Tag: nerf

New York Toy Fair – The Nerf Aftermath

Nerf Writeup from the American International Toy Fair in New York City, 2014
Vas The Stampede

Nerf N-Strike Elite, Nerf Rebelle, Nerf Sports, Super Soaker, Zombie Strike, Mega, 3rd party licensed electronics, Oh my!

(update!) Here’s a video of the Nerf Slingfire –

THE GALLERY:

https://photos.gstatic.com/media/slideshow.swf 2014 marked my 4th year attending the American International Toy Fair in New York City. I can’t believe it either, honestly. To walk that floor with all the brands, bigwigs, and toys, there’s almost nothing else like it. FAIR WARNING – I have a LOT to say in this post, so there’s a lot of reading (and some pics!) so more after the break –

This Fall will be a very interesting year for Nerf. The showroom had new entries for Nerf N-Strike Elite, Mega, Zombie Strike, and Rebelle. Information had been released leading up to the show (Nerf Zombie Strike Doublestrike, Nerf Cam ECS-12, Nerf Rebelle Agent Bow – Secrets & Spies, the Nerf Zombie Strke Slingfire, Nerf Demolisher 2 in 1, and Nerf Mega Thunderbow) and while all the speculation, wild chatter, and yea/nay can be fun, I always put the most weight when I have the blaster right in front of me. I already posted some firing videos on the F2A Facebook and Instagram feeds, but rest assured I have some high quality video too and that will go up on youtube shortly. As I stay at Toy Fair the whole time (it’s a lot of fun, seriously. I wouldn’t give it up for the world) there’s a lot to go through.

“Zombie Strike” and “Secrets and Spies” are Nerf’s attempts at telling a narrative, having a backstory to their blasters. These are also attempts to cash in on current pop culture (obviously) trends, but who can blame them? With certain TV shows being so popular and other game types, it was inevitable that Nerf would finally pick up on it and jump in.

Interesting note about the Rebelle for 2014 – compared to the naming schemes for last year, “Pink Crush, “Heartbreaker Bow”, and so on (I think the “Guardian” may have been the main exception) something changed. “Rapid Red”, “Agent Bow” indicate this, although “Diamondista” seems to carry over from last year. “Spylight” could just as easily have fit into the N-Strike line, though maybe as “SpylightFireUltraHyperShot REV-6.”

Word has it research showed girls imagined themselves as spies with last year’s blasters, hence the innovation towards decoders and things. Very retro tech, reminiscent of old sticker collection books I had back in the 80s.(I remember a Super Mario Bros. and Voltron one, specifically. They were awesome.)

If I can highlight some things about the Agent bow…

  • Integrated Pinpoint sight
  • It has an actual “nock” to hook onto the string, much detail, such archery. Wow.
  • It just looks great. Sleek and imposing even, and the bow arm mounted quiver is a really nice addition. (check the gallery).
  • I did ask to be shot with the Agent Arrows (under protest from my tour guide), but I had to be able to tell you what it’s like to be hit with them. Personally, I didn’t find it any worse than getting shot with a Mega Dart from a Centurion at point blank (ask BasicNerf). The heads are just as soft as Mega Dart whistler heads, the plastic shaft of the arrow is a non-issue (at least for me).
  • The Sweet Revenge was my favorite from last year, the Agent Bow might be my frontrunner out of Rebelle 2014.

Nerf N-Strike Elite though, is Nerf’s Flagship (at least in my estimation) line and the heavy hitters out of the gate are the Nerf Cam ECS-12 and the Nerf N-Strike Elite Demolisher 2 in 1.

The Nerf Cam ECS-12 is probably the most cost-prohibitive of the bunch. The MSRP is at $79.99, requires 8 AA batteries (flywheels + camera power), includes a 4 GB memory card, and is supposed to hit around 90-95′. A lot of Nerf players may already own GoPro cameras or have other arrangements by this point, so is that range bump enough to pour this much money into just one blaster? Especially given the camera is a 0.3 megapixels?

Nerf provided this video of the Cam(era), and it was honestly better than I expected.

But is it enough? We are still months from seeing a final form of this (in fact, all these blasters) so the jury is still out until the Fall release.

As for the Demolisher, the undermount alone is enough for me. Regrettably, it isn’t removable but it’s a step in that direction. It’s just odd that Nerf didn’t do this sooner considering an undermounted removable missile has been available for some time now from another brand.  While some folks also hate it is a triggerless system on the Demolisher’s mega missile launcher, I got a decent shot out of it, and the word says it will hit 50′ about. The Demolisher itself will hit approx. 90′.

So, Rebelle gets a makeover and a sweet bow, Elite gets a 90′ increase, that leaves Mega and Zombie Strike.

The Thunderbow is HUGE. About the size of my torso. And it will hit 100′. It primes like the Heartbreaker, actually. You pull back on the string, wait for the indicator to tell you you’ve pulled back enough (the arms pull back as well) and release, firing the Mega dart. You can do this up to 5 times before you are empty. Approximately 100′ out of it. My only complaint at this stage is somebody trying to pull a Legolas may suffer wear and tear on their fingers, as right now there is nothing covering the string where your fingers go.As someone who’s fired a lot of Zing arrows, I hope something gets put there before Fall, as the pull is pretty robust.

The Nerf Zombiestrike Slingfire? My favorite so far, simply because I can do this:

Whew! Alright, that’s the showroom.

ICYMI, 3rd party tech made a huge splash at Toy Fair for Nerf this year –

Tek Strike is a 3rd party game/setup that promises hit tracking, and utilizes bluetooth connectivity and requires players to be more strategic as you need specialized Nerf darts to play. See my initial writeup HERE 
Without giving too much away, these folks at Eyespy have a wonderful idea right now, and plenty more wonderful ideas to follow up. I’ll be watching them closely, as I’m genuinely excited about seeing this product and on more than one occasion listening to their pitch I was left speechless. I do have a video that I need to edit as well, so expect that soon.

https://photos.gstatic.com/media/slideshow.swf And Sakar international/Vivitar had a series of cameras, walkie talkies, and more licensed to the Nerf brand… some of which falls in with the Nerf Rebelle Secrets & Spies theme –

https://photos.gstatic.com/media/slideshow.swf My press kit didn’t have much in the way of pricing yet, but I’m in contact with Sakar at the moment trying to get some info. According to the rep I spoke with at Toy Fair, a few of these items (including the hands-free walkie talkies) were pretty new, so the info was lacking. I’ll update this post as necessary! And when I have HQ videos.

Make sure to join the discussion at the F2A Facebook page and see more firing videos on my instagram feed.

In the meantime, BIG THANK YOU to TrekkieB47 for helping me out at Toy Fair as a second cameraman (and designing those sweet business cards), and to Adult Fans of Nerf, Click Click BAMF, Basic Nerf, and Shining Foam for getting the word out there!

I’m sure there’s plenty I’ve left out, so make sure to leave a comment if there’s something you’re curious about.

ON THAT NOTE: No secret blaster. All the reveals had been done by this Toy Fair, so the Cam was probably the secret blaster at UK Toy Fair. No super secret sizzle video either like when the Hailfire was revealed. No new Nerf Dart Tag and now new Nerf N-Force (unless you want to count the Strikeblade, but that’s under the Zombie Strike brand.) While not outright saying the lines were defunct, there just aren’t any plans right now for either line, and that is indicated by the lack of new product for those lines as of New York Toy Fair.

Nerf Cam ECS (CS?) 12 POV Camera Footage – F2A First look

Nerf Cam ECS (CS?) 12 Footage is live!  This looks a bit better than the engadget post from a month or so ago, in that the video isn’t as pixelated (seemingly) as one might expect, and the camera seems to be insulated from the flywheels whirring much better than before.

And ICYMI:

NERF N-STRIKE ELITE NERF CAM ECS-12 Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $79.99/Available: Fall 14)
Epic NERF shots live on way past the initial blast with the N-STRIKE ELITE NERF CAM ECS-12 blaster! Giving NERF fans the innovation and connectivity they crave, the NERF CAM ECS-12 blaster allows them to capture and share footage of epic battles and missions. The first NERF blaster to feature a built in camera, the NERF CAM ECS-12 blaster sends N-STRIKE ELITE darts flying up to an impressive 90 feet, records awesome NERF missions and lets NERF fans display them instantly on the playback screen or download them to share with friends for major bragging rights. Blaster includes a 4GB memory card which can hold up to 2,000 photos or 3 hours of video, 1.77” color screen, 12 dart clip and 12 N-STRIKE ELITE darts. Eight AA batteries required, not included. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.

BREAKING NEWS: NERF TEK STRIKE STORMSHIELD (New York Toy Fair)

Nerf Tek Strike! Stormshield & App from Eyespy Toys Uses Bluetooth Tech to score hits, track power ups, and more. First shown at New York Toy Fair!

Say Hello to… Nerf Tek Strike. A shield/LCD readout attachment for your tactical rail on Nerf blasters to track hits/scoring, and apparently upgrade weapons/darts. I saw this during Day 1 of New York Toy Fair, and I was really intrigued. There was a prototype available, but these folks are on a good track to figuring out a new way to play. More details after the break.


What sorcery is this? RFID signals, bluetooth connectivity (the demo I saw was running off an iPod’s bluetooth) smart darts (darts specific for this game style, a pack of 10 for $9.99 for instance). (edit) However, a smart device is NOT NECESSARY to play. You can also see hits/lives on the LCD readout of the device that faces you.

Have an EXCLUSIVE gallery –

https://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/picasaweb.googleusercontent.com/slideshow.swf

It’s still in the early stages of functioning, but from what I could see they have some great plans. It incorporates the natural habit of a player to pick up their opponent’s ammo (using the smart darts) and then firing them back. If the darts hit the shield, you score a point. If the opponent tries to be cute and hold their blaster downward, they time out and lose a life (at least that was one measure that is in the works.) To calibrate the darts to your signal, swipe them over your screen to affix them so they hit and score on your opponents.

Does not need a device in the cradle to operate. A device is necessary to act as a “base” or home for the game, but it would not have to be placed in the cradle. The model I saw had its base unit kept in a cabinet nearby.

This system is still very new, but it’s a very intriguing idea. While it would require purchasing new specific darts, I think there’s a definite place for this type of game, especially if it leads to being able to track hits without using velcro. In an FPS, you run forward and around with your barrel pointed forward, right? Maybe the same principle could be conceptualized here. I myself have a lot of nerf darts already, but being able to track hits and have power ups (like increased damage, and… some other settings I can’t mention but they’re thinking of) may just be worth the cost of a few extra darts, and maybe even if my friends and I split a few
packs.


 I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on the developments of this system, but it is a licensed Nerf (meaning, with their blessing) product, they’re working with Nerf on how it works, and there is some serious thought going into the mechanics. I do have a video of successfully tracking hits using the screen, but I have get home first to edit it (my main computer is at home.)

My blog post and the pictures don’t really do this system justice and it’s really very early to say anything definite, but I’m excited for the promise of what it might mean for playing Nerf Tag and the cool people I met talking about it trying to bring this to fruition. Yes, you need to get new darts. But, it could be for a very good reason 🙂

What do you think?  Is the idea of a Nerf-developed app/tag tracking device interesting for you, whether you play stock, modded, or HvZ?

Nerf New York Toy Fair – Nerf Rebelle!

I think I’m going to break out what I saw at Nerf over a post or few; let’s start with the Nerf Rebelle: Secrets and Spies line.
While I make use of the publicity photos, check out the photos in our own set, found here  – https://plus.google.com/photos/100536445002797324243/albums/5981279248972558625

https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js

Nerf Rebelle Agent Bow
  NERF REBELLE AGENT Bow
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Fall 14)
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 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. The NERF REBELLE AGENT BOW comes with three secret message foam arrows, a separate decoder, and a detachable quiver. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com. 

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Q9xTE5G7XGk/UwGk6R2obdI/AAAAAAAAA3M/uyrmDBsZ25g/w736-h493-no/DSC_0122.JPG

 

 

NERF REBELLE DIAMONDISTA Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Fall 14k)
Even top spies love to be stylish while on a top secret mission. The NERF REBELLE DIAMONDISTA crossbow is a must-have for spy situations that require elegance with an edge. The crossbow sparkles with studs and glitter to ensure you’re ready for every fashionista mission. Simply load the dart blaster, pull the string back and press the trigger for realistic crossbow action, sending darts up to 75 feet. The NERF REBELLE DIAMONDISTA blaster comes with a separate decoder and three darts, including two “Secret Message” re-writable darts. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

 

 NERF REBELLE MESSENGER Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Fall 14)
The best spy missions need to be carefully executed and planned and the NERF REBELLE MESSENGER blaster allows for stealth action. Send secret messages to your friend that no one else can read! Simply write your message on the dart with the special pen hidden in the blaster handle and then launch your message up to 75 feet! Since the text is only visible through the decoder and a special red lens on the blaster, nobody else will know your next step! This 3-shot blaster includes a recipient double decoder, concealable invisible ink marker, and 5 “Secret Message” darts. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com. 

 

NERF REBELLE RAPID RED Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Fall 14)
Mission: Spy Showdown. The NERF REBELLE RAPID RED blaster is the must-have accessory for the quickest spy around. This high-capacity motorized blaster features a 12 dart clip for rapid-fire action with darts soaring up to 75 feet! Not only will you have a super quick NERF REEBELLE blaster, but the RAPID RED blaster also features an integrated decoder to quickly access any secret messages sent your way. The NERF REBELLE RAPID RED blaster comes with twelve darts including six “Secret Message” darts and a separate decoder for your friend. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

NERF REBELLE SPYLIGHT Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall 14)
Keep your spy missions going, anytime of day! The NERF REBELLE SPYLIGHT blaster features a detachable flashlight to put the spotlight on your targets or to help you light up the scene as you conduct your mission. Featuring a 6-shot rotating barrel, you will be ready to take fire at any time and sends darts up to 75 feet! This blaster also features a secret compartment in the handle that stores two darts for unplanned last minute shots! The NERF REBELLE SPYLIGHT blaster comes with an integrated decoder in the barrel, separate decoder, and six darts including three “Secret Message” darts. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com. 

 

NERF REBELLE Arrow Refill Pack
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $8.99Available: Fall 14)
Always have extra arrows on hand with the NERF REBELLE Arrow Refill Pack! Each refill pack comes with 3 colorful whistling foam arrows that soar up to 85 feet each. Load your bow (sold separately) and make your mark! Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.
Not actual size of darts; this was part of the display.
NERF REBELLE SECRETS & SPIES Dart Refill Pack
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $7.99Available: Fall 14)
When the mission calls for secrets to be sent and shared, the NERF REBELLE SECRETS & SPIES Dart Refill Pack has everything needed to create secret messages. Each refill pack includes 8 re-writeable darts, a pen, and a message decoder for friends to discover the secret messages. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.
Enjoy! I’ll get together a more detailed breakdown later this week.

Nerf Showroom – New York Toy Fair 2014

New York Toy Fair! Just finished up, and I have a lot to go through! I still have VMD, Tek Recon, Zing, Marshmallow Shooters, and a Tek Stryke to do!
In the meantime enjoy some of these photos. High quality pics will be up tonight. HQ video has to wait until I get home, but I will post what I took from my iPod touch using the Nerf cradle, and my phone as well. Check my instagram! “Vasthestampede”.

F2A Exclusive Images! Nerf New York Toy Fair 2014!

Fresh from the Nerf Showroom at New York Toy Fair! Thanks to the Toy Spy for these exclusive images! I visit the Hasbro showroom tomorrow when the fair opens, so expect more coverage including videos/photos/and more pictures! Click on the pics for more info from the press releases/previous reveals. I expect to have a proper press release on the Attacknids/Combat Creatures after tomorrow.

Once again! These pics came from Toy Spy! I’ll have my own info up later this week. These images came from a separate event, and Toy Fair itself doesn’t start until tomorrow.

Nerf N-Strike Elite Cam CS-12 and the Nerf Demolisher! (click for more info)
 
Nerf Combat Creature Attacknids

Nerf Zombie Strike Slingfire (click for more info)
 Some of the initial feedback is people LOVE the Nerf Zombie Strike Slingfire‘s action – it just feels good to use and fire.
Nerf Elite Mega Thunderbow (click for more info)
 I am not even gonna lie. The Nerf Mega Thunderbow looks like a huge friggin’ blaster.
Another shot of the Attacknids
Make sure to check out Stitch Kingdom on instagram and tumblr
Here is a picture of the Guardians of the Galaxy blaster, Star Lord Battle Gear!

Incoming: Nerf Zombie Strike Double Strike

Dartblaster.de saw this at the Nuremberg Toy Fair, here’s the press release from Nerf!

NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE DOUBLESTRIKE Blaster

(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Fall 14)

When zombies are on the loose, double dart firing power is a necessity. Load two ZOMBIE STRIKE darts into the DOUBLESTRIKE blaster, pull back on the hammer mechanism, and fire to unleash both darts in a row! Blaster includes two ZOMBIE STRIKE darts. Available at most retailers nationwide and Hasbrotoyshop.com.

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.