Nerf reveals Spring 2016 blasters in RARE Visit from “Nerf Fan Ambassadors”
Vas The Stampede
Fresh off the “Nerf Fan Ambassador” visit to #NerfHQ in Rhode Island, enjoy the info on these future releases. More on the actual visit in am upcoming post, so stay tuned.
N-Strike Elite Dual-Strike blaster
(SRP: $19.99/Available: Spring 2016)
Fires both Elite and MEGA darts
Selector switch to choose MEGA or Elite
6 dart capacity (includes 3 Elite darts and 3 MEGA darts)
Spotted the Nerf Zombie Strike Zed Squad Crowbar Combat Kit for $19.99 today at a Target. Enjoy the pics!
It is a bit softer than I would maybe like but I also enjoyed Half Life (Gordon Freeman!!) a lot, so crowbars are kind of a thing for me. The mask that it comes with is pretty hilarious but I wouldn’t run around for extended periods of time wearing it. Also, this SHOULD go without saying, but it is sized for a child, adults may not find this as comfy like the iron man mask.
(Pics were quickly snapped w/ my iPod touch, so sue me.)
I don’t know a lot about LARP so I can’t speak for utility in games like that but maybe some of you other players out there can make these work. It fits the “zombie strike” world that Nerf is building. Now I was pretty disappointed in the first launch with the machete, but Perpetual Play has really caught me with their weapon and dart storage, the z bombz, and now some of the new kit including this crowbar.
My only bone to pick is this is a bit pricey, as full blasters with darts/mags with a lot longer reach run similar price points. But, them’s the breaks with this business. $20 could also buy a Sweet Revenge, a Hammer Shot, extra darts, things like that.
Ultimately though I bought it. So yes, if this scratches your role play itch for whatever you like (in my case, busting open crab heads) it is a good buy, I haven’t seen a foam crowbar otherwise.
There may no N-Force, but this works too. Game on, Perpetual Play.
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.
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?
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.
io9 broke the news initially months ago, and now the samples are in! Well, they’ve been in, as Basic Nerf has been doing his thing and after tooling around with these for a bit, I’ve got something to say.
F2A jersey not included 😛
Firing video:
Stats:
Nerf Zombie Strike Sledgefire Approx. $27.99, available August 1, 2013 Target Exclusive Includes: 9 darts (bright green, but like an Elite streamline) 3 shells (3 darts per shell) 1 ZombieStrike SledgeFire blaster
The Rundown:
When I first heard about it, I was intrigued. It looked like a grenade launcher, but it fires a spread of darts like a shotgun effect. I was also skeptical. Shells. The bane of my existence since the double shot.
I never liked the idea of shells. They were necessary to fire the blaster (unless you retooled it), if you ran out of them you were in trouble, and it doubled the reload time (dart->shell, shell->blaster) for maybe 30′ of power. Not worth the trouble, and good only if you liked the aesthetics, wanted to be a cowboy, or had a yen for shotguns without the shotgun spread.
BUT THIS BRINGS ME TO THE SLEDGEFIRE.
To fire it, you pull the hammer down to move the barrel and “break” the blaster in half. You load the cartridge into the back of the barrel, and click it shut. Pulling down the barrel is what primes the mech. Pulling the trigger fires. Lather, rinse, repeat for 2 more shells, then it is time to reload.
As a blaster, this is fun. I loved the Nerf Barrel Break, and the whole motion of breaking the barrel here and loading the shells is very much a device to enhance the roleplay aspect of being a zombie hunter. From the click of the barrel to feeding and locking the cartridge, it is a very satisfying experience to use it. It also nice the shells don’t totally eject, that you have to pull them out to set them back in the stock to reload.
Range-wise, I got maybe a little over 50′ angled. The video shows 30-40′ flat. To be fair, the Triple Shot got 1 dart to shoot decently, and the other 2 fell way short. Interesting bit, (confirmed with AFON via chat). That the Sledgefire gets all 3 to fly relatively close to each other is a vast improvement. Of note, in the description, it says –
“Zombie hunters fend off large hordes with ease using the ZOMBIE STRIKE SLEDGEFIRE blaster. A new triple dart shell-system allows for simultaneous multi-shot blasting and quick dart reloads on the run while extra storage space for darts keeps zombie invasions at bay. With the SLEDGEFIRE blaster it won’t matter if the approaching undead are the fast kind or the slow kind – they’ve met their match. Blaster comes with three NERF SHELLS and nine NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE darts. Available exclusively at Target.”
but does not mention Elite-style ranges, as the Crossfire Crossbow description does. So, don’t expect to get huge ranges with this, but enjoy the up close touch of a 3 dart blast 🙂
My fave part about this blaster is the spread is reminiscent (to me) of the old Blastfire, Hornet, and Lightnin’ Blitz blasters, but this one has a speedloader, which is very handy.
But, if I had to gripe, it’s that it seems to only shoot Elite-type streamlines. As the video shows, original streamlines and dart tag darts would get stuck in the barrel or not launch at all. Depending on your field of players and the variety of ammo, this could be a big deal to you about having to make sure all your streamlines are Elite styled.
Overall, is it worth the $30? I’d say cautionary. It would make for a good sidearm (although a bit long to holster, maybe a sling) but the shells, limited amount of them, and reloading doesn’t work well for a fast-moving, trigger happy play style. If you find yourself in the thick of a horde rush or firefight, you might be better served with a turreted blaster or the something mag fed. If the cartridges were/are going to be sold separately, I think I would change my tune. But having only 3 cartridges available right now is a big hindrance.
HOWEVER, the bright colors (I like the color scheme, it looks crazy), the comfortable stock, tactile feedback from loading the blaster, and having a slightly larger spread of darts per shot can mean millimeters between a miss and a tag. For me, on the aesthetics alone, it is worth the purchase, and hitting the 40′ mark at a 3 dart spread is great for a last ditch shot. It just might save you a respawn. Just for the gimmickry of it though, this is totally a lot of fun and worth a go.
EDIT: (forgot to mention these earlier)
Stencils! Zombie-themed stencils were included with the blaster to decorate appropriate targets:)
Nerf Zombie Strike Stencils!
P.S. – It’s been a crazy week, but don’t worry I’ll update this review with pics of attachments/stocks ASAP.
Spotted this via ExtremeNerf but Bankcroft.de posted an unboxing video of The Nerf ZombieStrike Sledgefire!
Video is below – it’s in German though, just so you know.
Definitely jazzed about seeing this for myself now, it definitely looks like it has better firing on all three darts as opposed to the Triple Shot, which performed better singled. It loads like a grenade launcher though (at least, I think so) so besides the reliance on shells (which I hope are sold in separate packs) we’ll just have to continue to wait until these are out everywhere. Nice job, Bankcroft!
Here’s the info from io9 (and the press release myself and the other bloggers received) so enjoy! I’ll have to get back and do some proper analysis a little later today.
The first wave of the Zombie Strike blasters are to be Target exclusives; the 2014 releases will be available in Spring 2014.
NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE SLEDGEFIRE Blaster (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $27.99/Available: August 1, 2013) Zombie hunters fend off large hordes with ease using the ZOMBIE STRIKE SLEDGEFIRE blaster. A new triple dart shell-system allows for simultaneous multi-shot blasting and quick dart reloads on the run while extra storage space for darts keeps zombie invasions at bay. With the SLEDGEFIRE blaster it won’t matter if the approaching undead are the fast kind or the slow kind – they’ve met their match. Blaster comes with three NERF SHELLS and nine NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE darts. Available exclusively at Target.
NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE HAMMERSHOT Blaster (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $15.99/Available: August 1, 2013) One way to survive the zombie apocalypse: Keep moving. The compact ZOMBIE STRIKE HAMMERSHOT blaster is designed for defeating the living dead on the run! Featuring a five dart, front loading rotating barrel and a unique pull-back hammer mechanism, the HAMMERSHOT blaster is the go-to for sudden zombie attacks. Includes five NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE darts. Available exclusively at Target.
NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE 30 DART Refill (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: August 1, 2013)Ensure that the undead won’t walk the Earth for long by stocking up on extra NERF ammo. Zombie hunters carrying the ZOMBIE STRIKE 30 DART refill won’t be caught with an empty blaster in battle. ZOMBIE STRIKE foam darts feature cool green deco with signature ZOMBIE STRIKE “Z” logo. Available exclusively
After launching as a Target exclusive in late 2013, the NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE line will expand in 2014 to a full line of blasters, bows and foam swords designed for epic battles against undead and available at most major retailers nationwide! Additions include the FUSEFIRE blaster, which blasts zombies with glowing VORTEX discs day or night, and the authentic CROSSFIRE bow with 75 foot N-STRIKE ELITE distance. With the 2014 ZOMBIE STRIKE line-up, NERF NATION zombie hunters are ready for anything.
The 2014 ZOMBIE STRIKE line includes:
NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE CROSSFIRE Bow (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Spring 2014) Protect your human allies with the ZOMBIE STRIKE CROSSFIRE bow, which brings iconic crossbow action to the NERF line for the first time in almost twenty years! Boasting 75 foot ELITE distance and authentic pull-back firing action, the CROSSFIRE bow is a great asset in the human zombie struggle. Crossbow comes complete with four NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE darts. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.
NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE FUSEFIRE Blaster (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Spring 2014) Lesson one: the living dead don’t take naps. Be ready any time of day for a zombie attack with the ZOMBIE STRIKE FUSEFIRE blaster at your side. Firing glowing NERF VORTEX discs, this blaster features a continuous loading system for blasting zombies with a foam barrage. The curving and ricocheting discs allow zombie hunters to battle their undead opponents in an all new way. Blaster comes with five ZOMBIE STRIKE VORTEX discs and storage space for five additional discs. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.
NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE SIDESTRIKE Blaster (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Spring 2014) The ZOMBIE STRIKE SIDESTRIKE blaster is the first NERF blaster with a holster for both dart and blaster storage, leaving hands free to carry supplies and post-apocalyptic gear. The quick-draw blaster possesses ELITE performance, firing ZOMBIE STRIKE darts up to 75 feet. The included holster is also compatible with the NERF FIRESTRIKE blaster, sold separately. Comes with six ZOMBIE STRIKE darts. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.
NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE BLADE Toy (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $12.99/Available: Spring 2014) When it comes to hand to hand battle against zombies, losing is not an option. At 30” long, the durable foam ZOMBIE STRIKE BLADE sword is built to defend humanity at close range. Available at most major retailers nationwide and HasbroToyShop.com.
NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE RIPSHOT Blaster (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Spring 2014) Plan a sneak attack against zombie foes with the aid of the stealthy ZOMBIE STRIKE RIPSHOT disc blaster, featuring integrated three disc storage. Comes complete with three ZOMBIE STRIKE VORTEX discs. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com
NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE RICOCHET Blaster (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $7.99/Available: Spring 2014) When it all comes down to one shot, make it count. The single shot ZOMBIE STRIKE RICOCHET disc blaster is the ultimate tool for mounting sneak attacks on the living dead. Pocket-sized but powerful, the RICOCHET blaster comes with two discs. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.
(NO IMAGE AVAILABLE)
NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE TARGET Set (HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Spring 2014) Keep your zombie hunting skills sharp between attacks with the ZOMBIE STRIKE TARGET set. The set comes complete with one small ZOMBIE STRIKE blaster, three ZOMBIE STRIKE darts and a ZOMBIE STRIKE target. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.
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.
Pictures of the blasters Nerf Clear series limited edition blasters that Nerf sent me. Enjoy, and enjoy the few months before we CLEAR THE WAY for the STAMPEDE-ECS!
Foam From Above 
