Well, the N-Strike lineup isn't exactly free of recolors, but at least up until now they've been promoted as just that: alternate coloration variants of your favorite blasters. TheWhiteout Series, the Sonic Series, the Clear Series, all of the other N-Strike recolors haven't really tried to BE anything else but that.
The N-Strike Elite Lineup, I had hoped, would just be launched with some retooled blasters. The Retaliator (Recon), Rampage (Raider), and Stockade (Barricade) were all just updated versions of their N-Strike counterparts. While these are still more than just a recolor, since they have improved performance with better internals, there's not a whole lot of "wow" factor to them outside of that. The Elite Lineup has really only had one "unique" design come through in the Hail-Fire. The Firestrike and Strongarm are both new shell designs, but they're based on tried-and-true N-Strike blasters (the Nitefinder and Maverick, respectively) and now we've got another recolor: the Pinpoint Sight.
While I can't say I'm surprised, I am slightly bummed that the majority of the N-Strike Elite lineup has turned out to be nothing more than retooling and recoloring stuff that's been on the market for awhile now. While I still like everything that's coming out... I find myself really just wanting to replace my N-Strike stuff for Elite gear instead of have it ADD to my collection, you know? I'm curious. What are your thoughts on the progression of the Elite series?
I think Elite was over-sold. One of the best ways to get satisfied customers is by under-selling and over-delivering. We expected far more than what we got from the Elite line. Granted, some of that was our fault, getting far too hyped for it, but still. Nerf worked far too hard to make this batch look more glamorous than it was.
ReplyDeleteSeems to me like Nerf did the smart thing (business-wise) and took the necessary steps to keep those dart blasters selling even after the release of the Vortex line. They are not at all unique in this respect. Apple does it every year. George Lucas does it too, but his product consistently gets worse and yet continues to sell.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear about the Elite Pinpoint sight. I've never been able to buy one due to the discontinuation and price.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it a GOOD thing that pinpoint sights are coming back?
ReplyDeleteFINALLY pinpoint sights are coming back! I NEED to get this for my awesome blue AT.
ReplyDeleteHasbro is trying to save money with the re-shells, which makes sense financially. The Elite blasters do get more range with their direct plungers, and I also like the blue better than the old yellow. However, like the others, I'm looking most forward to the Pinpoint Sight (and paying less than $40 for it).
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