Update from Tek Recon after the break - I'll put my 2 cents in a little later when I have a bit more time. But... wow. The movie start pledges got picked up, and there will be some new products possibly by 2014!
To view the latest vid, head over to their kickstarter - http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/graemebissett/tek-recon-the-first-real-life-video-game/posts
Takin' nerf blasters to the streets around Chicago. Lock n' Load, chummers! And thanks for visiting. One of the nerf blogs out there where I review, and play! Get news, reports, gametypes, and reviews for all things Nerf, Buzz Bee, Vapor, and more. If you can fire it, I will try it.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Announced: JT Splatmaster Tournament is coming to Chicago(land!) PSP Chicago, June 2013!
(my original review here: http://foamfromabove.blogspot.com/2012/10/review-jt-splatmaster-z100-z200-and.html) I was a fan of it then, and am still a fan of it now. Between the accuracy and the comfortable feel of the Splatmaster line, it's a solid buy if you've been thinking about it. It's nowhere near as painful as paintball (due to the decreased fps) but tons of fun at closer ranges than you might expect with paintball.
All the rules and regs are listed here:
http://empirepaintball.com/jt-first-shot/. More, after the break.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Tek Recon Update #3: Firing demo and Trigger explanation!
Fresh update from Tek Recon. Pretty much says it all right there. And holy crap. A proper semi-auto trigger pull OR pump-action fires the blaster, you can use either mode. The pump-action works a bit better for rapid fire, while the trigger I guess allows for that steady shot.
What I wonder is if there is a range distance between either mechanism, as that is what it sounded like in some earlier updates. No priming the blaster like a shotgun then pulling the trigger as I initially reported/thought, but just straight up semi-auto action. No flywheels, no priming, no additional steps. Just point and shoot. Havok or Hammer Head, take your pick.
Well done, Tek Recon. Well done.
KICKSTARTER STATUS:
$19,000+ raised with 24 days to go! Not too shabby at all.
And from their FAQ:
"I have had a number of questions as it relates to the NRG Rounds with there performance and safety. First off know that the product will meet all the safety requirements for CPSIA, CHPA and EN protocols. The NRG Rounds not only describes the shape and performance of the product but stands for: N - Non Marking R - Reusable G - Gaming They make a firm impact but are safe
There will be refills available and they will retail for $4.99 for a pack of 25 units."
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Nerf Vortex Revonix 360 preview update
Basic Nerf is following this story as well, check his updates!
Commentor, you were right. This is a tester that is out.
WHOA: Nerf Revonix - found in the wild?
While scanning through instagram... found this new shot of a Nerf Revonix 360 (so did Basic Nerf). Not a website and not from Toy Fair, but user "daltontheamazing" might have a nerf Vortex Revonix 360 of his own, judging by the picture.
I thought the Revonix was not scheduled 'til the Fall, but release dates do get fuzzy! Looks like his location is set in Rhode Island too... so the plot thickens. (Anyone remember the Pyragon leak last year?)
Anyway, of note is the discs are white (and what looks like a red one?) As opposed to the red/white ones I saw at Toy Fair and the green ones in some of those store photos.
Interesting... very interesting.
EDIT: Join the discussion on reddit - http://redd.it/1edcoe
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Preview: Elite Alpha Trooper cs-12range test versus Original Alpha Trooper CS-18
Fired a few darts from my original Nerf N-Strike Alpha Trooper CS-18 and the new Nerf N-Strike Elite Alpha Trooper CS-12, and here's what I got. From where I was standing, the original shot about 30', while the Elite Alpha Trooper hit around 50', at a pretty flat angle. Full review is being worked on!
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| Where the blasters lay denotes the cluster; original closer to camera than the Elite. The one Elite dart near the original was a ricochet that bounced back. |
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
TEK RECON: KICKSTARTER IS LIVE (UPDATE) - Hammer Head, Havok
KICKSTARTER LINK IS HERE:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/graemebissett/tek-recon-the-first-real-life-video-game
Got word of this from the fine folks at Tek Recon - they're launching a little early, and ON KICKSTARTER. I'll let them explain in the press release below.
"TEK RECON: BRINGING VIDEO GAMES TO LIFE!
One of the most anticipated product launches of 2013 hits KICKSTARTER on May 9th
TORONTO, May 8, 2013 – TEK RECON, one of the most anticipated new product launches of 2013 will be available for the first time through KICKSTARTER.COM on May 9th @ 8am eastern standard time.
The goal of the KICKSTARTER campaign is designed to further enhance the development of the TEK RECON blaster and free app, and to get the product into the hands of early adopters and key influencers helping to create the first real life online video game. Through the course of 31 days fans will be able to fund the project through purchasing product, exclusive rewards, and bid on great prizes that include appearances in the television commercial and an all expense paid trip to present at E3; all contributing towards our KICKSTARTER funding goal of raising $50,000.
“Bringing TEK RECON to market through this KICKSTARTER project is the most ambitious and exciting launch in our company history,” stated Brad Pedersen President and CEO of TEK RECON Inc. “Two years ago we set out on a mission to bring video games, online connectivity and social interactive play together through innovation and great product design. The outcome, TEK RECON has come to life and created a phenomenal play experience that has exceeded our expectations.”
Gamers, adventure seekers and fans of technology, we need your help to create a revolutionary new way to connect and play video games with your friends IN REAL LIFE! Get off the couch and into the game with the newest and most realistic way to blast away on the field or anywhere. TEK RECON Blasters feature a first of its kind design with real trigger action and specially designed reusable “NRG Rounds” that blast up to 75 feet.
To optimize the battle and team experience TEK RECON developed a free “Real-Life Online Gaming” app to enhance blaster battles. Simply connect your mobile device to the blaster to bring video game styled play to life through mobile and GPS technology. The free TEK RECON App will be available for iOS and Android devices, enhancing real battle experience through an interactive heads up display, live chat, vision modes, and more.
The time is now to be one of the first to experience Real Life Online Gaming and change the way you play. For more information on this product and KICKSTARTER campaign please visit TekRecon.com."
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| A look at the OS of the Tek Recon app |
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| The Tek Recon Havok blaster, pump-action. Approx. $34.99 as of the listing I saw at Toy Fair. 90 round capacity last I saw. |
So there you have it. On May 9th Tech4Kids (makers of Tek Recon) is willing to let fans endorse the product, assist in the development, and in return you can get the blaster early, or any number of other bonuses, including possibly a trip to E3? Interesting, indeed!
Tek Recon wants to make sure they get the blasters done properly, so here they are opening up to the wonderful world of crowdfunding. Their kickstarter page launches May 9th, so if you've been yelling "TAKE MY MONEY" since news on Tek Recon first came out, here's your chance.
Between the interactivity of the mobile app, the new ammo type, and some of the neatest touches when it comes to aesthetics and user experience, I'm intrigued to try it out and see how it all works. I've been itching to get a more in-depth look at this since New York Toy Fair, and it looks close, so, so close.
I'll post the link once the kickstarter goes live and definitely keep an eye on Tek Recon's Facebook Page.
Onward, to May 9th! And good luck to Tek Recon in making this work!
Thursday, May 02, 2013
REVIEW: Skylanders Giants - Trigger Happy's Dart Blaster from Mega Bloks!
Mega Bloks were awesome enough to send along a couple of samples from Toy Fair - Trigger Happy's Blaster and Ignitor's Flame Sword.
What wonderful intellectual property are these devices for destruction from? The Skylanders Giants game, where a player uses a figure on a platform to connect to the video gaming device of their choice and play that character IN THE GAME.
Now, my past experience with licensed blasters is not very positive. At all. The Jango Fett blasters I have weren't anything special, nor were the clone trooper dart blasters I picked up. On top of that, this is Mega Bloks's first foray into making roleplay toys, so I was a little curious how these would stack up against past experience.
Thankfully, the stats spoke for themselves:
STATS:
Price: Approx. $14.99 depending on the store
Range: Anywhere from 30'-40' (with darts NOT the ones included. The darts it comes with decreased the range to about just under 30')
Ammo: Foam darts with a hard plastic, thin tip
Ammo Capacity: 6 darts before reloading
Annnnd the video:
So how did I like it? Sure, it was similar to Nerf Maverick but in a case like this it's the aesthetics that are important because of the licensing. Folks who love the game (or have kids who love the game) are going to like this, as well as anyone (like me) who likes a gold-colored blaster (I played A LOT of Goldeneye on the N64). The cylinder not popping out was a surprise, but the side divots are nice touch to get around that. As you can see in the video, the divots don't line up with the chambers on the cylinder. It would be nice if the holes had lined up WITH The divots, instead of trying to load the darts in on an angle, but the blaster would look a little odd and a little less symmetrical. I get that. The lack of a trigger guard bothers the showman in me as I can't spin the blaster on a finger. But, that's a nitpick.
Unfortunately, the included darts don't do the blaster any justice. They drop the range and the heads are unforgiving if they did hit their target. Granted, a toy like this isn't INTENDED to be shot at others, but things happen and I would have liked to see suction cups or something softer at the heads of the darts, if anything so the blaster would hit the ranges it does with regular Nerf ammo.
And the ranges are THE most surprising thing about this blaster. Once I loaded proper darts it got comparable range and performance to any Maverick I had (Strongarm doesn't count, it's internals are ahead of the Maverick curve but I had to include it for argument's sake.) I was pleasantly surprised to say the least!
After being burned so much with licensed blasters in the past, I would take this into any stock blaster game as a good sidearm confidently. Per the usual rules around here, I won't be modding this so I won't write about possibilities.
Ultimately, I think it works as a sidearm if you're into stock blaster games and the golden aesthetics remind me of sneaking around in my video game days. It's not exactly the Golden Gun, but it's closest I've gotten :) Skylanders fans might get a kick out of the blaster as well, as the license is HUGE and the game is really popular. Trigger Happy looks like a fun character to play as well (judging from the videos, maybe an actual Skylanders player can sound off on him) so if you're hurting for a unique looking sidearm or want to live the adventure with Spyro and friends, pick this up.
These are only the beginning too, at Toy Fair there was plenty more on the way, as shown below:
'til next time, chummers! Got a question? Post below.
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| Trigger Happy's Dart Blaster |
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| Ignitor's Flame Sword (size comparison to a Nerf Marauder) |
Now, my past experience with licensed blasters is not very positive. At all. The Jango Fett blasters I have weren't anything special, nor were the clone trooper dart blasters I picked up. On top of that, this is Mega Bloks's first foray into making roleplay toys, so I was a little curious how these would stack up against past experience.
Thankfully, the stats spoke for themselves:
STATS:
Price: Approx. $14.99 depending on the store
Range: Anywhere from 30'-40' (with darts NOT the ones included. The darts it comes with decreased the range to about just under 30')
Ammo: Foam darts with a hard plastic, thin tip
Ammo Capacity: 6 darts before reloading
 |
| Darts that come with the blaster |
 |
| Versus Nerf Elite Streamlines and current Dart Tag darts |
 |
| Shot of the chamber |
 |
| Air restrictors inside (and no, the cylinder does not pop out to reload.) |
So how did I like it? Sure, it was similar to Nerf Maverick but in a case like this it's the aesthetics that are important because of the licensing. Folks who love the game (or have kids who love the game) are going to like this, as well as anyone (like me) who likes a gold-colored blaster (I played A LOT of Goldeneye on the N64). The cylinder not popping out was a surprise, but the side divots are nice touch to get around that. As you can see in the video, the divots don't line up with the chambers on the cylinder. It would be nice if the holes had lined up WITH The divots, instead of trying to load the darts in on an angle, but the blaster would look a little odd and a little less symmetrical. I get that. The lack of a trigger guard bothers the showman in me as I can't spin the blaster on a finger. But, that's a nitpick.
Unfortunately, the included darts don't do the blaster any justice. They drop the range and the heads are unforgiving if they did hit their target. Granted, a toy like this isn't INTENDED to be shot at others, but things happen and I would have liked to see suction cups or something softer at the heads of the darts, if anything so the blaster would hit the ranges it does with regular Nerf ammo.
And the ranges are THE most surprising thing about this blaster. Once I loaded proper darts it got comparable range and performance to any Maverick I had (Strongarm doesn't count, it's internals are ahead of the Maverick curve but I had to include it for argument's sake.) I was pleasantly surprised to say the least!
After being burned so much with licensed blasters in the past, I would take this into any stock blaster game as a good sidearm confidently. Per the usual rules around here, I won't be modding this so I won't write about possibilities.
Ultimately, I think it works as a sidearm if you're into stock blaster games and the golden aesthetics remind me of sneaking around in my video game days. It's not exactly the Golden Gun, but it's closest I've gotten :) Skylanders fans might get a kick out of the blaster as well, as the license is HUGE and the game is really popular. Trigger Happy looks like a fun character to play as well (judging from the videos, maybe an actual Skylanders player can sound off on him) so if you're hurting for a unique looking sidearm or want to live the adventure with Spyro and friends, pick this up.
These are only the beginning too, at Toy Fair there was plenty more on the way, as shown below:
'til next time, chummers! Got a question? Post below.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
WIN A SUPER SOAKER HOUSE PARTY! (Sponsored by Nerf and Cheetos)
Just like the title says. I ran across this promo on twitter, and thanks to houseparty.com it looks like entrants can have a chance to win a Nerf and Cheetos sponsored summer house party.
Taken from their site, here's the prize:
"Host a NERF SUPER SOAKER Block Party
Kick off Father’s Day Weekend with the entire neighborhood at your own NERF SUPER SOAKER Block Party. NERF SUPER SOAKER blasters will set the stage for an exciting summer for kids of all ages as they soak each other for the ultimate outdoor fun. Bring out the family fun and snack on your Simply CHEETOS® White Cheddar Puffed Corn. Fire up the BBQ and soak up summer with your neighbors at your NERF SUPER SOAKER Block Party.Your exclusive Party Pack will contain:
- NERF SUPER SOAKER blasters
- Simply CHEETOS® White Cheddar Puffed Corn
- Special Host Coupons"
Friday, April 19, 2013
Snapfire 8 - closer look (Review, Repost of Demo video)
Back at last year's Toy Fair I posted this winner of a video -
and it took... a long time to get to the U.S. It was out overseas at first (due to the popularity of Dart Tag in those areas as opposed to the lukewarm reception here) and only recently did I finally spot one in a Toys R Us. Approximately $19.99, it's that semiauto manual pistol some of us have wanted for a long, long while. Personally, I remember this old video by SGNerf:
AND FINALLY.... FINALLY..... I got to take a look at a production version Snapfire 8 up close!
More after the break>>>>
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