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.
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.
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!
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!
Nerfers101sent 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!
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!
Shu’s the brainchild of Jericho game and Foxhound Urban Adventures owner Shannon Bruzelius, who runs Foxhound Urban Adventures out in California:
Many years ago I ran across Foxhound and Jericho as an interesting gametype, and connected with Shannon over email. I am glad to see they are still going strong. The Shu blaster does serve a very practical need, as running around public streets with Nerf blasters or other conspicuous action props draws unnecessary attention and can very much jeopardize a game and the safety of players. Shu at first glance just looks like an oversized cell phone, which is considerably less visible than most Nerf blasters. The power seems comparable with a Jolt, and considering the gameplay, the range is perfectly geared to what they do. Additional development could lead to 60-70 FPS, but only at the success of the Kickstarter. With money from their campaign, they hope to produce more and hopefully fulfill a need that Assassin, Elimination, and any other clandestine game type demands.
They have 18 days to go, and a few prototypes are out there but the goal still has much work to be done. Make sure to please check out their page, and hope you can support this design! Good luck to them!
Opening up the Nerf Prometheus, firing/range video coming soon (the outdoors isn’t terribly cooperative today.)
Sample provided by Nerf! Opinions remain my own!
NERF RIVAL PROMETHEUS MXVIII-20K Blaster (Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $199.99/Available: Fall 2018) Head into battle blazing to take on the competition with the NERF RIVAL PROMETHEUS MXVIII-20K blaster! This blaster features the new ADVANCED ACCELERATION SYSTEM which allows it to fire at a rate of 8 high-impact rounds per second! This blaster also holds a whopping 200 high-impact rounds in its easy-load hopper. The PROMETHEUS MXVIII20K blaster is fully motorized with a rechargeable NiMh battery for endless fun. Package includes blaster, 200 highimpact rounds, rechargeable NiMh battery, charger, two flags, shoulder strap and instructions. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.
Zuru Launches new Flying Bugs with Flying Bug Attack kit (Samples provided, but opinions remain my own)
Flying Bug Attack Single Pack
X-Shot Flying Bugs Take down REAL flying targets with the NEW X-Shot Flying Bugs range! The latest addition to ZURU’s hugely successful dart blaster range X-Shot Bug Attack which takes the action to the next level with real moving targets. To get your bugs flying, simply place the bugs onto the motorized launcher, press the pedal down with your foot and release to see the bugs soar in the air as you try and take them down before they land! Featuring the exclusive new X-Shot Swarm-Seeker blaster – a rapid fire blaster that can shoot 10 darts in rapid succession with an innovative side-loading clip system! The X-Shot Flying Bugs Single Pack includes 1 Swarm Seeker blaster, launcher, 2 flying bugs, and 12 darts (SRP $19.99). The Double Pack includes 2 Swarm Seeker blasters, launcher, 3 flying bugs and 24 darts (SRP $29.99). Ages 8+, Available July 2018.
STATS:
Includes: 12 zuru darts, 1 clip, Swarm Seeker blaster (aka Predator, according to the Zuru site), 2 flying bug targets, and 1 launcher. Batteries: Requires 4 AA batteries (for bug launcher) Range Claims: 90 ft Other notes: Clip is compatible with the Zuru XShot Regenerator blaster, and those clips work with this pistol. And Zuru is hot off to the races with their newest addition to the Bug Attack line, this time incorporating a helicopter/flying bug target to use with their blasters. The target is easy enough to use; you step on the pedal (video is still being worked on, that will be added in later), rev the rotors on the bug, release, and it flies off so you can shoot it down. The bugs banged into walls and the flying pattern isn’t the easiest to follow, so maybe this will be great fun for target shooting, and higher in difficulty level.
The blaster itself is called the Swarm Seeker. It’s a 10 shot clipfed blaster, and the clip is a typewriter/harmonica sideways orientation. Not my favorite placement on a pistol (as I would want to holster it) but the grip is comfortable for me and I didn’t have any jams after firing 3 clips full of ammo. I also launched a few proper Nerf Accustrike rounds from the blaster, and didn’t experience any jams using another brand of ammo. Accuracy from the blaster was pretty decent too, and while some Zuru darts did veer off from a straight line that was the exception more than the rule. As with all Zuru/XShot darts, these are also shorter darts than Nerf or most other brands.
The range I got from the Swarm Seeker (video coming later) went anywhere from 40-60 feet. Some of my shots were angled as well, but for a pistol that’s not too bad and for a stock blaster fresh out of the box that’s about what you would expect. The most telling thing about the blaster was that it had some decent accuracy.
Zuru dart is second from the left.
If I had any strikes against this blaster it’s about the choice to orient the clip sideways. As previously stated, holstering it with the clip loaded is tricky, and the other option is to keep them separated while running around and THEN loading the blaster when you use it (if you decide to keep it as a sidearm). That seems inefficient. I also didn’t notice a slamfire feature on the blaster, and while that’s not a dealbreaker, I wouldn’t have minded having it there.
The clip does make loading faster though (as opposed to one chamber at a time on a front-loading blaster) but only as long as you have loaded clips. Currently the only way to get any additional clips is thrifting, trading, or buying a Regenerator/another Flying Bug Attack kit. Zuru currently does not sell these clips (or the magazines for the Bug Attack Crossbow) separately.
Considering Zuru’s past prices, $19.99 for the single kit itself is a deal. If you consider that a Strongarm on Amazon or most other pistols are about $12 for something that has less shots on a turret, that’s an even better price. If you want to consider the Nerf Recon Mk II, which is a small (when no attachments used) clipfed blaster, it is certainly a lower price but you don’t get the additional value of the launchpad and target, especially if you lack Nerf wars near you regularly. This is certainly a good set for a parent to get their kid(s) with the additional targets, which may keep the darts from flying at siblings and/or furniture. Even more intense players may dig the pistol, which I found comfortable to grip and fire, if not keep as a sidearm. Definitely worth a look once these are widely available later this Fall. Big thanks to Zuru for getting me these samples, and looking forward to more!
Adventure Force from Walmart $9.97 USD 200 round dart refill pack, “waffle darts” compatible with Nerf and other brand, available August 2018
Walmart steps up HUGE for the coming year, offering up a 200 dart pack under their “Adventure Force” brand, already filled to the brim with dart blasters. The darts take cues from the K’Nex K-Force blasters, and compare in shape to other “waffle” style darts available on Amazon. This is only the first product of the blaster related items for 2018 from Adventure Force, and if last year was any indicator there are big things coming for this year. Dart Zone, through Walmart’s Adventure Force label look to push a quality blasting experience without the premium cost. And with the incoming prices for the next year in other brands, a little relief on the wallet might be just what parents are going to want when it comes time for gift-giving. Big thanks to Dart Zone for sending along a sample of the ammo, really looking forward to using these in play! My judgments are based on cursory testing of the darts from a few shots, naturally as I get to use these more I’ll have a stronger opinion (opinions also remain my own, even with a provided sample). From what I’ve seen so far though, it’s good, it’s pretty good.
The Adventure Force waffle darts are in the center, green with blue tip. Zuru darts, while slightly cheaper, are still shorter than most darts.
A closer look to compare the dart heads: the KForce is on the left, EKind (I think), Dart Zone, and Ekind)
A quick search on Amazon.comshows some of the first results are 200 darts of various 3rd parties for $10+, Walmart will sell these 200 dart packs for less at the $9.97 USD mark they set. The Dart Zone Sureshot package for sale on Amazon is 100 darts for $14.99, not the same value as the Walmart pack. Make sure to shop “Adventure Force” at Walmart and you can be confident that you are buying darts safe from an established company that will ship appropriately and promptly for one of the best prices out there. Zuru makes a slightly cheaper 500 pack for $24.99, but those darts are shorter (shown in the first pic above) which can be a problem for some players (depending on the type of blaster they’re using). So yes, the value is close but the dart length makes it a gamble on whether your blasters will work (if your blasters use magazines, this could affect reliability feeding. Front-loaded blasters obviously are less troubled by dart length than blasters that use magazines.
As I stated before, the bonus of buying through Adventure Force is that one of the companies making the products for the Adventure Force line, Dart Zone, is an experienced and established blaster/toy company, not just a listing on the internet. You know the BallistixOps line, the Dart Zone chain blasters (Enforcer, Dart Storm, Light Command) in recent history, and their dart making has hit some leaps and bounds since they first appeared. Some people know the third party brands they trust but this pack remains competitive even with some of those. If you need to make a run on ammo in a pinch, just run out to the store and not have to worry about waiting for shipping.
The foam of the Adventure Zone waffle darts are on par with anything else I’ve used as far as foam dart ammo is concerned. It did feel a bit too squishy trying out the front loading of a Tri-Fire, but ultimately the darts fired just fine, they loaded well. Durability will really test during summer play, or hopefully in an arena somewhere. Definitely no complaints from me regarding the shape, the feel, or the flight path of the darts. The video above illustrates some of my findings firing these out of stock blasters. The darts were impressive! I had maybe one ricochet off a wall, but for the most part the darts all stayed within the center and grouped in the middle of the hallway. That’s a far cry from some other darts that fly every which way; maybe far distances but definitely nowhere near what you want to tag sometimes. It’s a promising start for the first item of Adventure Force for 2018, coming from Dart Zone. Looking forward to what the summer reveals will bring!
If you liked the video, please be sure tolike and subscribe, I’d appreciate it!
UPDATED: Unboxing video posted 5/8/2018 and Nerf Vortex Vigilon 2011 vs Nerf Vortex Vigilon 2018
And my old firing video of the original release of the Pyragon –
NERF VORTEX VTX PYRAGON Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $59.99/Available: Fall 2018)
Take battling to the next level with the NERF VORTEX VTX PYRAGON blaster! With a 40-disc drum, this blaster is the highest-capacity VORTEX blaster yet. Battlers can take aim to swamp the competition with a fast-flying barrage of discs. Fire one disc at a time or fire all 40 darts rapidly with slam-fire action. With discs that can bank, curve, and ricochet, the competition will have to stay alert to keep track of their trajectory. Package includes blaster and 40 discs. Available exclusively at Target.
NERF VORTEX VTX PRAXIS Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $34.99/Available: Fall 2018)
Get ready for awesome free-style blasting with the NERF VORTEX VTX PRAXIS blaster! Pump-action power and removable clips allow battlers go the distance, keeping the competition on their toes.Load one clip into the blaster and keep the second nearby for quick reloading. Blast fast and create trick shots with discs that can bank, curve, and ricochet. The competition will never see them coming! Package includes blaster, two 10-disc clips and 20 discs. Available exclusively at Target.
And the first shot I fired out of the Vigilon as soon as I received samples way back when.
NERF VORTEX VTX VIGILON Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Fall 2018)
Bend the rules of battle to create all kinds of trick shots with the NERF VORTEX VTX VILIGON blaster! The VORTEX VTX VIGILON blaster sends discs soaring through the air for rule bending bombardment. Open the drop-down door to access the internal clip, load five discs inside, then take aim and send one disc at a time. Re-load the clip for minimum reloading time and maximum blasting. The battle is on! Package includes blaster and 10 discs. Available exclusively at Target.
NERF VORTEX VTX DISC REFILL
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Fall 2018)
Blast discs that soar and ricochet with the NERF VORTEX VTX blasters! Create all kinds of trick shots with these soft, flexible discs. Stock up for rule-bending battles with this refill pack that includes 20 NERF VORTEX VTX discs! Includes: 20 discs. Available exclusively at Target.
The initial leaked images were true! Nerf Vortex, after a few years of non-releases and hearing that lessons were learned from the line, is back! Coming out this fall (in addition to all the other huge releases) Nerf Vortex blasters are going to be exclusive to Target and having new colors with some of the old blasters of yore. No Nitron or Proton so far, but everything old is new again. The ranges were ok when compared to Nerf blasters pre-Elite but the real bonus (to some folks) was that the discs could be fired just right to hook around an obstacle someone may be hiding behind. Mr. S at Nerd Drop figured it was Nerf’s “trick shot” line, and that was pretty true considering some of the marketing that followed after. Another story that came out was that it was going to be a whole “Vortex Vs Elite” theme between the two lines, but was deemed too aggressive for the 8+ crowd (so I heard).
Most of the feedback from other players were the discs were too expensive considering the disposable nature of Nerf wars, or the discs were inaccurate. Some players loved it but sales didn’t seem to translate well, especially after the Elite line was released. It was another ammo type to buy and when you combine the cost of ammo, that’s not a good mix. But the line is back (and for a more expensive price, but that’s the cost of inflation over years, maybe.)
Either way, looking forward to the samples, and now it looks like the Vortex side of my collection gets new life breathed into it! Lock and Load, Nerf Nation.
Foam From Above 