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Tuesday, February 7, 2012

New Lazer Tag Confirmed!



From engadget, we've got an early glimpse at the newest Lazer Tag-brand system from Hasbro!  This new blaster has teamed up with the popular iPhone and iPod Touch to be the first app-driven blaster!

"The NERF Lazer Tag system is getting an update for 2012 that lets you pair your blaster with an iPhone or iPod touch. The top of the plastic guns now sport a slot for your iDevice which, when loaded with the Lazer Tag app, provides you with an augmented HUD view. While you can play against purely virtual opponents, the real fun is in using to track your battles with fleshy foes. The app will display your gear and power level, and update your progress on a global Lazer Tag leaderboard. As you play, new attacks and gear will be unlocked for you to enhance your gaming experience. The app will even actually show your blasts' trajectory, letting you see exactly where you shot your former friend. The 2012 edition of Lazer Tag will hit shelves on August 1st with individual blasters costing $40 and sets of two $70."

The new system is getting lots of praise and criticism from hard-core laser taggers that I've been talking with. With the return of Hosting games, a la LTTO, and the ability to "Grab-n-Go", much like the LTX, this latest iteration of laser tag has ME excited. While I don't have an iPhone, I absolutely LOVE my iPod Touch, which will be compatible with this system. I'm also delighted to see that it'll be coming out earlier than we expected!

The instant criticism for this is the fact that it looks to need an iPhone or iPod Touch to function, but in looking at the images, the screen may be detachable and have a basic function ability. It may even be able to fold down over the back of the blaster if not removable. Either way, it's a sleek new design that brings an exciting new element to Lazer Tag that no-one else has done before. With iPhones and iPods becoming more and more popular, it's neat seeing a system take that kind of equipment into consideration. It may be possible to record game footage and pictures right from your blaster with this! While none of this is confirmed, I could see it happening.

As usual, I'll keep you posted with ANY new information about these blasters in the next era of the Lazer Tag line!
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10 comments:

  1. PortalFebruary 7, 2012 at 11:55 AM

    Very interesting. The blasters(I'm pretty sure they're called this because they're Nerf) look very futuristic but the iPod Touch and iPhone stuff isn't the best. It's a great idea and I'm sure it'll do its job but I think it's a little too early for that. Maybe next Lazer Tag generation

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    1. ReverendFebruary 7, 2012 at 12:06 PM

      Too early for that? The iPhone and iPod Touch have been out for a long while now and are practically mainstream. If there's a time for a Lazer Tag system to capitalize on this, that time is now!

      Delete
    2. PortalFebruary 7, 2012 at 1:17 PM

      I love the idea and I'm sure it'll work but not everyone has an iPod Touch. I know you can play without one but I see your point. I think they should start on this idea but not do everything for it yet. Although most people have an iTouch,some still don't

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    3. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2012 at 2:25 PM

      I agree with Baz. Try not to think of the Lazer Tag guns as the Nintendo light gun, and the iPod/iPhone as the console. The iDevice isn't REQUIRED as a console is required to use a conventional light gun. It merely EXPANDS the existing capabilities of the taggers.

      Being able to interface with an app means the potential for software development with this system is virtually unlimited, and you can still use the taggers with your LTTO/LTX systems if you so desire.

      I call it a win/win.

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  2. △February 7, 2012 at 12:43 PM

    That's a spectacular idea. Integrating iGadgets and laser tag is so natural it almost makes me wonder why no one has done it before.

    ...I do hope it has at least some functionality with out the added tech, though... I don't have an iTouch or anything. Or maybe this is just a good excuse for me to get one. ;0)

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  3. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    Hmm... This is interesting. I might just have to go and get an iPod Touch to get this! ;) I'm guessing it doesn't matter what generation it is.

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  4. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2012 at 2:39 PM

    WOW thats fantastic news....keep us posted well done. Sam in Australia

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  5. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    how did you download the app. I can't find it. Did you you green screen or some other computer effects or is it available on the app store. If it is what do you search for to find it.

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    1. ReverendFebruary 7, 2012 at 9:22 PM

      Heh, I didn't. That's just a screenshot of what the actual App will look like. Even if the App WAS available for download, the blasters won't be out until August. The App is kinda useless without a blaster to use it in!

      So just cool your jets for 6 months. Then when you've bought the blaster, download the App to use it with.

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  6. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2012 at 1:50 AM

    With an iPhone mounted + 3G data connection, i think it'll be designed with the ability to setup game objectives and scenario rules like a multiplayer FPS shooter server host, and all the current scores and player stats can be seen in real time. Can't wait for this to be released!

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