with heads up display, compass, inclinometer, and rangefinder. The app lets users record photos and videos, track their arsenal, learn about hand signals used to communicate with a squad, and plan out different missions for multiplayer Nerf battles.

The Nerf Mission App is based on the Theodolite Augmented Reality Navigation app developed by Hunter Research and Technology. This game-changing app defined a new standard for augmented reality navigation when it debuted in 2009, and has been a #1 selling navigation app in iTunes stores around the world. Theodolite works as a heads up display with compass, GPS, map, zoom photo/movie camera, rangefinder, tracker, and two-axis inclinometer.

Theodolite is great for outdoor sports, hiking, boating, hunting, golf, sightseeing, photography, and navigation. The app is used in the field every day by surveyors, geologists, architects, engineers, military personnel, competitive sportsmen, and search and rescue workers. And in October, Apple featured Theodolite being used at the Great Wall of China during a special event.

The Nerf Mission App with Zombie Strike theme is available for free from the iTunes App Store, just in time to battle zombies during the holiday season. The app works with most iPhone and iPod touch devices running iOS 6.0 or later. The Nerf N-Strike Elite Tactical Rail Mount Accessory is for ages 8 and up, and sold separately. See Nerf online for more information and a list of retailers.

Theodolite is available on the iTunes App Store for a 50%-off 4-year anniversary sale price of $3.99 USD, and is the perfect holiday gift or purchase for outdoor enthusiasts, professionals, students, teachers, and high-tech gadget lovers (it’s also great for battling zombies). Theodolite runs on any camera-equipped iPhone or iPod touch. Theodolite HD runs on any camera-equipped iPad or iPad Mini. More information, including screenshots, is available on the Hunter Research and Technology website. Media professionals interested in reviewing Theodolite can request a promotional code to download the apps from iTunes at no cost.

Nerf
http://www.nerf.com/

Theodolite
http://hrtapps.com/theodolite/

NERF Mission App 1.1
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nerf-mission-app/id664942608

Theodolite 3.2 iTunes Link (iPhone and iPod touch)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/theodolite/id339393884

Theodolite HD 3.2 iTunes Link (iPad and iPad mini)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/theodolite-hd/id425456242

Hunter Research and Technology is run by Dr. Craig Hunter, a practicing engineer with over 20 years of experience in engineering and software development. Dr. Hunter received the 2004 NASA Software of the Year Award and a 2004 Apple Design Award (Best Scientific Computing Solution on Mac OS X) for his work in software development. He founded Hunter Research and Technology in 2008 to create innovative apps that leverage the advanced hardware and software capabilities of iOS devices and Macs. The company has numerous apps available on the iTunes App Store, and develops apps for a range of clients worldwide. Copyright (C) 2013 Hunter Research and Technology. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, iTunes, iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and iPad mini are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Nerf, N-Strike Elite, Zombie Strike, Centurion, and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro, Inc.