Tag: toy

Nerf Recon Mk II 2.0 addresses compatibility issues, releasing soon!

Quick update: got info from the #Nerf team that a “new” version of the Modulus Recon Mk II is coming out, that will not have the same clip compatibility issues as the earlier release. I don’t have one (yet) so this wasn’t a big deal for me, but if you did buy one already, contact Hasbro Customer service as they should be ready to help you out in resolving any questions. 
http://www.hasbro.com/customer-service/

#ForceFriday – Blasters to Bull’s Eye them Womp Rats back home

#ForceFriday Brings Licensed Blasters to the Front Lines
Vas The Stampede
ICYMI: Force Friday came and went, bringing with it a slew of new Star Wars toys to herald the revitalizing of the franchise when “The Force Awakens”  in theaters. I snagged a few pics on my instagram but here’s the official info and word from Nerf’s press releases (provided by the Nerf folks themselves, except for the lightsabers that I had to grab from ScienceFiction.com. I put a few darts through the blasters too, so there are some thoughts below as well. (All product was paid for on a shopping run, Nerf did not provide samples of these, just the information and images.)
 “STAR WARS NERF FIRST ORDER STORMTROOPER BLASTER
(Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $12.99/Available: Fall 2015)
The fight to restore order to the galaxy comes home with the first-ever STAR WARS NERF blasters! Battle against the Resistance with this blaster that comes with a removable sight and three NERF darts that fire up to 65 feet!” 
Simple enough; the blaster’s a single shot pistol, has a tactical rail on the top, and is easily pocketable. If you have a Firestrike already there’s not much new here, except it’s colored like the First Order Stormtroopers. The range claim is a bit high too, holding the blaster parallel to the ground achieved maybe 30-40′. Angled (VERY angled, as was the case with all these blasters) I was able to get maybe 50′. Good for close quarters but at $12.99 you might find other offerings for similar prices that have higher ranges.
“STAR WARS NERF CHEWBACCA BOWCASTER
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Fall 2015)
The fight to restore order to the galaxy comes home with the first-ever STAR WARS NERF blasters! Battle against the First Order in the style of your favorite Wookiee with this blaster that features a removable scope, real crossbow action and five NERF darts that fire up to 65 feet!”
 This blaster… left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. I didn’t own the other Chewbacca bowcaster from the 90s(?) so I was excited for it, even moreso because it seemed based on the Diamondista, which is one of my favorite blasters from the Rebelle line. However, this blaster was no Diamondista. It has a tactical rail (for a binocular style sight, included) and an ammo holder for the side. The ammo holder only installs on the one side though which is fine for me as a righty, but I wonder about left-handed users. The biggest complaint about this blaster is the size though, when you think Chewbacca you think a sizable two-handed blaster. The size on this blaster fit more for a pistol than the Bowcaster, at least in my mind. 
The worst part of the blaster though, was how it shot. Licensed products in general worry me, and past licensed products of all types (video games, blasters, etc.) were terrible. And when the blaster fired, it fired fine. Angled it would hit 60+, around 30-40′ aimed parallel to the ground. BUT, the darts would sometimes spiral when they launched. And this misfire happened a lot more than I remember it happening with a Diamondista. Maybe it’s the dart quality, the weather, the phase of the moon but the reliability of this blaster firing was noticeably low. While the Diamondista is only $10 ($4.98 elsewhere) that’s an acceptable risk, but for a $25 blaster that carries the roleplay idea of one of the main heroes of a major franchise…. I expected better. This one I’d say wait for the sale.
STAR WARS NERF FIRST ORDER STORMTROOPER DELUXE BLASTER
(Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $39.99/Available: Fall 2015)
The fight to restore order to the galaxy comes home with the first-ever STAR WARS NERF blasters! Battle against the Resistance with this blaster that comes with a 12-dart clip, slam-fire action, removable sight, detachable stock and twelve NERF darts that fire up to 65 feet! 
This blaster was up to my expectations. It comes with a 12 round magazine, tactical rail sight, and a detachable stock. Colored as the First Order Stormtroopers, the main weapon to fight the Resistance. Whether stormtroopers will shoot better this time around remains to be seen, but if they’re using streamlines I have a good feeling for the Resistance fighters. The blaster reminds me of the Alpha Trooper in the way it feels and shoots… which isn’t necessarily a good thing. The Elite Alpha Trooper’s pump felt a little flimsy for me, and would sometimes release the magazine I had in the blaster. It just didn’t feel like a very robust build and definitely not like the Rampage or Raider even. Some aesthetic touches such as the “armed” vents on the side are nice though. I am not sure how left-handed people are going to like using this blaster though, with the magwell and mag release buttons positioned only on the left side of the blaster. Also, the jam door is connected to the pump, so you can’t open it whenever. I don’t like that, but maybe it’s a small complaint. HOWEVER, the first one I bought broke using slam-fire and I had to return it for an exchange. So far the other one hasn’t had any issues, and fires pretty well.
Range-wise, the blaster hit maybe 40′ at least while aiming parallel to the ground, but definitely needed an angle to hit 60’+. Not surprised at that. Is it worth $40? Depends on how much you like Star Wars, need a slam-fire blaster, or…. like Star Wars? I took advantage of the promo price Toys R Us had, so I was fine with the price I paid for it. If you already have an Alpha Trooper or Rampage, you may want to pass. Personally I am still happy with it, as I always wanted a Stormtrooper blaster and am happy that dart shooters from Star Wars are finally out and hitting over 20-30′. If these do well, I look forward to more as the franchise expands.
STAR WARS NERF DART REFILL
(Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Fall 2015)
The fight to restore order to the galaxy comes home with the first-ever STAR WARS NERF blasters! Choose your side – Resistance blue or First Order red – and blast into battle! Each refill pack comes with 18 foam NERF darts compatible with all STAR WARS NERF blasters, sold separately.

The dart heads are transparent! Not much to say, just additional dart types which are pretty nice. 18 darts for $9.99…. that’s…. uhm…. definitely not the price you get for other packs though. How much do you really want to shoot blue or red darts?

STAR WARS® BLADEBUILDERS FOAM LIGHTSABER ASST (The bottom 3 lightsabers in the picture above)
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Fall 2015)
Introducing a new way to wield a Lightsaber! New Foam Lightsabers provide movie-accurate looks with a soft foam material for amazing fun. Each Lightsaber is compatible and combinable with other BLADEBUILDERS Lightsaber components (sold separately). Choose from YODA, DARTH VADER, and LUKE SKYWALKER. Each sold separately.

FINALLY! Lightsabers I can use for combat and not worry about bending/scuffing the plastic. The foam is more consistent with pool noodle foam though, and less the smooth foam used for the old N-Force line. The handles are hollowed out to use with connectors for the Blade Builder set, so you have options and configurations to choose from! For $14.99 you can definitely find cheaper foam swords, but they’re not lightsabers. I gladly paid the price for the aesthetics. And yes, you lose the light-up function and the hum of the sabers, but now you can duel with the best of them! (Which is NOT recommended for play.)

Happy Force Friday! Nerf First Order blaster pics!

#ForceFriday Kicks off the New Hope for Star Wars (toys)

Thanks to Graham B on Facebook, we have these initial pics for the new Nerf Star Wars First Order blasters! I haven’t gotten these myself yet, these pics came from Graham.

Enjoy the pics, commentary to follow.

Not sure which UPC this is for (based on the order the pics were sent to me this is for the deluxe blaster.)

The range claims are approximately 65′, which is INFINITELY better than most licensed products in the past. The Deluxe  blaster seems to have slam-fire and use n-strike mags, definitely something I will test though. The smaller pistol has the same range claim, but no mag usage. Interesting stuff!
UPDATE: the $79.99 price tag looks to be from an Australian source. Less price in the U.S.
HOWEVER, $20.99 for a pistol (probably single shot) & $79.99 for what is basically a Rampage? Dangit, Nerf. (See update!) For $10 more that’s a Rhino-Fire. Son of Nerf Herder, I hope that’s an error of some sort but I won’t know for myself until I hit the stores in the morning. That’s pretty exorbitant in my opinion, even if it is a licensed product. But Nerf can get away with it, because fans like myself are going nuts right now in anticipation. Heck of a trick. In the meantime, happy hunting! And may the Force be with you, always.

Nerf Rival Zeus Blaster Claims 100 FPS when it shoots

Nerf Rival Zeus Claims to Hit 100 FPS
Vas The Stampede

Back in February at Toy Fair, I checked out the Nerf Rival Zeus blaster in prototype form! Thanks to Nerf for sending along the full production model. Check the video below, and I’ll update with my thoughts later today.

Check out the photo album in the meantime!

About the Zeus:

NERF RIVAL ZEUS MXV-1200 Blaster

(Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/Available: Fall 2015)
Bring NERF battles to the next level with the mighty NERF RIVAL ZEUS MXV-1200 blaster. Simply push the power-up button, then take aim and unleash motorized blasting power on the opposing team. The powerful, precise RIVAL ZEUS MXV-1200 blaster gives fans and their allies an edge in battle and features an ambidextrous  clip loading and release button, safety switch, and fold-up sight. The included NERF RIVAL 12-round magazine is also compatible for use with the NERF RIVAL APOLLO XV-700 blaster, sold separately. Blaster is available in both red and blue and includes 12 NERF RIVAL Foam rounds. Six C batteries required, not included.
Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and at HasbroToyShop.com.
Nerf Rival Apollo:
Nerf RIVAL APOLLO XV-700 Blaster
(Ages 14 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Fall 2015) 
Perfect for the heat of the competition, the NERF RIVAL APOLLO XV-700 blaster sends NERF RIVAL foam rounds soaring in the air with extraordinary velocity. To defend themselves and teammates against the opposition, pull the lever to move the RIVAL foam round into place, then take aim and launch! Blaster is available in both red and blue includes seven NERF RIVAL foam rounds. 
Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and at HasbroToyShop.com.
Additional photos in the gallery:

Nerf releases info on more DOOMLANDS 2169

Nerf releases images of New Doomlands 2169 melee weapons!
VasTheStampede

Nerf sent over some new images today of some hand to hand roleplay weapons/toys to look forward to from Doomlands 2169, the Swift Justice and the Vigilance! 
Produced by Perpetual Play, the Swift Justice looks inspired by a trench knife with the hand guard, while the Vigilance will hopefully please anyone who misses the old N-Force Klaw hatchet. No price info yet from what I had, continue to stay tuned as more updates become available!

Nerf Doomlands 2169 press release!

Nerf goes “steampunk” with Doomlands 2169.
Vas the Stampede

“With the debut of the NERF DOOMLANDS 2169 line, members of NERF NATION can become the heroes of the future. This all-new NERF blaster segment was designed to inspire active, imaginative play with a futuristic edge only the NERF brand can provide. The year is 2169, nearly a century after an asteroid impact wiped out civilization as we know it. The post-apocalyptic wasteland once known as earth is filled with bands of marauding thieves and all manners of creatures. Now, the time has come for a hero to emerge from the wild, savage land to deliver justice and freedom to the human race with the new NERF DOOMLANDS 2169 blasters by their side.
The debut DOOMLANDS 2169 lineup, featuring the LAWBRINGER blasterwith a twelve dart rotating barrel and the pump-action VAGABOND blaster, is available exclusively at Target this fall and features all new sci-fi steam-punk designs, visible firing mechanisms, and NERF performance. In the epic battle for the future, NERF NATION will prevail.

The Fall 2015 NERF DOOMLANDS 2169 line includes:
 
NERF DOOMLANDS 2169 LAWBRINGER Blaster

(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $34.99/Available: August 1, 2015)

Patrol the lawless landscape and fight for justice with the NERF DOOMLANDS 2169 LAWBRINGER blaster at your side. The formidable LAWBRINGER blaster features a twelve dart rotating barrel and visible hammer mechanism for blasting, while integrated dart storage allows for quick reloads on the run. With the LAWBRINGER blaster, no futuristic foe is safe. Blaster comes with twelve NERF DOOMLANDS2169 darts. Available exclusively at Target.

NERF DOOMLANDS 2169 VAGABOND Blaster
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: August 1, 2015)

Survive the savage future and dominate post-apocalyptic battles using the NERF DOOMLANDS 2169 VAGABOND blaster. With unique DOOMLANDS style, pump action firing, and a six dart rotating barrel, the VAGABOND blaster is an essential tool for future freedom fighters. Includes six NERF DOOMLANDS 2169 darts. Available exclusively at Target.

NERF DOOMLANDS 2169 30 DART Refill

(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: August 1, 2015)
Stock up on extra NERF ammo to ensure dominance in the wild future. Post-apocalyptic heroes carrying the DOOMLANDS 2169 30–DART refill won’t be caught with an empty blaster in battle. DOOMLANDS foam darts feature gold deco with signature DOOMLANDS logo. Available exclusively at Target.”

Word has it Nerf is sending additional info our way, unreleased anywhere else. Keep watching this space, and lock and load, chummers!



ICYMI: Nerf Behind the Scenes – Nerf Mega Cycloneshock

VIDEO: Nerf Behind the Scenes – Mega Cycloneshock (ICYMI)
Vas The Stampede

Nerf sent out a video for its Mega Cycloneshock, here’s the scoop from the design team themselves.

Some takeaways… car design? That’s something I want to look more into if/when the next chance I have to hang out with the design team (hopefully this summer).

Marshmallow Shooters – Orbballistics, Varmint Series, and more! (Toy Fair 2015)

Orbballistics and more from Marshmallow Shooters at New York Toy Fair
Vas The Stampede

Find the picture gallery in full here: Marshmallow Shooters at New York Toy Fair 2015

Say what you want about Marshmallow Shooters, other blaster lines have come and gone but they are among one of the constants at New York Toy Fair year after year. Last year the biggest news from them (in my opinion) were the Ghostbuster-themed shooters, they looked great and while they were still functionally the same as previous releases, the line was just in time for the big anniversary of the release of the original film.

This year, it’s not a new paint job that piqued my interest, but this new line of blasters from Marshmallow Shooters, the “Orbballistics” as well as the “new” “FoamFury” line. Marshmallow Shooters is now in the business of making reusable foam ammo, as they did have some people who wondered about “wasting food” when it came to using Marshmallow ammo. While this is a concern for me as well, another problem with marshmallow ammo is degradation from heat or reuse. Squishy marshmallows loaded into barrels/hoppers usually meant residue on barrels and plunger heads. Foam ammo makes that less of a problem, thankfully. Based on the technology that they use for the “Orbball”, the ammo for the Orbballistics is a hollowed out foam tube that forms kind of a hollowed out oval, something like a grape, or a mini, teeny tiny hollowed out football. I’ve had some fun with the Classic, Crossbow, Bow, and a variety of other shooters in the past, but the ammo wasn’t optimal in the summer and I had to keep mindful about that. Also, never mind the constant consumption of my ammo from other players. Before the round, during the round, after the round, etc. Not entirely unexpected and it was all in good humor, it became the running gag any time one of us used a marshmallow shooter. Thankfully though that also gave me a lot of reasons to make s’mores and rice crispy treats as well!
 

Marshmallow Shooters is claiming 60′ flat on these things (and it might be possible, haven’t been able to do the video yet because of technical difficulties but there is one) so that’s pretty interesting stuff. Some of the initial comments I’ve gotten tell me these are similar to the Vortex Koosh blasters from way back, but these are definitely more compact. I didn’t have any prices at the time at New York Toy Fair, but they may be available as of 4th quarter, at least in time for the holidays.

As always, if I manage to get any samples I’ll be sure to do a review right at this blog. The model I handled was a prototype, so it’s way early for me to comment on handling and build strength. At most I can say that it looks sleek, and the ammo holders are always a nice touch. Past that, I am always looking forward to seeing new challengers to the foam arena.

Besides the Orbballistics, Marshmallow Shooters had “FoamFury” which is their classic shooter now firing foam “ear plug” like ammo. 20′ of range, so while made for a quick release definitely not what one can expect from the Orbballistics shooters. Also, there were “Varmint Series” blasters which look hilarious. Pics of these and more can be found in the gallery.

So, thoughts? Another (this time foam) solution from Marshmallow Shooters, with more range than the original shooters and with reusable ammo. Is this something you would try out? Would you qualify it as large ammo if your games use those rules? Comment below, and let me know!

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Twitter: @VasTheStampede
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K’Nex K-Force – Overview from Toy Fair 2015

K’Nex K-Force, a new blaster approaches!
Vas The Stampedehttps://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js 

Don’t forget, the contest to join the K-Force Squad is happening now! Only the first 1,000 submissions will be accepted!

Here are some photos from the showroom:



K’Nex’s K-Force is an interesting spin on the blaster scene. I will admit, when I first heard about it I was skeptical. I had never used K’Nex construction kits before, being more a brick user. K’Nex sets seemed a little overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

Then this happened:

That is a multi-barreled springer blaster this employee built on their own time. Each barrel has to be primed individually, but they are rigged up to fire under one trigger. It hit me. I got it.

If you can figure it out, you can build it. For years, apparently the K’Nex community has already been at work on rubber band/various other models of shooters (a quick search on YouTube will prove that) and in the interest of giving their own fans what they want, that brings us to K-Force.

The line launches with 6 blasters to start, with more on the way if the line does well.


The initial launch line for K-Force.
My main concerns with K-Force were-

1. Durability. Could the blasters withstand a drop/fall/getting banged around?

This video says yes. And the folks at the K’Nex booth couldn’t be more eager to show me all the ins and outs of the blaster, what you can build, and so on. One key point to holding all the K’Nex rods and gears together is using a special fastening piece that goes over connecting points. One thing they assured me about was that they tested fully built blasters so you didn’t have to move any differently than if you are using more popular blasters.

2. Could leading brand ammo be used in the blasters, and vice versa? 

Word has it K’Nex darts work in other brand blasters and vice versa. I will have to test this out after launch.

3. Accessibility how hard will it be to build a blaster right out of the box, at the loss of some instant gratification? Again, as I never used K’Nex before, this was a major concern for me spending an hour getting a blaster together.

K’Nex instructions are easy to use apparently, and color coded. While I intend to get a box of K’Nex of my own, the sets may take anywhere from 20-25 minutes to build. Even less for the smaller kits.
  
I like that the kits provide their own plunger tubes, allowing you to come up with your own trigger set ups which can lead to monsters like the blaster above. The locking mechanism for stress points is smart, and really accentuate how far into thinking the designers worked on this brand to make the initial launch easy for new users but some new parts and mechanics for veteran builders. I look forward to trying more and more of the set out just to see where this line goes.

K-FORCE Build and Blast: Mega Boom Building Set
Build 5 different blaster models and a buildable target in one set, including the double chamber Mega Boom blaster that fires up to 75 feet! The K-FORCE Build and Blast Mega Boom Building Set comes with over 300 pieces including, K’NEX rods and connectors, 2 blaster chambers, 3 skull dart holders, 2 quick fit grips, 2 preload rings that can be used to create customized blasters, 7 foam darts, and an instruction sheet to build the Mega Boom blaster. Customize and create your own K- FORCE blaster or log on to knex.com and download instructions for 4 alternate blaster builds. Most models can be built one at a time. Compatible with the entire K-FORCE Build and Blast line. All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $44.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.

K-FORCE Build and Blast: Dual Cross Building Set
Build 5 different blaster models and a buildable target in one set, including the double chamber Dual Cross blaster that fires up to 75 feet! Set features over 330 pieces including K’NEX rods and connectors, 2 blaster chambers, 3 skull dart holders, 2 quick fit grips, 2 preload rings that allow you to create customized blasters, 7 foam darts, and an instruction sheet to build the Dual Cross blaster. Customize and create your own K-FORCE blaster or log on to knex.com and download instructions for 4 alternate blaster builds. Most models can be built one at a time. Compatible with the entire K-FORCE Build and Blast line. All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $44.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.

 K-FORCE Build and Blast: Battle Bow Building Set
Build 3 different blaster models that fire up to 75 feet and a buildable target in one set with the K-FORCE Build and Blast Battle Bow Building Set! Set features over 150 pieces including K’NEX rods and connectors, 1 blaster chamber, 2 skull dart holders, 1 quick fit grip, 1 preload ring to create different blasters, 5 foam darts, and an instruction sheet to build the Battle Bow blaster. Customize and create your own K-FORCE blaster or log on to knex.com and download instructions for 2 alternate blaster builds.. Compatible with the entire K-FORCE Build and Blast line. All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $24.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.

K-FORCE Build and Blast: K-20X Building Set
Build 3 different blaster models and a buildable target in one set with the K-FORCE Build and Blast K-20X Building Set! Set features over 140 pieces including K’NEX rods and connectors, 1 blaster chamber, 2 skull dart holders, 1 quick fit grip, 1 preload ring to create different blasters that fire up to 75 feet, 5 foam darts, and an instruction sheet to build the K-20K blaster. Customize and create your own K-FORCE blaster or log on to knex.com and download instructions for 2 alternate blaster builds. Compatible with the entire K-FORCE Build and Blast line. All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $24.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.

K-FORCE Build and Blast: K-10X Building Set
Build your own K-10X blaster that fires up to 75 feet! Set features over 75 pieces including, K’NEX rods and connectors, 1 blaster chamber, 1 quick fit grip, 1 preload ring and 5 foam darts. Customize and create your own K-FORCE blaster or combine with the K-FORCE Build and Blast Mini Cross Building Set for an awesome downloadable combo build! All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $14.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.

K-FORCE Build and Blast: Mini Cross Building Set 
Build your own Mini Cross blaster that fires up to 75 feet! Set features over 60 pieces including, K’NEX® rods and connectors, 1 blaster chamber, 1 quick fit grip, 1 preload ring and 5 foam darts. Customize and create your own K-FORCE blaster or combine with the K-FORCE Build and Blast K-10X Building Set for an awesome downloadable combo build! All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $14.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.

 K-FORCE Build and Blast: 30 Dart Pack and Target Building Set
This 58 piece set comes with 30 foam darts and enough K’NEX rods and connectors for you to create a buildable target. All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $9.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.

K-FORCE Build and Blast: 10 Dart Pack and Target Building Set
This 26 piece set comes with 10 foam darts and enough K’NEX rods and connectors for you to create a buildable target. All K’NEX rods and connectors are made in the USA. Suggested retail price is $6.99. Ages 8+. Available Fall 2015 on knex.com and at toy retailers nationwide.


Questions? Comments? Anything I Missed? Comment below!

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