Category: play

K’Nex K-Force – Overview from Toy Fair 2015

K’Nex K-Force, a new blaster approaches!
Vas The Stampedehttps://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js 

Don’t forget, the contest to join the K-Force Squad is happening now! Only the first 1,000 submissions will be accepted!

Here are some photos from the showroom:



K’Nex’s K-Force is an interesting spin on the blaster scene. I will admit, when I first heard about it I was skeptical. I had never used K’Nex construction kits before, being more a brick user. K’Nex sets seemed a little overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Then this happened:

That is a multi-barreled springer blaster this employee built on their own time. Each barrel has to be primed individually, but they are rigged up to fire under one trigger. It hit me. I got it.

If you can figure it out, you can build it. For years, apparently the K’Nex community has already been at work on rubber band/various other models of shooters (a quick search on YouTube will prove that) and in the interest of giving their own fans what they want, that brings us to K-Force.

The line launches with 6 blasters to start, with more on the way if the line does well.


The initial launch line for K-Force.
My main concerns with K-Force were-

1. Durability. Could the blasters withstand a drop/fall/getting banged around?

This video says yes. And the folks at the K’Nex booth couldn’t be more eager to show me all the ins and outs of the blaster, what you can build, and so on. One key point to holding all the K’Nex rods and gears together is using a special fastening piece that goes over connecting points. One thing they assured me about was that they tested fully built blasters so you didn’t have to move any differently than if you are using more popular blasters.

2. Could leading brand ammo be used in the blasters, and vice versa? 

Word has it K’Nex darts work in other brand blasters and vice versa. I will have to test this out after launch.

3. Accessibility how hard will it be to build a blaster right out of the box, at the loss of some instant gratification? Again, as I never used K’Nex before, this was a major concern for me spending an hour getting a blaster together.

K’Nex instructions are easy to use apparently, and color coded. While I intend to get a box of K’Nex of my own, the sets may take anywhere from 20-25 minutes to build. Even less for the smaller kits.
  
I like that the kits provide their own plunger tubes, allowing you to come up with your own trigger set ups which can lead to monsters like the blaster above. The locking mechanism for stress points is smart, and really accentuate how far into thinking the designers worked on this brand to make the initial launch easy for new users but some new parts and mechanics for veteran builders. I look forward to trying more and more of the set out just to see where this line goes.

K-FORCE Build and Blast: Mega Boom Building Set
Build 5 different blaster models and a buildable target in one set, including the double chamber Mega Boom blaster that fires up to 75 feet! The K-FORCE Build and Blast Mega Boom Building Set comes with over 300 pieces including, K’NEX rods and connectors, 2 blaster chambers, 3 skull dart holders, 2 quick fit grips, 2 preload rings that can be used to create customized blasters, 7 foam darts, and an instruction sheet to build the Mega Boom blaster. Customize and create your own K- FORCE blaster or log on to knex.com and download instructions for 4 alternate blaster builds. Most models can be built one at a time. Compatible with the entire K-FORCE Build and Blast line. All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $44.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.

K-FORCE Build and Blast: Dual Cross Building Set
Build 5 different blaster models and a buildable target in one set, including the double chamber Dual Cross blaster that fires up to 75 feet! Set features over 330 pieces including K’NEX rods and connectors, 2 blaster chambers, 3 skull dart holders, 2 quick fit grips, 2 preload rings that allow you to create customized blasters, 7 foam darts, and an instruction sheet to build the Dual Cross blaster. Customize and create your own K-FORCE blaster or log on to knex.com and download instructions for 4 alternate blaster builds. Most models can be built one at a time. Compatible with the entire K-FORCE Build and Blast line. All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $44.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.

 K-FORCE Build and Blast: Battle Bow Building Set
Build 3 different blaster models that fire up to 75 feet and a buildable target in one set with the K-FORCE Build and Blast Battle Bow Building Set! Set features over 150 pieces including K’NEX rods and connectors, 1 blaster chamber, 2 skull dart holders, 1 quick fit grip, 1 preload ring to create different blasters, 5 foam darts, and an instruction sheet to build the Battle Bow blaster. Customize and create your own K-FORCE blaster or log on to knex.com and download instructions for 2 alternate blaster builds.. Compatible with the entire K-FORCE Build and Blast line. All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $24.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.

K-FORCE Build and Blast: K-20X Building Set
Build 3 different blaster models and a buildable target in one set with the K-FORCE Build and Blast K-20X Building Set! Set features over 140 pieces including K’NEX rods and connectors, 1 blaster chamber, 2 skull dart holders, 1 quick fit grip, 1 preload ring to create different blasters that fire up to 75 feet, 5 foam darts, and an instruction sheet to build the K-20K blaster. Customize and create your own K-FORCE blaster or log on to knex.com and download instructions for 2 alternate blaster builds. Compatible with the entire K-FORCE Build and Blast line. All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $24.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.

K-FORCE Build and Blast: K-10X Building Set
Build your own K-10X blaster that fires up to 75 feet! Set features over 75 pieces including, K’NEX rods and connectors, 1 blaster chamber, 1 quick fit grip, 1 preload ring and 5 foam darts. Customize and create your own K-FORCE blaster or combine with the K-FORCE Build and Blast Mini Cross Building Set for an awesome downloadable combo build! All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $14.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.

K-FORCE Build and Blast: Mini Cross Building Set 
Build your own Mini Cross blaster that fires up to 75 feet! Set features over 60 pieces including, K’NEX® rods and connectors, 1 blaster chamber, 1 quick fit grip, 1 preload ring and 5 foam darts. Customize and create your own K-FORCE blaster or combine with the K-FORCE Build and Blast K-10X Building Set for an awesome downloadable combo build! All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $14.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.

 K-FORCE Build and Blast: 30 Dart Pack and Target Building Set
This 58 piece set comes with 30 foam darts and enough K’NEX rods and connectors for you to create a buildable target. All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $9.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.

K-FORCE Build and Blast: 10 Dart Pack and Target Building Set
This 26 piece set comes with 10 foam darts and enough K’NEX rods and connectors for you to create a buildable target. All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $6.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.


Questions? Comments? Anything I Missed? Comment below!

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New York Toy Fair 2015 – Nerf Showroom Breakdown

New York Toy Fair Nerf Showroom Breakdown
Vas The Stampede


Nerf Rivals

The Nerf Rival Apollo & Zeus


The big news of the show for me out of the Nerf room was this line. I have my rundown of the Zeus and the Apollo (and a firing video of the Zeus) here.
 
Accessories for sale (Available Fall 2015):

50 round ammo pack – $17.99
25 round ammo pack – $9.99
12 round magazine w/16 rounds – $11.99
Face mask (red or blue) – $14.99

I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was excited for this line. Supposedly 100 fps, Nerf aiming for a larger audience (given the success of Nerf Rebelle), and increased accuracy. The accuracy alone has me piqued, with Elite darts (including suction cup) and Mega darts lacking in that department (in my opinion.) I still hold Dart Tag velcro darts as some of the most accurate darts I’ve ever had the pleasure to use. The price is agreeable too, given Nerf’s recent high value items (Terradrone, Rhino-Fire, Cam-ECS). I look forward to more on these blasters, and welcome the new tech. Although, yet another ammo type to stock up on.

Zombie Strike:

New firing modes! DOOM. DOOM. DOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!!

NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE BIOSQUAD ZR-800 ABOLISHER Blaster 
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Fall 2015)

Beat back the zombie hordes using three kinds of ammo with the ZOMBIE STRIKE BIOSQUAD ZR-800 ABOLISHER blaster. This epic blaster allows fans to fight back using ZOMBIE STRIKE darts, ZOMBIE STRIKE BIOSQUAD zombie repellent or water. No matter where or how the zombies attack, NERF fans are ready to take them down with the ABOLISHER blaster. Simply attach the ZOMBIE STRIKE BIOSQUAD zombie repellent canister to the blaster and pull the trigger. Repellent canister can also be replaced with the included refillable water canister. Available at most major retailers and HasbroToyShop.com.

Abolisher on top, Eraser lower

 NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE BIOSQUAD ZR-100 ERASER Blaster 
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available:Fall 2015)

Take down zombies two ways with the ZOMBIE STRIKE BIOSQUAD ZR-100 ERASER blaster! Blast away the undead with ZOMBIE STRIKE darts, or unleash a steady stream of BIOSQUAD zombie repellent to keep them at bay. Simply attach the ZOMBIE STRIKE BIOSQUAD zombie repellent canister to the blaster and pull the trigger. Includes 3 ZOMBIE STRIKE darts and 1 can of ZOMBIE STRIKE BIOSQUAD zombie repellent. Available at most major retailers and HasbroToyShop.com.

As a side note, additional cans of Zombie Repellent will be available in 3.8 oz cans for $5.99
 

The addition of silly stri ZOMBIE REPELLENT is a new feature for Zombie Strike. Two blasters, the ZR-800 Abolisher and ZR-100 Eraser both use this new feature, fired by the trigger on the blaster. Each blaster fires darts much like the Demolisher launches rockets, by using a pump as the firing mechanism. While that isn’t my favorite thing to hear (I find mechanisms like that throw off my aim), I’ll give these blasters a chance all the same before I make a final decision. The repellent is an interesting idea, and I’m all about seeing a brand try new things, especially when it’s Nerf.

That being said about the new feature, my favorite thing out of Zombie Strike this year is THE DOOMINATOR. Sure, it’s yet another single shot blaster and yes it shares a similar feature as the Flipfury, but it’s bigger and the design has enough of a twist that I can forgive the repetition.

“Doom”

THE DOOMINATOR. $39.99, 4 rotating drums, 6 darts apiece = 24 rounds of pump-action fury. Additionally, the foregrip handle can be relocated in different positions on the pump, if you are so inclined.

Modulus:

A quick quote on how Modulus relates to the existing Nerf N-Strike/Elite lines: 

“We have many exciting new innovations on the Nerf brand in 2015, introducing new segments and differentiated play patterns that deliver the same quality and performance consumers love. With this rapid product innovation and taking consumer feedback like more open packaging into consideration, we recognize that there is some confusion between our many segments.   We are working to enhance and evolve our branding and packaging to help minimize consumer confusion.” – Nerf, in an email to me asking about why the Modulus is being labeled separately from the Elite line (but the ranges remain similar!)

The Modulus is Nerf’s focused attempt at cashing in on one of the biggest trends this year (if you believe the Toy Fair chatter); customization. While past blasters in the N-Strike and N-Strke Elite lines offered tactical rails/stocks/sights for players, Modulus takes that concept and offers customization as the main focus. You start with one main blaster and add the parts on, as opposed to having the customization be secondary (and somewhat lost) in the myriad of N-Strike blasters. Modulus branding seems to draw the focus to the customizing aspect of playing with blasters. To me, that explains why the blaster itself is very similar to the Nerf Stryfe, being semiautomatic and a flywheel blaster as opposed to something with a different functionality that might minimize the impact of the custom aspect of the line.

The shield and in-stock blaster of the “Strike & Defend” pack is very nicely done (and my favorite of them all), although to some degree I think I liked the placement on the Longshot’s infamous front blaster. There’s just one less step in firing that shot than having to remove the stock to fire the backup in the Strike & Defend. Each of the “upgrade kits” (Flip Clip, Stealth Ops, Strike & Defend, Long Range) will be about $14.99, and the cost of the base Modulus blaster (includes scope, stock w/additional clip storage like a Recon, drop-down grip, and 10-dart banana clip) is supposed to be $49.99. All in all, that’s a pretty hefty price tag if you want the complete set, even for the numerous configurations available. But the amount of custom options is now increasing for those who like their Nerf with a side order of accessories.

 

 Rebelle:

The highlight of the Nerf Rebelle showroom for me wasn’t the Arrow Revolution, but the Codebreaker, seen here:

Trigger lock


 Aside from the aesthetics (another crossbow, yes, but a fine looking one) the lock on the Codebreaker is pretty smart thinking. Too often in the past I’ve left blasters out on my wall, table, desk, only for some cheeky guest to grab hold of it, load it up, and open fire on unsuspecting victims (me). With the Codebreaker, that ends! Or at least, it should make it less likely to happen. While I love random acts of Nerf, sometimes you just don’t want people grabbing all your blasters and opening fire. Other blasters such as the Secret Shot, Tri Threat (a Super Soaker blaster), and Dolphina were on display, but those are all readily available in stores currently (if you don’t see them yet, give it time, they’re on the way). In short, Nerf Rebelle has really stuck with the intended audience and made an impression, so look for more blasters in the future. Whatever your feelings may be on the heavy influence of bows or the colors, the line works for Nerf and serves to expand their brand into other audiences. Other blasters such as the Courage were not on display at Toy Fair, so I can’t comment on how they performed or how much I like them.

Mega:

The Nerf Mega line had a few new additions, such as the BigShock and Cycloneshock (both available now), and the Rotofury complete with slam-fire capability is due out later this year. Look for the full reveal I previously released here:


Elite:

Yes, the Crossbolt was a nice blaster, but Elite has my attention because of this – 

The dedicated “Rocket Launcher” in the Nerf N-Strike Elite Thunderblast. MSRP: $24.99, available this Fall. Shoots rockets up to 60′ with a quick pump from the undermounted handle. Simple and ridiculous size ammo, which for me is a winning formula. While not quite the Titan I hoped for, the emergence of new rockets for the Nerf line (starting with the Demolisher) has added a new element to some special gametypes, and just got a little more fun in general. I loved shooting people with Titan rockets, and the new smaller rockets are a lot of fun as well. I indeed plan to support this blaster, as if it succeeds then more blasters that utilize this ammo are sure to follow.

NERF N-STRIKE ELITE CROSSBOLT Blaster

(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Fall 2015) 
Real crossbow action meets N-STRIKE ELITE performance with the first-ever clip-fed NERF crossbow. The N-STRIKE ELITE CROSSBOLT blaster features a 12-dart clip and fires up to an impressive 90 feet! 
Opponents won’t stand a chance with this high capacity multi-firing blaster that sends darts flying into action!
Comes with 12 N-STRIKE ELITE darts. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and at HasbroToyShop.com.

NERF N-STRIKE SnapFire Blaster (not shown at Toy Fair)
 

(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $4.99/Available:Spring 2015)
Catch the competition off guard with the N-STRIKE SnapFire blaster! This stealth blaster comes with 2 N-STRIKE ELITEdarts that can be quickly loaded, or stored on the blaster for easy access while sneaking into position. The SnapFireblaster is made for mobile, fast-moving missions! Available at select toy retailers nationwide and at HasbroToyShop.com.



NERF N-STRIKE DOUBLEDOWN Blaster (not shown at Toy Fair, though I believe it is available already in places) 
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available:Spring 2015)

When battles heat up, fans can rely on the one-handed design of the N- STRIKE DOUBLEDOWN blaster. This compact blaster allows for quick reloads with one hand and will fire 2 N-STRIKE ELITE darts in a row thanks to its double tap action. Blaster includes 4 N-STRIKE ELITE darts. Available at select toy retailers and at HasbroToyShop.com. 

Most notably in these last two descriptions is the pricing, outside of the Jolt, a Reflex, or a Triad, or Doublestrike I can’t recall many blasters that don’t break into the $10 range, at least for Nerf. Yes, they exist but are often very small blasters. These look to be along the same lines size wise (note the Jolt-like handle on the Snapfire) but it’s a bit newish, and for the right price for someone looking to buy a lot of blasters for a party or some other mass quantity reason.

To sum it all up, Nerf has been busy! Busy innovating and getting some new spins on old tricks (Flipfury on steroids in the Doominator, “repellent”/water in blasters, single shot blasters galore with new gimmicks, an easier to load Agent Bow in the Arrow Revolution, etc.) but still providing a lot of options on how to play and now along a varied range of prices. No remote controlled beasts this year or integrated tech (like the Cam-ECS), but the Rivals line is a pretty big jump, FPS wise compared to past years and a gamble at trying to attract older folks more than the current blasters already do. And nope, no new Vortex blasters along any of the lines this year (including Zombie Strike), not even a new paintjob or anything like that. Nerf hasn’t said one way or another whether the Vortex line is being worked on any longer, so it’s one of those “wait and see” moments; if more blasters are made for Vortex, awesome. If not, well, it was fun while it lasted (I do love dual wielding Nitrons, after all.)

Whew! Thanks for hanging in there, if you have questions on anything I mentioned here, be sure to leave it in the comments. I’ve got videos to work on, and an announcement later today, so be sure to come back soon, y’hear?

-Stampede

This isn’t the end, not by a longshot. I’ve got plenty more showrooms to go through (K’Nex, Zing, Marshmallow Shooters, etc.) and will post as I get them done. Thanks again! More pictures are available in my gallery –Nerf New York Toy Fair 2015

New York Toy Fair 2015 – In A Nutshell

New York Toy Fair 2015 in a Nutshell (The Good, the Not so Good, the…. What?)
Vas The Stampede

‘Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.’ – Norman Vincent Peale

And there was a lot of shooting (darts, rounds, water pellets, zartz) at this year’s North American International Toy Fair. This makes 5 years now I’ve gone to the show and as always, I come back saying, “wow.” So here’s a quick rundown on what I saw, and some initial impressions.

Quick note: As always, this trip is not sponsored by any of the companies. No one pays to fly me out. This is all out of pocket for me on this trip to ensure I am covering what I want and saying what I need to say.

BRANDS:
There were a LOT of blaster type/associated brands that caught my eye this year. The Story So Far (in no particular order), followed by a taste/preview of things I liked (+) and/or didn’t like (-). As I intend to give each brand their own post, these tidbits are shots from the hip, what I readily recall.

  • Nerf (Hasbro)

    • DOOMINATOR +++++++++ (the amount of +s are completely arbitrary, but may relay my sense of enthusiasm) 
    •  Modulus blaster by itself – (it’s a Stryfe, even if you can make additions)
    • Strike & Defend blaster (Literally, a “Stock Blaster”) +
    • Rival line ++++++++++++++++
    • Zombie Strike silly s Zombie Repellant + 
    • Rebelle Codebreaker + 
    • Tek Strike +
    • Rotofury doesn’t have a stock –

 

BOOMco Needler – Halo

  • BOOMco (Mattel)
    • Halo blasters ++++
    • Spinsanity +
    • One of the new blasters is another triggerless/slam-fire affair – 
  • Zing 
    • New airborne toys/planes +
    • Firetek Styled Zano Bows +
    • Some additional roleplay items to the “Legends” line +
    • Firetek Style Sky Ripperz+
  • XC Shot/Bug Attack (Zuru)
    • Bug Attack will have included targets for additional hilarity +
    • New blasters for XC Shot (the ones with clips) were prototypes and not firing –
    • Increased ranges for XC shot blasters + 
  • Primetime Toys
    • Not much new there, as a lot is still in the works. I did get video of the Talon, but Primetime promises some new product in the next few months. They did address some reports about the dart adhesive being problematic, and insist they have since fixed the problem. Comment below if you still find Primetime Toys streamline darts to fall apart, I’m sure they’d be interested to know. The Scorpion was one of their first forays going out of the Airzone line, and they plan to do more.
  • K’Nex +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A springer styled shotgun of their own.

    • I mean, seriously. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 
      • With a little working knowledge, I’d be interested to see how the standing K’Nex community excels with these blasters. They’re built with “regular” blaster play patterns in mind, with the intent of being able to withstand a drop/fall/hit like any other blaster currently on the market. DROP TEST HERE.
      • What makes me a believer? That one of the folks that works for K’Nex made a multi-barreled blaster (that fired on a single trigger pull after priming each individual plunger tube) out of the available kits. It took some work he said, but it worked out. To me, that spoke volumes of the potential of builds in this line. With enough plungers, connectors, rods, who knows what is possible. Also, look forward to their promotion coming this spring, to really find the best K’Nex fans out there! 
  • Marshmallow Shooters

    • Marshmallow Shooters Orballistics ammo
    • ORBALLISTICS. Reportedly going to get 50′ flat, and straight no less.+++
    • Foam ammo finally. Apparently the feedback was a lot of people didn’t like wasting food, so this is now a thing for their line. 
  • Discovery Kids
    • TBD: they had a number of blasters in boxes, nothing to demo. The designs looked like stuff we’ve seen, but if the price point is right (also, they might have some interesting licenses) I won’t discount them out right.
  • Moose Toys (From what they told me, they have a blaster in the works. Not your typical fare, but I’ll get more info on this later.)  
    • TBD
  •  NXT (Maya Group, from the way I see it, this is a reboot of the Xploderz line)
    • This iteration of water pellet shooters from Maya Group FINALLY HAZ A TRIGGER. After all this time, and the first run with BlasterPro, these blasters get a trigger. I will admit, I had misgivings about previous Maya Group blasters, but these seemed on point. Although, paintballers might see something very similar here (at least, the gravity fed hopper shape on top. +

  • NXT Generation (Bows, crossbows, etc)
    • Some of the most solidly-built blasters/shooters I’ve seen, but the ammo to me leaves something to be desired. They require a closer look from me for a determination on this next set. The shotgun I reviewed was a little expensive for what you got, but it’s a new year, with a new line of products. TBD

  • Ogo Sports (had a few interesting launchers, they might be good for objective-based gameplay) (N/A, as these are more for goals and objectives, and I see them as less for PvP.)
  • Hog Wild Toys (Power Poppers)
    • What is becoming a yearly standard, while these blasters are simplistic but freakin’ hilarious. +
      Honorable mention, right here! Made me think of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”.

    By my count, that’s about 13 different brands that made something blaster/launcher-related.
    There’s a LOT of press release info to go through, photos, and videos but I’ll release them all here! Stay tuned, as I will be releasing more galleries and videos this week (piece by piece, so as to not overwhelm you:)  and if you have any questions please leave in the (moderated) comments below!

    Let’s connect:
    Instagram: Blasterbot1984
    Twitter: @VasTheStampede
    YouTube
    Google+
     


    Nerf Rival Firing/Demo Video! Fresh from New York Toy Fair!

    Nerf Rival Firing and Demo video from New York Toy Fair
     Vas The Stampede

    Here’s what you’re here for:

    Nerf Rival Zeus and Apollo

     Blasters for the line:

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    (Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available: Fall 2015)
    Bring NERF battles to the next level with the mighty NERF RIVAL ZEUS MXV-1200 blaster. Simply push the power-up button, then take aim and unleash motorized blasting power on the opposing team. The powerful, precise RIVAL ZEUS MXV-1200 blaster gives fans and their allies an edge in battle and features an ambidextrous  clip loading and release button, safety switch, and fold-up sight. The included NERF RIVAL 12-round magazine is also compatible for use with the NERF RIVAL APOLLO XV-700 blaster, sold separately. Blaster is available in both red and blue and includes 12 NERF RIVAL Foam rounds. Six C batteries required, not included.
    Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and at HasbroToyShop.com.
    Nerf Rival Zeus in Red
    Nerf RIVAL APOLLO XV-700 Blaster
    (Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Fall 2015) 
    Perfect for the heat of the competition, the NERF RIVAL APOLLO XV-700 blaster sends NERF RIVAL foam rounds soaring in the air with extraordinary velocity. To defend themselves and teammates against the opposition, pull the lever to move the RIVAL foam round into place, then take aim and launch! Blaster is available in both red and blue includes seven NERF RIVAL foam rounds. 
    Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and at HasbroToyShop.com.
    Additional photos in the gallery:
     
    Word has it these blasters will hit 100 fps, and up the accuracy in ways not seen before with Nerf blasters. While we won’t know for sure ’til these are released, I’m very intrigued with the intention and design of these blasters. Additional ammo, ammo tubes, and colored masks will be available when the line is launched.
    I’ll continue to update with more Toy Fair reviews and thoughts as I get them done. You can imagine, there are a lot of pictures and videos to go through! Thanks!
    Questions? Concerns? Leave them in the comments below!

    REVEAL! Nerf MEGA Rotofury Press Release (Fresh from Nerf!)

    ***NERF MEGA RotoFury Blaster*** NEW FOR 2015!
    (Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $34.99/Available: Fall 2015)
    By: Vas The Stampede
    “Supersize your NERF battles and dominate the field with the highest capacity MEGA blaster ever! The MEGA RotoFury blaster gives you the option of firing one MEGA Whistler Dart at a time, or slam firing a steady stream of ten darts in a row. Hear the darts whistle as they fly through the air and hit targets up to 90 feet away.  Includes 10 MEGA Whistler Darts. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.”

    Thanks to Nerf for the image! There you have it, their Raider/Rampage gone MEGA. 10 shots. Single fire or slam. I don’t see a way to attach a stock, (which I liked using on a Rampage) buuuut as always, I need to see this blaster in person before I can really comment on it. But I can admit I’m a bit excited to shoot that much Mega ammo with slamfire. 2015 is looking pretty good!

    What this tells me is that large ammo rules in my game groups are getting more and more interesting with every extension of the Mega line. What I wouldn’t give though to see something like this that shoots Demolisher missiles.

    Or, can I just hope that a big release this year is going to be a full auto Mega blaster? A guy can dream. 

    Still working on my 2014 roundup, stay tuned! It’ll coincide with the roundup of brands I’ll be visiting with at New York Toy Fair this year.

    ICYMI Monday – Wal Mart Rhino-Fire Exclusive

    ICYMI (In case you missed it) Rhino-Fire Available for Preorder at Walmart!
    Vas The Stampede

    As previously reported the Nerf Elite Rhino-Fire is on its way to the U.S. as a Walmart exclusive. If you happened to miss the news, it is now AVAILABLE for Preorder at Walmart, and ships out NOVEMBER 15, 2014. Click HERE to get to the Walmart site if you are interested at owning this piece of heavy foam artillery.

    The price seems to be down from the originally reported $99.99, now priced at $89.97. And knowing how some things work in some areas, these might even show up on some shelves before the street date.

    As far as I know, the exclusivity might only pertain to the U.S. I don’t have any solid information about any other countries. Also, yes there are a number of firing videos out there, but I prefer to have the product myself. Also, those are/should be preliminary videos, and may not reflect the performance of the on-shelf toys.

    Anyway, who is excited about this blaster? Gizmodo got a look at it for themselves, and now the rest of us have to wait for now. Personally, I’d like to see how 35 round drums perform in the blaster, and I hope the drums make it a little easier to run with than the chains did on a Vulcan.

    Have a great week! I’ve got a few more posts to put up this week as well, so stay tuned 🙂

    – Stampede

    REVIEW: Scorpion Gatling Blaster: Dart Zone/Prime Time Toys

    Scorpion Gatling Blaster: Dart Zone/Prime Time Toys
    By: Vas The Stampede

    Size Comparison: Scorpion vs. Nerf Barrel Break and Zing Legends Bow

    My firing video:
     


    Basic Info:

    Price: $19.99 (Wal-Mart Exclusive)
    Range: Up to 70′ (angled)
    Includes:
    “Super Darts” x 20
    20 Dart Ammo Belt x 1
    Instructions
    Scorpion Gatling Blaster x 1

    Prime Time Toys keeps the hits coming with one of their latest entries, the CovertOps Scorpion Gatling Blaster. A Wal-Mart Exclusive, this blaster is obviously inspired by some earlier similarly styled “gatling” blasters like the Punisher and Gatling Blaster. This fully automatic, 20 shot blaster proves itself a pretty good value for 20 bucks.

    It requires 6 AA batteries, and that spins the barrel (purely cosmetic effect) and also powers the flywheels. There’s no accelerator trigger here, once you hit the “on” button the flywheels go and all you have to do is hold the trigger down. It’s pretty easy to shoot in bursts, or just empty the entire belt for maximum hilarity. The blaster is small, probably smaller than either of the earlier gatling blasters. This does make it a bit easier to carry and move quickly, although the chains do swing about, nothing new if you’ve ever run with a Nerf Vulcan. Unlike the Punisher, there is no ammo box, so there’s a loss in aesthetic as well. Oddly enough, while the line is called Covert Ops, once this blaster is on, there is nothing covert about it. If you didn’t like the noise level of a Barricade, you will definitely not like this blaster. As I suggest with any of those complaints, just wait until you’re about to shoot and flick the power switch then, don’t run around an entire game or scenario with your flywheels running (unless there’s a strategic reason for it, as I’ve done in the past).

    The Covert Ops line is a green and orange mash of colors, crossing toy safety and a color scheme reminiscent of the movie, “Predator.” While this isn’t the total minigun that some folks may want, it does pretty well all the same. To me, the plastic and build feels pretty sturdy and that it might take a drop or 2. That is only descriptive of the blaster body, though. I can’t attest to the strength of the electronics and the motor if you dropped this blaster. Bottom line, it feels solid.

    The amount of clearance to fit other brand darts through the Scorpion.

     I repeat, the size proves deceptive as you might not expect the power you get out of this. I was able to hit almost 50′ flat and angled my shots hit about the advertised 70′ range. And this was with both the proprietary “super” darts and other leading brand darts. This blaster shot just about anything I put in the ammo belts. The accuracy did leave something to be desired, but with foam ammo that tends to just be the reality of the medium. And if you’re sending out about 20 shots at a time, maybe accuracy isn’t your main concern!

    That being said, I can’t comment if chains from the earlier gatling blasters will work with the Scorpion, as I don’t have either. And if I had any real complaint about this blaster, it’s that additional chains aren’t available to use this as a proper defensive or offensive weapon. Extra chains and the fast reload (with some practice and preloaded chains) would make for a good time in a stock blaster game. As far as I know, separate chains are not sold anywhere so you have one 20 shot belt and that’s it with the Scorpion. Either check your fire or get ready to reload the same chain frequently. For $20 and only 6 AA batteries, I definitely think this blaster is worth the trip to a Wal-Mart (in the US) and adding to your inventory. It’s a great price for a 20 shot blaster that hits its range and fires pretty quickly.

    Thanks so much to Prime Time Toys for the sample, and to you for reading! If there’s anything I missed feel free to use the contact form or make a comment below (comments are moderated, so they may not appear right away.

    Don’t forget to check out “Foam From Above” on Facebook. and I am also on Twitter (@vasthestampede) & Instagram (@blasterbot1984)!

    NXT Tactical Shotgun – Review!

    NXT Tactical Shotgun Review
    Vas The Stampede




    Fact Sheet:
    NXT Tactical Shotgun:
    Price: $42.99 at Toys R Us
    Range: 20′ (flat, angled = approx. > 30′)
    Ages: 5+
    Ammo: Foam darts (3 velcro/3 suction) – proprietary, does not match any other brand of dart. Additional ammo packs are available.
    Availability: Most major retailers.
    Includes: 
    Tactical Shotgun x 1
    Darts (3 suction type, 3 hook & loop)
    Target x 1
     

    Sample was provided by the manufacturer, opinions are my own.

    A look at the NXT darts – they’re shorter than most other brands.

    The push-button breech, load the darts here.

    NXT Generation Toys is a company I ran into at New York Toy Fair this year. I’ve seen their products at Toys R Us, but haven’t picked one up before. It was an unfamiliar brand, and I can only budget so much for blasters. But, they were kind enough to send along a sample, so let’s see what I’ve been missing out on.

    FIRST OFF: I got a little background on the company, and their aim (is it were) is on target practice, giving parents another avenue to teach their child about hunting and marksmanship. They not only have shotguns, but crossbows, bows patterned after compound bows (a long bow too), and a bit of an old-time element with flintlock pistols and long rifles (see: Frontier Series).

    BUT, the intended use for them is – target practice. The tactical shotgun came with a target of its own, but there are others available in the cartoon shape of animals and more traditional archery targets, reinforcing the hunting and outdoor sportsman theme.

    Performance:

    One of the neatest features about the tactical shotgun was the popout chamber. You push a button, out pops the dart chamber, you put the dart in, prime the shotgun, pull the trigger. It is one of the more unique ways to load a toy. However, this means it is also a single shot, and the chamber is small to accommodate their own ammo, but no other brands.

    The NXT Shotgun only hit about 30′ at most with the toy angled, and 20′ flat after a number of shots. Compared to other brands currently, this isn’t something we see nowadays, especially at their price. In this case it might be a question how much you like how it looks.

    Aesthetics:

    Tactical means tactical. The toy is a solid matte black, with the obligatory orange tip. It feels light, and built so that the intended market (5+) should be able to manipulate the pump, with a little help from an adult (also part of the experience of making target shooting a parent-child experience). The pump does feel pretty solid, though I have to admit the feel of the toy doesn’t seem to be as robust as more recent toys. Again though, this follows with being built so a small child can use it. There’s no questioning what type of firearm this is modeled after though, so yes it can shoot targets but it might also be a good purchase for cosplayers and around Halloween.

    The darts – the foam doesn’t match the current feel of other current brands. The foam feels lighter than other dart types, and the tips felt like they could peel off, especially if the dart got caught while pushing the chamber back into the body. 

    Ultimately, is it a buy? If you really want that shotgun look and pump-action feel, then go nuts. But the ranges are low compared to what else you can get recently for a similar amount of money. In close quarters this could be fun, but you would be limited to the proprietary ammo which means you’re lacking a lot of flexibility if you intend to go player vs player. As a target shooting game alone, combined with the targets and 20′ of space it could be a fun experience for the young kids to learn how to aim and maybe begin familiarizing themselves with outdoor shooting. Hopefully this helps, and if I’ve missed anything feel free to submit a question or comment below.