[Review] UnlocX Gel Ball Blaster on IndieGogo!

Check out one of the latest gel blasting toys I’ve checked out, the UnlocX Gel Ball Blaster! It had a great run on IndieGoGo and now you can own your own! Get a rechargeable, 11 rounds/second unit that can fire up to 200 FPS! (Info taken from their campaign).

Their site is live to buy an UnlocX Gel Ball Blaster of your own: https://myunlocx.com/ or you can buy one from Amazon for $99+! It’s a bit of a price but definitely worth it if you want high capacity, long range, and a high rate of fire.

Thanks to UnlocX for sending out this sample, it is definitely one of the more powerful gel shooters I’ve tried so far.

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Toy Fair 2019 Aftershock (the Livestream)

Original live broadcast on 2/19/2019, after New York Toy Fair. Panelists include Vas from FoamFromaAbove.com, Nerfers101 from Instagram, and Nikki from NY Dart Zone. Producer is Gabe E. of NY Dart Zone.

We talk about EVERYTHING we saw! HUGE THANKS (in no particular order) to Nerf, Dart Zone Blasters, Buzz Bee Toys, Top Secret Toys, Zing, Marshmallow Fun, Far Out Toys, and Paper Shooters (Spitball Blasterz)! Appreciate the samples provided!

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Nerf X Overwatch News @ BlizzCon – Pricing, availability, PREORDERS

Big Day at BlizzCon! Nerf announced McCree’s Rival Blaster, Ashe is a new hero, and pricing and preorders are live at GameStop!

See photos here:

Nerf Rival Overwatch D.Va Blaster by Hasbro | Collectibles
New
Pre-Order
$29.99
PRE-ORDER
Platform:    Collectibles
Category:    Replicas & Vehicles
Publisher:    Hasbro
Developer:    Hasbro
Release Date:    01/01/2019
Details

Overwatch fans can play to win with this blaster designed in the style of D.Va’s signature accessory in Blizzard Entertainment’s internationally acclaimed team-based action game. It features recoil action on trigger pull, a trigger lock that prevents accidental firing, and D.Va’s signature bunny charm attached to the handle. This breech-load, spring-action Nerf Rival blaster holds 3 rounds and fires them 1 at a time at a velocity of up to 90 feet per second (27 meters per second). Comes with 3 Overwatch Nerf Rival rounds.

This blaster is designed in the style of Overwatch character D.Va’s signature accessory from Blizzard Entertainment’s internationally acclaimed team-based action game
Comes with bunny chain attached to the blaster handle
Activate the blaster’s recoil action every time you pull the trigger
Breech-load blaster holds 3 rounds and comes with 3 high-impact Nerf Rival rounds that it fires at a velocity of up to 90 feet per second (27 meters per second)
Has a spring-action mechanism, trigger lock, and ready indicator

Includes:
Includes: blaster, 3 rounds, and instructions.

Ages 14 and up
For use with Nerf Rival products only.

Nerf Rival Overwatch Reaper Collector Pack (Wight Edition)

Designed for the ultimate Overwatch fan, this Collector Pack includes 2 Reaper (Wight Edition) blasters designed in the style of Reaper’s signature accessories in Blizzard Entertainment’s internationally acclaimed team-based action game. It also features a replica Reaper face mask, with adjustable strap, for Ovewatch fans to wear and display. Each of these 2 breech-load Overwatch Nerf Rival blasters holds 8 rounds and fires them at a velocity of 90 feet per second (27 meters per second). They also feature spring-action mechanisms, ready indicators, and trigger locks to prevent them from firing accidentally. Includes 16 high-impact Overwatch Nerf Rival rounds.

Includes 2 blasters designed in the style of accessories used by Overwatch hero Reaper (Wight Edition) in Blizzard Entertainment’s internationally acclaimed team-based action game
Comes with a replica Reaper face mask, with adjustable strap, for Overwatch fans to wear and display
Each blaster holds 8 rounds and fires them at a velocity of 90 feet per second (27 meters per second)
Includes 16 high-impact Overwatch Nerf Rival rounds
These breech-load blasters have spring-action mechanisms, trigger locks, and ready indicators

Includes:
Includes: 2 blasters, 16 rounds, face mask, and instructions.

Ages 14 and up
For use with Nerf Rival products only.




 Overwatch McCree Nerf Rival Peacekeeper

Overwatch fans can now take on the role of McCree with this blaster designed in the style of his signature accessory in Blizzard Entertainment’s internationally acclaimed team-based action game. This Nerf Rival Overwatch blaster also includes a collectible die cast badge like the one worn by McCree in the game. The blaster features a spinning spur on the handle, a swing-open barrel, a hammer that moves when the trigger is pulled, a spring-action mechanism, and a trigger lock to prevent it from firing accidentally. It fires 1 round at a velocity of up to 90 feet per second (27 meters per second). Comes with 6 Overwatch Nerf Rival rounds.

Includes one blaster designed in the style of Overwatch hero McCree’s signature accessory from Blizzard Entertainment’s internationally acclaimed team-based action game Overwatch
Comes with a collectible die cast replica McCree badge
Holds 1 round and comes with 6 high-impact Overwatch Nerf Rival rounds
Fires rounds at a velocity of up to 90 feet per second (27 meters per second)
Has a swing-open barrel, reactive hammer, spinning spur on the end of the handle, spring-action mechanism, trigger lock, and ready indicator

Includes:
Includes: blaster, 6 rounds, die cast badge, and instructions.

Ages 14 and up
For use with Nerf Rival products only.
Nerf Overwatch microshot 3 pack
Experience the excitement, energy, and attitude of the Nerf brand, and find out why It’s Nerf or Nothin’. Nerf blasters from Hasbro deliver the ultimate in blaster performance for Nerf battles. The Nerf MicroShots series combines collectibility and blaster play and includes mini versions of favorite Nerf blasters. The Overwatch series features mini blasters (each sold separately) that capture the distinctive style of Overwatch characters.

Ages 8 and up
CAUTION: Do not aim at eyes or face. TO AVOID INJURY: Use only with official NERF darts. Other darts may not meet safety standards. Do not modify darts or dart blaster.
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts may be generated. Not for children under 3 years.

Info grabbed from the Nerf instagram feed and GameStop site. All releasing 2019.

So there you have it. Big weekend of reveals for Nerf and a big licensing move for 2019. The D.Va and Reaper Nerf Rival blasters are similarly functional to the Nerf Kronos; breech-loading, trigger pull, internal magazine. McCree looks neat but it’s a little disappointing that it is only a single shot blaster. I wasn’t expecting a Snapfire style toy but hammer priming and hammerfire would have been nice. D.Va is a 3 shot Kronos, Reaper is an 8. The Micro Shots aren’t Rival but still look fun.

The additions are really neat. Reaper’s mask, D.Va’s bunny charm, and the die cast badge with McCree’s blaster seem like cool accessories, and I can’t wait to see them in person.

Naturally, the big issue here lies in the cost. The Reaper kit tops out at $129.99 USD, and the Microshots are $9.99 each with D.Va and McCree in the middle. Considering the Nerf blasters due out around the same time next year, the Fortnite AR-L (and probably others due to announce later), the rumored Hypnos, Nailbiter, Mega Bulldog, the new Ghost Ops pistol, the Rukkus, repaints, the  new Demolisher kit, the new Modulus, and more additions after that, prepare your wallets. With Nerf making grand sport of $200 blasters now, casual and hardcore players may be hard-pressed about what blasters in the lineup to get. Completionists beware.

On one hand, seeing licensed quality performance product that will attract larger audiences could be a really beneficial partnership for Hasbro since other blasters haven’t quite landed licenses on that level yet (not to take away from Buzz Bee and Skybound/The Walking Dead.) On the other, the licensing certainly pumps up the price and functionally speaking these aren’t disimilar to existing product. Sales numbers will be interesting.

Will you pick these up? Do you play Overwatch? Would you now? Let me know!

Nerf NEWS: Fortnite X Nerf! AR-L blaster announced!

“NERF FORTNITE AR-L Blaster

(HASBRO/Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/ Available: June 1, 2019)

When it comes to creating epic Fortnite battles in real life, it’s NERF OR NOTHIN’! Inspired by the iconic weapon used in the popular Fortnite video game, the NERF FORTNITE AR-L blaster boasts rapid-fire motorized blasting and flip-up sights that allow players to focus their aim as they eliminate opponents and attempt to survive the “Storm.” The NERF FORTNITE AR-L blaster features a 10-dart clip and comes with 20 ELITE darts, so Fortnite fans can play with power and precision no matter where the battle is building. Requires 4 AA Batteries, not included. Available June 1, 2019 at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.”

Info released earlier today on Fortnite blasters from Nerf. When first reports came out, I thought (maybe hoped a little) that Nerf would use their new Nerf Laser Ops Pro as the basis. Not the case, as they went with Elite.

It makes sense, since Nerf Rival gets Overwatch that the other big license goes to the standard. If the current slew of Fortnite themed parties, games, and arena events is any indication, kids and Twitch streamers will love it and the rest that comes out. Darn shame these won’t be out until June 2019.

Licensed blasters! That (should) perform on par with the usual! And yes, this blaster is semiauto (like a Nerf Stryfe) and supposed to accommodate current Nerf magazines. Keep your eyes open, and Drop In.

Nerf Fest Mobile Tour dates through Select Parts of the United States

NerfFest is a thing! 500 Walmarts around America to be Visited by Nerf Mobile Tour. The tour is already underway, but here are the remaining dates and stops.

Just what the title says! Walmart and Nerf are partnering up to bring Nerf Fest at various locations (see the images above.) They don’t hit every state, but maybe you’ll be near one? They’ll bring the new blasters (not sure which ones) to try out, definitely Rival from what I heard. Be ready to see the Prometheus I would guess! There will be some promo items (while supplies last) it sounds like, such as a promo shirt after you spend $25. The stops in Illinois are coming up, I’ll be checking it out I hope!

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Nerf News: New Nerf Ghost Ops, Nerf Mega, Nerf Zombie Strike! Nerfers101 with the pics!

Nerfers101 sent these over! Images of new blasters – the Nerf Zombie Strike Quadrot, the Nerf Mega Bulldog, and the Nerf Modulus Ghost Ops Shadow.

She had a big day filming content with Nerf at the Nerfnation Show, so watch for that soon!

Let’s look at the new blasters.

Nerf Ghost Ops Shadow (Springer!)

Nerf Mega Bulldog

Some things to note….

  • The Shadow looks like it has a ton of tactical rails. Springer, internal clip?
  • The focus of the Mega line seems to be additional little slides/clicks/transformations.  The Tri-Break needed it’s break, the Thunderhawk has that barrel shroud, and now the Deploy-ability of the Bulldog.
  • The quadrot looks cool…? At least it looks easy to holster.

    The holidays will definitely make for an interesting buying season, with all the blasters on shelves and no Toys R Us. Happy hunting!

More info as it comes out, but check out Nerfers101 if you haven’t already!

NERF NEWS: Epic Games/Fortnite to Partner with Hasbro/Nerf to make blasters!

Epic Games/Fortnite X Nerf teamup!
Hi Friends! Been awhile. Make sure to check me out on Facebook and Instagram.

Got this from my Inbox:

Hasbro will be announcing the news via press release next week, here is some further information about the partnership:
·         Hasbro has partnered with Epic Games to introduce NERF Fortnite blasters and MONOPOLY Fortnite.
·         The MONOPOLY Fortnite game, which brings a battle-building twist to the iconic Fast-Dealing Property Trading game, will debut at most major retailers globally Oct. 1, 2018.
·         The NERF Fortnite blasters (avail. Spring 2019) will immerse fans into the player-versus-player action of the game, letting them play out the Battle Royale in real world settings with blasters and accessories that emulate the onscreen battles Fortnite is known for. 

So it’s crazy enough that Nerf landed the Overwatch blaster license for Rival  but now they have Fortnite too? And don’t forget, G.I. Joe is due for a revival soon if I heard some whispers at Toy Fair right.

So the big question for me is that some of the phrasing up above doesn’t have me sold entirely on the blasters for Fortnite being darts or Rival. Key points being:

  • They would have said Rival. Also, Overwatch is already there.
  • They don’t mention blasting power or any mention of darts either.
  • “Real world settings” tells me Augmented Reality. A la Laser Ops Pro.

  • HERE’S WHY:

  • Laser Ops Pro is the new hotness. During the call earlier this summer, they had plans to support Laser Ops Pro through 2019 at LEAST.
  • Again with the real world settings. It sounds like there’s a lot of programming to do, or it’s already in an app waiting to go. Fortnite has a mobile app already, Nerf has their matching system and network all set to go with Laser Ops Pro. Complete with in-game power ups. Might want to keep an eye on your apps to see if any patches/updates are coming.
  • “Emulate the onscreen battles” they say. Again between power ups and abilities of an app, maybe putting together a defense house, collecting materials, and getting that potion aren’t so off the mark for gameplay.
  • The single player light on the blaster is purple. LIKE THE STORM! #illuminati

    That’s all I got here for this, we’ll see maybe by Toy Fair or hopefully later this year. Thanks for visiting!

  • REVIEW AND TEST: NERF MODULUS CHRONOBARREL (Extensive testing)

    NERF MODULUS CHRONOBARREL:
    MSRP: $14.99
    Range: NONE (but it does go to three digit FPS readings)
    Attaches to Modulus barrel points, not usable with Nerf Rival ammo or Nerf Mega ammo (or 3rd party ammo that matches those dimensions – darts only.
    Nerf Perks value: 0 (not listed as a product for points, yet.)

    HOWEVER, it’s not just a device that reads FPS. It also functions as an ammo counter, a feature long-used in mods and 3rd party accessories. Nerf now has their own plus a chronograph for $15, and the reliability is pretty neat. The shortcomings are simple; the device can only be used in stock form on Nerf Modulus blasters. A Nerf Rampage or Slingfire couldn’t use it (which now makes the creation of the Scravenger a bit more obvious). Despite that, the device reads reliably, is reasonably low profile, and does what it’s supposed to do. The red screen isn’t the easiest to read like a blue digit on a black readout, but you make do when the price is right.

    There doesn’t (nor should there be) any range benefits to having the barrel on, just information for a player when they have to swap a magazine. Again it is a shame the device only works with darts, because it goes to three digit counts on the ammo side as well. It would be a bit handy for the Nemesis or Prometheus, too. For $15 one can’t really be too picky though as there are already a number of bigger, more feature rich products. If you want those, they’re out there. For cost-effective, quick solution, this is available as well, limits and all. Considering Nerf’s penchant for dribbling out improvements or design tweaks in future builds, maybe a Rival and Mega sized dart counter is ready for the future, we just might not be ready for it yet. If you need a chrony and just can’t afford a big kit, this is for you. If you want a quick ammo counter, this will also take care of you one way or another.

    Thanks for reading!

    NERF Rival x OVERWATCH Reaper Wight Edition blaster revealed! (SDCC 2018)

    Blizzard Entertainment arrived at Comic-Con International: San Diego with a surprise reveal for fans of Overwatch®: a sneak preview of the NERF RIVAL OVERWATCH REAPER WIGHT EDITION blasterDesigned in the style of Reaper’s signature accessory in Overwatch, the blaster is not only true to the game, but also a fully functional NERF toy.
    The Wight Reaper Blaster is the first in the series developed in a collaboration between Blizzard Entertainment and the NERF Rival brand to bring the iconic Overwatch accessories to life. Fans of the team-based action game will enjoy custom NERF RIVAL rounds with the Overwatch logo that are specifically colored for each blaster. The blaster will hold eight NERF RIVAL rounds, which it can propel at up to 90 feet per second. It will be equipped with a spring-action mechanism, a ready indicator, and a safety lock.
    The NERF RIVAL OVERWATCH REAPER WIGHT EDITON blaster will launch in 2019.
    Discuss! Image direct from Hasbro, not a screencap from the video!
    To compare (taken from this site – https://www.artstation.com/artwork/44V84)-
    Nerf’s made a pretty big move at working on Overwatch styled blasters. The game is still running strong in eSports circles, has a large user base, a large cosplay community, and a continually growing entity on all fronts. Just recently, a new hero was announced so the game continues to provide content, and the constant “nerfs”. It took a lot 
    Overwatch logo’d ammo? Color-specific? Could be collectible, if that’s what you like. No telling still on the price, but here’s hoping it avoids the price of some licensed goods as the Boba Fett or Deadpool Nerf Rival sets were at first.
    Functionality wise, some folks are hoping for a hammer style prime. My guess is sliding pump-action under the barrel. There’s a chance that hammer could be a pull handle for a priming arm, but I hope that isn’t the case. It says 8 round magazine, and I’m thinking it loads from a door by the hammer, where that little piece sticks up. 
    Another theory (but maybe the least likely, considering the performance) is the blaster shoots two rounds simultaneously like the Nerf Rival Atlas. The barrels could be the indicator, but considering the performance of the Atlas on the second shot, I hope that’s not the case. Give me 8 good shots at 90 fps and don’t worry about multishot lackluster madness.
    Ultimately, we won’t know until it hits prototyping, and by then it will hopefully be February if something hasn’t leaked by then. I don’t have much hope for the price to be reasonable, BUT there’s a good chance (as with the Deadpool blasters) that these blasters will be released in non-Overwatch skins for a bit lower price as well, that will just take time. What do you think? Play of the Game or utter Defeat?

    Nerf Zombie Strike Scravenger Video Review and Writeup is live!

    Taking a look at the new Nerf Zombie Strike Scravenger! (And a bit of a trick shot in there) Please make sure to like and subscribe for more videos! Going to a Nerf war this weekend, so there’ll be plenty to post. (Sample provided, but opinions remain my own)

    BASIC STATISTICS:

    Cost: $49.99
    Includes: Blaster, 2 magazines, barrel attachment, tactical rail light, sight/magazine holder attachment, stock attachment, and double jolt blaster that fits into stock. My blaster also came with 26 elite streamline darts.
    Available: Now
    Ammo: Darts (Elite Streamlines and similar ammo)
    Range:  About 30-40′ flat, maybe 50′ angled. Nothing earth shattering here.
    Special features: The slamfire switch! Set it, and the lever fires the blaster, you don’t have a 2-step motion of priming with the lever and then using the trigger. Triggerless firing as an option, not the rule. The blaster storage on the stock is pretty awesome too, and should make a nice addition as an option to any other stock/blaster out there.

    The Nerf Zombie Strike Scravenger is a $50 upgrade from the Slingfire in a couple of ways. The slamfire switch is one additional feature, while tactical rails and additional accessories to add onto your blaster is an overall addition to the Zombie Strike line. Make room for the Chop Stock and the Twin Slice accessory packs, due out later this year.

    Firing Observations:
    Right out of the box, there’s no noticeable uptick in range from this or any Zombie Strike blaster I’ve seen before. It fired pretty reliably though, so no complaints there. The darts it comes with are Nerf elite streamlines, and those are notorious for flying any which way they want.

    Design Notes:
    The blaster really does need a stock on there, otherwise it feels super unbalanced and is a bit awkward to hold in the hand. I would like a larger lever, and maybe a thicker arm for the lever too. As with the Slingfire, the arm is rather thin and feels a little wobbly. The design on the Buzz Bee Sentinel is currently remarked as being superior by a few other players I’ve asked. If Nerf continues to make lever blasters like this (and I hope they do), I hope that’s one change they make.

    As I said in the video, the grips on the lever are nice, but they made flipping the blaster a bit more difficult. I would say the grips weren’t necessary, and a smooth handle for the lever would be preferred. Otherwise, the trigger and lever all work accordingly, and despite those nitpicks the functioned, though I feel it could be improved.

    It’s interesting too that Nerf left the slamfire switch on the right side of the blaster only, making a little bit less of a fluid motion for a lefty user. I don’t know the internals to see how feasible that would be, but users take note that this may not be the most lefty-friendly blaster. The Jolt maintained it’s simple pulldown design, so that has no such issues.

    The stock attachment point is also placed in such a way that Modulus accessories will lock on upside down. It’s interesting that this worked out that way, and for whatever reason just be aware of bit of info.

    Otherwise, the junk aesthetic and everything that’s come to be the trademark of the Zombie Strike line remains intact. This line introduces a Modulus-style accessory/roleplay element to the Zombie Strike world that wasn’t there previous, being able to take a blaster and customize it (through play, not modifications like the Nerf community) to an extensive level physically. With the Twin Slice and Chop Stock (DISCUSSED HERE) coming later this year, there will definitely be some accessories to try out on the new tactical rails.

    BOTTOM LINE:

    Is it worth the $50? Of all the new releases, this is probably middle of the road compared to the other blasters out there. If you really want the Slingfire but wish it had slamfire, then this is your blaster. If you wanted to add on more lights or accessories to your Slingfire but can’t, this is for you. The fact is Nerf is definitely going for the wallet with their pricing this year, and depending on your interest in this hobby I can say a few things:

    Nerfers – wait. Save it unless you really want a slamfire blaster. There’s the Hades out there too.
    Parents – Again, this isn’t a cheap blaster. It’s aged for 8+ unlike the Rival lines, it has an extra blaster (for added value), the extra magazines, and overall works as a good starter kit/gift for a Nerf blaster and if you haven’t bought any before this covers a lot of extras you might have bought along with it anyway if you’re giving this as a gift.

    All that being said, it’s a solid blaster with a function that adds a new dimension to an older blaster. It would be a different kind of dual-wielding, and the slam fire does make firing a little faster, at least for me. Even if you have a Slingfire, this could be worth checking out just so you have additional Stock Options for a backup blaster and so you have that slamfire in a pinch. Hope this helps!