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Tag: play
Nerf Vortex Revonix 360 – Taking a Look (Review)
Imagine if you will, a time back in February.
I saw this:
Recorded this:
Tried again during this: (start at 0:33)
and FINALLY, recorded these:
So after a long journey that started at New York Toy Fair 2013 to July 2013 I finally saw a full production Nerf Vortex Revonix 360.
STATISTICS:
Nerf Vortex Revonix 360
- Available Fall 2013
- Approx. $39.99
- Integrated drum
- 30 Disc capacity
- Range: 70’ish
- Slam Fire
- Includes:
- Revonix 360 x 1
- 30 XLR Vortex discs
And there you go. The Nerf Vortex Revonix 360. So what of it?
Well, I like it. I was a big fan of the Nerf Vortex Pyragon when it came out, mainly because of the level of firepower it packed. Sure, the reliance on magazines is a sticking point for me in protracted Nerf games, but the slam fire was smooth, it looked good, and felt comfortable with a Nerf Super Soaker Lightning Storm stock. And the Revonix? Worth the cost. A big blaster (almost reminiscent of a grenade launcher, honestly) good range, and comfy to use, especially with a stock.
BUT, it takes a little getting to know. First thing, as Adult Fans of Nerf likes to say, the thing is a blaster you can reload on the run, like the Dart Tag blasters that have integrated mags (Quick 16, Speedload 6 come to mind). And the reload takes some practice at first but if you can manage it, you’ve got something good here. I always appreciate a loadout where I am boiled down to a player with a pouch full of ammo and a blaster by my side (anyone see what I did there?) One must be familiar with the feel of their blaster to keep loading while running around, while also keeping your eyes on the field. It’s good to know where the magwell is by feel, and turrets, and so on. Those brief seconds you spend looking down could get you tagged. I was able to work it out with the Dart Tag blasters, I’ll have to do the same here with a little more field time. Initially, it feels easy to fumble discs or slow down to search for the loading points (especially since the mag drum freely spins around) but just keep at it if you want this to be a primary for you.
As one of the videos above shows, the Nerf Vortex Revonix 360 loads through a divot on the left or right side of the blaster, and pumping the handle primes the blaster to fire. Holding the trigger down while pumping the handle activates Slam Fire. Needless to say, that’s basic nerf knowledge, I think. But eventually you too will go “click click bamf!” when you light up your opponents. Maybe. Ultimately, the slam fire on the Pyragon felt just a bit smoother than the slam fire mode on the Revonix but I think part of that is the new mechanism (this loads discs vertically and pushes discs into position, the Pyragon discs were already horizontal and didn’t need any additional adjustment from the drum mag or the firing mechanism.) However, that is practically splitting hairs. Both blasters send out a bunch of ammo REALLY FAST, and a cloud of discs can be a scary sight during a game. Maybe even scarier than a cloud of darts.
Should the blaster get jammed, there’s a disc release and the jam door (both pictured) I believe Mr. K at AFON pointed out this is the first/only Vortex blaster to have one(?):
As for the range, I was hitting 50′ – 70′ with discs. Not unexpected, considering that is the deal with Vortex line, hitting high distances. The only caveat here is the accuracy (as with most things Nerf and maybe especially Vortex) may lack a bit. The videos above show how hard it is to hit a reliably accurate point the farther you are from the target, and that’s even more noticeable with the frisbee styled vortex ammo. Not to say I haven’t had success with this blaster, but it adds a little bit more of a challenge. However, that is also a Vortex blaster’s strength to some degree, the unpredictability when trying to avoid a hit. A duck or sidestep that would normally get you out of the way ends up sending you into the path of a disc.
That craziness is part of the reason I really like the Vortex line.
The paintjob is striking, for sure. While the Vortex line has a new deco for 2013, all flame-styled in a way.
And it works for me. I honestly very rarely go “WHOA” on a blaster’s paintjob but this does look cool all the same. The main body is very vibrant with the white and orange accents, and the grey just works with it in my opinion.
So for $39.99, is it worth the purchase? If you prefer having the full 40 shots from a Pyragon, and prefer to not reload one at a time (even on the run) then you might not get a lot out of this blaster. I find the reloading mechanism unique enough that when I am on the field and hurriedly running around collecting my ammo to reload, (if the round is still going) it is MUCH faster to just load a turret than load a mag, and slam it in. Granted, you can carry smaller mags if you’re using a Pyragon but then that’s still additional weight you have in your loadout as opposed to just a pouch/pocket full of discs. So, player, know thyself. The performance was on par with the Pyragon though not as smooth on slam fire, and reloading without additional magazines is nice. This being Vortex discs you might have accuracy questions, but the ammo output just might compensate (Spray & Pray, my friends.)
If you like your Vortex blasters those are probably the best selling points about it. Hopefully, I’ve been helpful in making a decision. If you have questions, feel free to shoot them my way, and good game!
Tek Recon goes to E3! Press Release received!
“TEK RECON: E3 BOUND AND BRINGING LIVE ACTION ONLINE GAMING TO LIFE!
FOLLOWING A VERY EXCITING KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED NEW GAMES TO BE SAMPLED FOR THE FIRST TIME AT E3 JUNE 11-13 IN LOS ANGELES
TORONTO, May 21, 2013 – TEK RECON, one of the most anticipated new product launches of 2013 will be available for demonstration and sampling by fans and consumers for the first time at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, California June 11-13, 2013.
E3 will immediately follow a crowd funding campaign hosted on Kickstarter that began May 9th. The response to TEK RECON from gamers, tech enthusiasts, and blaster fans has been exceptional as backers and players from all over the world have reached out to provide valuable feedback, insight and support. The campaign is currently more than 50% funded and tracking to exceed the kickstarter goal of $50,000.
Gamers, adventure seekers and fans of technology, get off the couch and into the game as we need your help to create a revolutionary new way to connect and play! TEK RECON Blasters feature a first of its kind design with real trigger action, authentic recoil and specially designed reusable “NRG Rounds”.
To optimize the battle and team experience TEK RECON developed a free “Live Action Online Gaming” app to enhance blaster battles. Simply connect your mobile device to the blaster to bring video game styled play to life through mobile and GPS technology. The free TEK RECON App will be available for iOS and Android devices, enhancing real battle experience through an interactive heads up display, live chat, vision modes, and more.
“Bringing TEK RECON to market is the most ambitious and exciting launch in our company history,” stated Brad Pedersen CEO of TEK RECON Inc. “Two years ago we set out on a mission to bring video games, online connectivity and social interactive play together through innovation and great product design. The outcome, TEK RECON has come to life and created a phenomenal play experience that has exceeded our expectations.”
The time is now to be one of the first to experience Live Action Online Gaming and change the way you play. For more information on this product and the KICKSTARTER campaign please visit TekRecon.com.
Take a live look at the Tek Recon Blasters during the E3 2013 Show in Los Angeles, CA at Booth #5636 in the West Hall.”
And the buzz just keeps on going for Tek Recon! From Toy Fair now to E3… who knows what’s next?
Tek Recon: Update #4! – (New video and info uploaded to the Kickstarter page!)
Update from Tek Recon after the break – I’ll put my 2 cents in a little later when I have a bit more time. But… wow. The movie start pledges got picked up, and there will be some new products possibly by 2014!
To view the latest vid, head over to their kickstarter – http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/graemebissett/tek-recon-the-first-real-life-video-game/posts
“We are excited to know that we recently had 2 of the 5 “Movie Star” pledges get scooped up by fans. These 2 people are in for a real treat, and timing is perfect as we have just finished our first commercial shoot and we want to share with all of you a “sizzle” that we have produced. This spot has many of of the key shots that will be used in the final commercial that we intend to air later this year.
We think you are going to love the sizzle reel as it really helps demonstrate the product performance and convey how we envision team play and collaboration could work. You should note the following features in the spot:
Magazine swap out. Check out the flip and clip action on the Havok. We had much feedback from the community that you want more ammo and you want it fast. We are happy to to offer you up this, in a slick system that has quick access. Per the video, simply un-clip, flip and lock in the opposite end of magazine and you are good to go with another 36 rounds. Based on additional feedback we are planning on developing more ways to get ammo fast, in future developments of the project.
Communication via the app. One of the coolest features in the app is the walkie talkies. Your team is all linked via a comm system and when you press the screen icon, you are instantly connected and sharing intel. HINT – When used in game play, you will need to be careful as there are some power ups that the opposing team can acquire and when deployed “hack” into the comm system to listen in on your teams plans.
Distance of the ammo. In the video you will see a point where there is a 2 way battle over a concrete barracade. This should give you an idea of the distance that the blaster can achieve. In a recent blog post; one of our fans described Tek Recon as “friendly airsoft for the masses”. We are confident you will be very happy with the performance but also knowing that it is safe to use and play with.
Bank Shots. Another key advantage of the NRG rounds vs other projectiles is that they are dynamic and as a result you can “ricochet” the ammo to strike your target. We think that is a big idea and helps separate the men from the boyz!
Recoil. For those of you who have not had a clear look at what the recoil looks like there is some nice close ups of the product in action. We have just got to say it feels awesome and you cannot help but have a smile on your face every round you squeeze out!
Dynamic Targets. Yes we already had a video on this but thought we would give you a couple angles to look at it from. There is a “big” pay-off when you hit the target that we are pretty sure you will think is cool. These are included in our battle packs, squad leader and envoy pledges.
Girls! We love the fact that we have both genders featured in the forthcoming spot. Yes this is a shout out to all the ladies who hate the stereo type that girls are not interested in blaster play. We know there are a bunch fo you who believe they can outwit and outplay their male counter parts and do not need a special pink or purple blaster to do it. [Unless you really like pink….in which case you can make a custom metallic pink blaster as part of our “Custom Havok” pledge:)]
We aspire to create a product we are proud of and deliver “wow” with Tek Recon and the play experience it will offer. We hope by now that we have demonstrated that we in fact are breathing life into this project and doing so by taking feedback from you, our fans, to shape what we finally produce.
We have had a lot of questions about the app and different operating systems etc that can be supported. What is important to note is that the blaster on it’s own is an incredible product; it has a unique design with features that are truly stand out and will provide the best performance on the market. That said we have taken Tek Recon from “good to great” by creating a “digital layer” that enhances the play experience. The Tek Recon app on an IOS or Android smart device will give you a first of its kind FPS video game experience in live action play!
Thanks to those who have supported us thus far. The “movie star” still has 3 of the 5 positions available and if after seeing the sizzle you want to be part of the next commercial then you can either change your pledge or let your network know there are a limited number still available. The plan is to film the next spot with our top secret new Tek Recon blaster design in January of 2014. Thanks for helping us spread the word and for your efforts in making Tek Recon a reality!”
So…. it happened. some enterprising individuals picked among the biggest prize packs on Tek Recon’s kickstarter (the E3 pass as a spokesperson, and now 2 of the 5 “movie star” commercial spots) and are going to benefit HUGE. Exposure, lots of product and in the case of the movie stars, advance product. Here’s are the exact details of those prizes:
-
Pledge $3,500 or more
1 backer All gone!ATTEND E3! Flight and Hotel included to attend E3 in LA June 11-13, 2013 to help present Tek Recon at its premier launch event! As well as a MASSIVE Tek Recon prize pack, to ship Aug 2013. (US/Canada Only)Estimated delivery: Jun 2013-
Pledge $5,000 or more
2 backers Limited (3 of 5 left)MOVIE STAR Receive 1 Flight and Hotel room for anyone under 18 to fly to our film set so you can appear in the next Tek Recon commercial! Oh, and you’ll get a ton of free product. The perfect gift for the blaster fanatic or aspiring actor in your family (US/Canada Only – Anyone under 14 requires chaperone). MASSIVE Tek Recon starter pack to ship Aug 2013. Commercial set to film Jan 2014.Estimated delivery: Aug 2013
These are some great packages, for sure! And they helped get Tek Recon over the 50% funding mark with a good amount of time left. It’s almost a guarantee we’re going to see a whole lot more news and features before the kickstarter is over.As for the video, you kind of get a feel for the action pace they expect with Tek Recon, and the one feature not ready at Toy Fair was the recoil. But it’s the little touches that matter like the flip clip, the recoil, and the semi auto. Either way, this is exciting! Can’t wait to see everything.
-
Announced: JT Splatmaster Tournament is coming to Chicago(land!) PSP Chicago, June 2013!
Fresh from JT Splatmaster… they’re starting a way to introduce newcomers to league play and competition!
(my original review here: http://foamfromabove.blogspot.com/2012/10/review-jt-splatmaster-z100-z200-and.html) I was a fan of it then, and am still a fan of it now. Between the accuracy and the comfortable feel of the Splatmaster line, it’s a solid buy if you’ve been thinking about it. It’s nowhere near as painful as paintball (due to the decreased fps) but tons of fun at closer ranges than you might expect with paintball.
All the rules and regs are listed here:
http://empirepaintball.com/jt-first-shot/. More, after the break.
Players must NOT have any tournament experience!
When:
- Saturday, June 22
- 8am-6pm
Where:
- PSP Chicago Open
- CPX Sports
2903 Schweitzer Road
Joliet, IL 60436
Joliet, IL 60436
Registration: $75 for a 3 person team. But here’s the part where I find it interesting….
Divisions
- JT SplatMaster
o No previous paintball tournament experience
o 4 players max per team roster
o Age Groups
– 12 and under
– 13 and older
o Equipment – Must use provided event equipment to participate
– JT SplatMaster z200 Shotgun
– JT Goggle
– JT SplatMaster Ammo
– Quick Load Tube
– JT SplatMaster Versus Vest
o Paint Consumption
– 30 balls per player per point
o Simple Rules –
– 4 minute matches
– If a player is hit directly by a ball that player is eliminated
– If a ball breaks on the bunker and sprays on the player that player is not eliminated
– No foul language
– No Alcohol
– No physical contact
o Prizes Per Age Group –
– 1st Place
– Trophy per player
– JT SplatMaster z200 Shotgun per player
– 2nd Place
– Medal per player
– JT SplatMaster z90 Pistol
– 3rd Place
– Medal per player
New from Quest in Merry Hill – Inside the Nerf Arena Action!
Not much need be said about this. The Nerf Arena at Quest in Merry Hill is operational! Looks like the attendees have had a bunch of fun, so here’s hoping they keep it going. All the best, Quest! This looks much bigger than the original NDTL inf For more info on the stats and specs of the arena, feel free to refer to my other post: or contact Quest at: info@thequest.co.uk Maybe check them out on Facebook?
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!
Product Demo/Review: Foam Strike Pocket Shots – Monkey Business Sports!
Monkey Business Sports was awesome enough to send over some of their Foam Strike line, in this case Pocket Shots, their take on the slingshot.
Stats:
Pocket Shot –
MSRP: $6.00
Includes: Pocket Shot x 1, Ball ammo x 3
Range: Just under 30′
VIDEO:
 |
| Pocket Shot ammo (center) vs. Nerf ballistic balls |
In order to load it, you wedge a ball between the uprights of the Pocket Shot, pull back the “hammer” and release, striking the ball forward.
As you can see, it took some adjusting to get the shot to go straight but it flew well once I had the mechanics dialed in. The table was set up around 30′ away, and the ball dropped a little short so there’s your range there.
The Pocket Shot strikes me as a blaster that truly can get played indoors or out. The ammo flies softly enough that I don’t think it could knock over a vase or anything breakable. It is also small enough to pocket, even if you are carrying additional ammo which is a good characteristic for a sidearm. The only shortcoming is that unless you are carrying additional ammo, you’re stuck with 3 shots before you have to retrieve.
The action of pulling back the bungee cord (as all Foam Strike shooters use; compared to the rubber tubing Zing Toys uses) is a very satisfying and tactile sensation, so while this won’t set any range records it is still a bit of fun to play with. Definitely leave a group of them on a table at a party and see what happens:)
The shape makes these shooters very low profile and unassuming, as opposed to some typical gun shapes that might scare administrators or parents. Coupled with the softness of the ammo and the low velocity rate, if my nephew were still 5 years old, I’d feel safe letting him play with this under supervision (he’s 10 now). The Pocket Shot is pretty quick to load and a convenient sidearm if you’re in the market for one. At the very least, having a slew of them around and random shootouts with friends is a great way to even trigger interest in the hobby at large. Pretty good offering from Foam Strike with this mini shooter, and after seeing their own bow and arrow hit 200’+, I look forward to seeing more from Monkey Business Sports, for sure.
Nerf Elite Alpha Trooper Video – Germany Nerf
Thanks to Extreme Nerf for the heads up on these videos – a couple of them about the Nerf N-Strike Elite Alpha Trooper! Recently posted, and it’s in German, but the posts are out there.
Unboxing:
Demo Range-testing/Firing of sorts: (angled a bit, some wind, but pretty cool all the same)
Enjoy!
And again, thanks to Extreme Nerf for finding and sharing.
It came from twitter! Nerf at the office
Ha, gotta love knowing that some day, you might find a job that encourages Nerf as a way for employees to reduce stress.
Foam From Above 
