Nerf guns are a common component of many gamer's childhoods, with the foam dart-firing guns often a precursor to shooter video games themselves. Looking to blend both of those experiences into something new, Hasbro has announced Nerf: Legends, an upcoming sci-fi FPS based off of the beloved toy guns.
While most don't consider Nerf guns and video games to be particularly intertwined, the brand has been getting involved in recent years with bringing iconic video game weapons to life. In addition to a range of Fortnite Nerf guns, Hasbro has also been coming out with a new line of Halo weaponry, including the new Bulldog Shotgun from the highly-anticipated Halo Infinite.
Initially announced this morning by IGN, Nerf: Legends is an all-new FPS title from GameMill Entertainment. Described as a "family-friendly FPS," the game is meant to be a less violent alternative to M-rated titles like Call of Duty and Halo. Nerf: Legends will feature a full single-player campaign set across 19 sci-fi locations, where players are pitted against legions of evil robots. Players will utilize an arsenal of 15 different accurately-depicted Nerf blasters from Hasbro's Mega, Ultra and Elite toy lines, acquiring various power-ups along the way. While these blasters fire energy darts instead of foam, each one can be personalized with perks and skins, as can player characters.
In addition to the single-player campaign, Nerf: Legends will also feature PvP multiplayer. The mode functions as an arena shooter with free-for-all matches with up to eight players as well as 4v4 team battles. The title will also support cross-play at launch for all major platforms. While initial fan reaction online of this title has been lukewarm due to another entry in the crowded shooter genre, GameMill seems to be the go-to developer for nostalgic IP. The studio is also behind the Super Smash Bros-like Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl, which has garnered a much more positive reception thus far. Only time will tell if either game holds up to its more-established colleagues.
The prospect of a Nerf video game is certainly an exciting one, but its not the only upcoming title featuring real-world versions of a nostalgic brand's products. Milestone Team is coming out with Hot Wheels Unleashed, an arcade racer depicting incredibly accurate versions of iconic Hot Wheels cars. Hot Wheels Unleashed revealed its first gameplay trailer a few months ago, and is set to release just a few weeks ahead of Nerf: Legends.
Nerf: Legends looks to bring its real-world toy line into the video game realm, and serve as a more kid-friendly alternative to titles like Call of Duty. One gamer has turned that entire last sentence on its head, managing to play Call of Duty: Warzone using a Nerf gun.
Nerf: Legends launches in October for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.