Tag: blaster

REVIEW: Skylanders Giants – Trigger Happy’s Dart Blaster from Mega Bloks!

Mega Bloks were awesome enough to send along a couple of samples from Toy Fair – Trigger Happy’s Blaster and Ignitor’s Flame Sword.

Trigger Happy’s Dart Blaster

Ignitor’s Flame Sword (size comparison to a Nerf Marauder)

What wonderful intellectual property are these devices for destruction from?  The Skylanders Giants game, where a player uses a figure on a platform to connect to the video gaming device of their choice and play that character IN THE GAME.

Now, my past experience with licensed blasters is not very positive.  At all.  The Jango Fett blasters I have weren’t anything special, nor were the clone trooper dart blasters I picked up.  On top of that, this is Mega Bloks’s first foray into making roleplay toys, so I was a little curious how these would stack up against past experience.

Thankfully, the stats spoke for themselves:

STATS:

Price:  Approx. $14.99 depending on the store
Range:  Anywhere from 30′-40′ (with darts NOT the ones included.  The darts it comes with decreased the range to about just under 30′)
Ammo:  Foam darts with a hard plastic, thin tip
Ammo Capacity:  6 darts before reloading

Darts that come with the blaster

Versus Nerf Elite Streamlines and current Dart Tag darts

Shot of the chamber

Air restrictors inside (and no, the cylinder does not pop out to reload.)

 Annnnd the video:

So how did I like it?  Sure, it was similar to Nerf Maverick but in a case like this it’s the aesthetics that are important because of the licensing.  Folks who love the game (or have kids who love the game) are going to like this, as well as anyone (like me) who likes a gold-colored blaster (I played A LOT of Goldeneye on the N64).  The cylinder not popping out was a surprise, but the side divots are nice touch to get around that.  As you can see in the video, the divots don’t line up with the chambers on the cylinder.  It would be nice if the holes had lined up WITH The divots, instead of trying to load the darts in on an angle, but the blaster would look a little odd and a little less symmetrical.  I get that.  The lack of a trigger guard bothers the showman in me as I can’t spin the blaster on a finger.  But, that’s a nitpick.

Unfortunately, the included darts don’t do the blaster any justice.  They drop the range and the heads are unforgiving if they did hit their target.  Granted, a toy like this isn’t INTENDED to be shot at others, but things happen and I would have liked to see suction cups or something softer at the heads of the darts, if anything so the blaster would hit the ranges it does with regular Nerf ammo.

And the ranges are THE most surprising thing about this blaster.  Once I loaded proper darts it got comparable range and performance to any Maverick I had (Strongarm doesn’t count, it’s internals are ahead of the Maverick curve but I had to include it for argument’s sake.)  I was pleasantly surprised to say the least!

After being burned so much with licensed blasters in the past, I would take this into any stock blaster game as a good sidearm confidently.  Per the usual rules around here, I won’t be modding this so I won’t write about possibilities.

Ultimately, I think it works as a sidearm if you’re into stock blaster games and the golden aesthetics remind me of sneaking around in my video game days.  It’s not exactly the Golden Gun, but it’s closest I’ve gotten 🙂  Skylanders fans might get a kick out of the blaster as well, as the license is HUGE and the game is really popular.  Trigger Happy looks like a fun character to play as well (judging from the videos, maybe an actual Skylanders player can sound off on him) so if you’re hurting for a unique looking sidearm or want to live the adventure with Spyro and friends, pick this up.   

These are only the beginning too, at Toy Fair there was plenty more on the way, as shown below:

’til next time, chummers!  Got a question?  Post below.

Snapfire 8 – closer look (Review, Repost of Demo video)

Back at last year’s Toy Fair I posted this winner of a video –

and it took… a long time to get to the U.S.  It was out overseas at first (due to the popularity of Dart Tag in those areas as opposed to the lukewarm reception here) and only recently did I finally spot one in a Toys R Us.  Approximately $19.99, it’s that semiauto manual pistol some of us have wanted for a long, long while.  Personally, I remember this old video by SGNerf:

AND FINALLY…. FINALLY….. I got to take a look at a production version Snapfire 8 up close!

More after the break>>>>

Stats:

  • Toys R Us exclusive ($14.99 or so)
  • Front-loading, 8 shot turret
  •  2 settings, “Power” & “Speed”
Twist the dial in order to go to either “speed” or “power”

  • Fires streamlines and taggers
  • No tac rails (as this is Dart Tag)
  • Ranges: 50′ on “Power” (flat) and 30′-40′ on “Speed”

Annnd, size comparison:

Now to the task at hand:

“Does switching between Power and Speed do anything?”

As has been noted by other owners, the trigger pull on the Snapfire 8 feels a little weird.  It’s a bit longer of a pull than I initially expected, most likely to both prime and release the catch the mechanism.  The “Power” setting makes the trigger harder to pull (not unexpected) while the “Speed” setting is a lot easier to pull the trigger but at significant drop in range.  Gives the impression of using versatility and modular play, but I think I would just keep it on the “Power” setting as pulling the trigger a little harder isn’t a big deal to me.  “Power” might be tough for a 6 year old though, so parents be aware that you might have to help a little to fire on the “Power” setting.

Other than the trigger, the Snapfire 8 was decent.  It got decent range on either setting and while the trigger was weird, it just took a little practice for me to get the hang of it.  The big sell to me is the true semiauto one-handed operation- no pumping needed (like a Blastfire) and no batteries (pick one, there are tons of flywheel blasters to name out there.) This feature is also why I needed to dual-wield them, in spite of the risk of reloading both at the same time.

The Snapfire 8 handles well and with taggers it is pretty accurate.  I personally got a kick out of it because I’m a big fan of semiauto pistols (lots of John Woo films growing up), although the trigger is weird.  The round turret makes holstering/pocketing one a little tough, but nothing a good pair of cargo pants can’t fix.  I suppose the lack of any sling points isn’t terrible either, but it would have been nice have some place to clasp one on in case my pockets get full of darts.  The handle seemed a good size, it didn’t feel like I had to hold it weird or that I was enveloping the blaster with my hand, which was a good touch as well.

I think the speed/power setting was a bit unnecessary except for a few select occasions, but it’s a gimmick and needed to bring some different functionality to the table in addition to the true semiauto firing.  Now and again I did have a hiccup with pulling the trigger and a dart not firing, but that could be either poor dart fit or user error.  The same thing happened with the barricade, that if you didn’t pull the trigger correctly, darts jammed.  With the Nerf Dart Tag Snapfire, you have take the same care when firing, as the blaster has to move all its parts correctly to fire properly.

Overall, I give the Snapfire a middle of the road.  On the one hand I love love love the semiauto action, but the weird trigger pull holds it back a little as that affects the reliability of the blasters.  For folks who don’t like carrying a lot of n-strike magazines on them, this is another good addition based on the mobility you have with this vs. a Swarmfire, or even a Speedswarm (not to mention a Speedswarm has that split-second rev time and suffers a bit on the rate of fire).  Is it a must-buy?  Depends on how much you want that semiauto electric free experience.  Personally, I needed to try it and here I am.

While the price is a bit high even for this (much less 2 of them like I got) if you want that flywheel-free semiauto experience, this is your chance to get it, though it takes some practice.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go watch some 80s era Hong Kong action flicks 🙂

Nerf Rebelle – Rename update!

Quick news from the Nerf sources:

The Nerf Alpha Girl Mission Kit I reported on back in February has been renamed:

NERF REBELLE SWEET REVENGE Kit
(HASBRO/Ages 8 & up/Approx. Retail Price $19.99/Available: Fall 13)

The NERF REBELLE SWEET REVENGE Kit is a girl’s best friend and includes the accessories she needs to take on any NERF REBELLE mission in style. The star of the NERF REBELLE SWEET REVENGE Kit is the bold five dart revolving blaster, which features a cool purple deco and bright magenta accents. Pull back on the lever to ready the blaster and press the trigger to send darts soaring through the air up to 75 feet. Add style savvy during non-stop, action-packed adventures with the included pair of NERF REBELLE VISION GEAR eyewear. Taking a break from the excitement? Players can stow their blaster and extra darts in the included hip holster, and take the NERF REBELLE action with them wherever they go. Includes blaster, five collectible darts, and belt clip holster. Available at most major retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

And in case anyone doesn’t remember how this thing shoots:

Nerf Arena – It LIVES! (Quest, in the UK)

So way back in October, I ran across the story about Paragon Entertainment striking a deal with Hasbro/Nerf to create Nerf Arenas.  Well, the project came to fruition in a Place Called Quest:

Merryhill, I am jealous.

So the arena opens this Friday, but a pro shop of sorts and target range started up a few months ago.  So, what does this mean?  The UK’s planning to have a bunch more locations like this set up, and anyone who might remember 2009-2011 might remember the Nerf Dart Tag League.

Old video of mine (before I had my current cameras, obviously)

Quick history lesson – from 2009-2010 the Nerf Dart Tag League was an event that ran/traveled alongside the Dew Tour Action Sport Tour, going to a number of cities and holding events in BMX, Skateboarding, whatever.  I was fortunate enough the BMX tournament stopped in Chicago, so of course I went (it was actually going to this event that got me on Nerf’s radar, and the rest is history.)

A pro video of the event:


So this format carried on for 2 years, and then in 2011 the format changed to a one-day tourney in Florida, separate from the Dew Tour and the gigantic inflatable arena was replaced by a more traditional field.  Louie C3 was there, and I believe Rogue paid him a visit in that final year of the NDTL.

Some of the stats on the original battledome (the original NDTL was run by a different company, and the stats of their battledome follow):

“…100-square-foot inflatable dome for the NERF Dart Tag Tournament games. Measuring a monstrous 40 feet wide by 20 feet high by 76 feet long, the dome featured an interior maze of obstacles, home bases, and recharge centers.”

The Quest version looks WAY BIGGER, judging by the relative size of the people inside vs. where the walls, doors, obstacles, and so on.  Count on it, I studied as much of the original dome as I could back then and burned it to memory.

EDIT:  The new arena is “…25m x 10m.  That’s 250 sqm or 2500 square feet!” (quoted directly from Paragon Entertainment)

Quick aside:  Visit Quest’s Facebook page so you can have a chance to be one of the first to play in the arena, win passes, or qualify as the Biggest Nerf Fan they’re looking for!  Good luck to all of you!

Games inside the dome were fast-paced, frantic, and awesome.  Darts bounced off walls, people vaulted (and often crashed) into cover, and lord knows I hurdled a step or two in order to cap the flag.  However, this was also with Nerf Furyfires, and the tech has changed a lot since then.  The larger dome helps with the longer ranges, but I also wonder… in the promo shots those are clearly Dart Tag blasters, but I imagine Nerf Elite and other non-velcro ammo might be allowed? (Going to necessitate a follow up here, will update on my Facebook page.)  While Capture the Flag and Elimination might be the order of the day, I am curious as to what other game types might evolve from this whole setup.

EDIT :  Vortex, Elite, Dart Tag, all will be available for use at the arena!  (Which they will provide on loan, you don’t have to bring anything they have it all for you.  Try before you buy!)

While venue sizes might differ, the UK is going to see a few more of these pop up, and then hit other markets from there.  As for the U.S. goes, no word on that yet but bet I’m following that news very carefully. But I think it’s safe to say that Nerf’s going international in a big consistent way.  And if that happens, then the possibilities are endless!

In any event, enjoy the arena, England.  Make it successful, that way they see there’s a proper market out there just waiting for this. 

Cheers!

Mega Bloks Skylanders – Trigger Happy’s Blaster and Ignitor’s Sword!

Spotted these at Meijer, saw them first at Toy Fair, and now they’re out!  Fresh from Skylanders (and Mega Bloks) – roleplay items!  Trigger Happy’s Blaster and Ignitor’s sword.  No sign of anything else yet, but you can see the photos 🙂

Going to hopefully have some samples in, and will let you know how these are!  There were some claws, and at least one more blaster expected from this line.  And kids love Skylanders.  The sword is foam, and it was confirmed the darts are compatible with Nerf darts when I was at Toy Fair.  Of course, I will REconfirm this when they come in.  Thanks!

Toys R Us Visit – New stuff? (Nerf, Xploderz, new brand)

https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

Just some shots of new things I found at Toys R Us and Target recently.  Highlights?

Nerf Double Dart/Disc Packs

Some new line called “NXT Tactical”

A pull-release blaster game system called “SlugTerra” (apparently a cartoon)

SpyNet wrist shooter

Don’t remember seeing this when I first spotted Launch N Attack, could be wrong tho.

A faux hammer pistol from Air Zone!

Oh right!  Found THIS, too:

After last year’s Toy Fair, FINALLY SNAPFIRE 8 in the U.S.! (Well, at least near me)

New York Toy Fair – TekRecon Debrief

http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3D1d583b5e0b8c5719%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1370766622%26sparams%3Did,itag,source,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3D2AEED38C4998C22872B63BD5AFA00EAC64917244.88C3A2EB507F48E576FF134EC48588F840E0FDCB%26key%3Dlh1

http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3Da779fc76316fe7d7%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1370766622%26sparams%3Did,itag,source,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3D9B542BFC1B1F8538B21D65CFA10FAFB45CB5E7C8.8EA68C552B804C62C4721CD85981EDAFD62505D5%26key%3Dlh1

http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3D7b825d8d23456c99%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1370766622%26sparams%3Did,itag,source,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3DB53B9D4955E50DD3571984540649E1FDB6C1C3E4.CD56085068C0CB335DD33DFF6E9CB709D433D166%26key%3Dlh1
The “flag” QR code scanned with app.

Havok and the Hammer Head

Hammer Head

Havok and Magazine

How the magazine comes out of the Hammer Head

From the press release:

Tech 4 Kids To Revolutionize Boys Action Experience with Tek Recon!

With innovations never seen before, Tech 4 Kids is set to revolutionize the action blaster category with
Tek Recon! Tek Recon is a new line of blasters that integrate cutting edge design and the latest in
gaming technology to provide the ultimate targeting and boys action experience. By bringing blasting
capabilities to new heights, and by adding revolutionary app-enhanced gameplay features comparable to
those of sophisticated video games, Tek Recon truly takes the category to the next level. Simply attach
your smartphone to the blaster’s mount and you’re ready for Tek Recon Advanced Battle Systems that
include GPS radar, voice communication capabilities and tons more gaming features!

Tek Recon blasters are the ONLY in their category to feature:

  • App-enhanced video game quality multi-player battles and team play, in REAL LIFE!
  • High performance rapid fire blasting (rubber rounds) with real recoil kickback

Additional features include:

  • Futuristic blaster design
  • Massive capacity of rounds (30 with Hammer Head, 90 with Havok), reusable with no mess
  • Long blasting distance with modifiable blasting modes
  • Fast trigger blasting with quick clip reload

Advanced Battle Systems:

The optional smart phone enhanced features are industry leading in bringing video game like experiences
into real world play and include:

  • Reality /Digital Convergence (RDC) to capture real world actions through the lens of a smart
    device jam packed with popular, in demand gameplay features
  • Heads-up Display (HUD) with customizable vision modes, sound effects, and scopes for
    enhanced scouting of targets and objectives
  • Massive closed circuit gaming experience where players can use GPS to track the movement of
    teammates and opponents through Tek Recon Radar
  • Downloadable upgrades and links to a global social community, where screen captures can be
    shared, personal stats can be tracked, and team leader boards populated
  • Flashlight for night vision, surveillance video and camera, inter-team walkie talkie features

3 Popular, Familiar, and Exciting Game Modes:

  • Isolation: every person for themself tagging battle – last person standing
  • Team supremacy: team battle, eliminate opponent team through tactical maneuvers and tagging
  • Intel recovery: team reconnaissance mission – locate and scan all flags before

The app works with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, and iPod Touch devices as well as select Android
devices.

Available Fall 2013
Suggested retail price: $19.99 (Hammer Head), $34.99 (Havok)
Ages 8+

Please visit http://www.tech4kids.com.