Mint in Box Showcase – Nerf Rebelle
Nerf kicks butt, we can all agree on that, but what happens when girls want to take to the battlefield? Nerf do not currently offer any lines specifically tailored towards the fairer sex but what if that changed? This autumn sees the release of an all-new brand; Nerf Rebelle and foam-based combat just got a whole lot prettier.
With a wealth of bow-wielding female protagonists dominating media, with the likes of The Hunger Games, Brave and Tomb Raider, it was only a matter of time before someone capitalised on that and Nerf is leading the charge with this new line aimed squarely at that demographic and is on course for a bullseye in my opinion.
“Hit me with your best shot!”
The aesthetic is refreshing and the design of each blaster is certainly unique, rather than simply painting a Maverick pink and calling it a day. Each blaster is curvaceous, with eye-popping pinks, purples and white paint apps and apparently some decal customisation option as well!
The focus is not only on empowering female Nerfers with a line of blasters that rival the boys (Matching the N-Strike Elite blasters’ range of 75ft ) but also encouraging social interaction and expanded play features. Let’s take a look at some of the products that are going to be on offer.
Heartbreaker Bow
Heartbreaker Bow
Taking the mechanics of the classic Big Bad Bow and giving it a stylish make-over, the Heartbreaker is the quintessential bow weapon but if I’m honest, it looks a little goofy, especially given its size. It’s less Katniss Everdeen and more Baby Cupid in terms of scale. The Heartbreaker Bow will retails for around £19.99.
Crossbow
“Smile, you sonuva–!”
No quaint little title for this hefty beast, it’s a mo’fuggin’ CROSSBOW and isn’t afraid to say it. It’s no doubt going to be one of the best blasters of the line on looks alone, I mean, look at it. It’s awesome! The tactical rail is useful for the Smartphone Cradle, which will help with the App-based gaming experience they’re so quick to peddle towards you, which is cool but I think this blaster stands on its own merits. The Cradle will be £14.99 and the Crossbow itself will retail for £24.99.
Alpha Girl Mission Kit
“Shiny, let’s be bad girls!”
If bows aren’t your forte, you can always go cowgirl. NOT LIKE THAT! The Alpha Girl Mission Kit features a pretty cool looking Revolver pistol, with a cocking mechanism that favours holding it one handed so these would be really fun to dual-wield. Not only do you get a kick-ass pistol but you also get protective eyewear and holster. This is looking to be a fun rival to other sidearms like the Maverick and Strongarm.
Mission Control App
Other products include a mini crossbow pistol, a two pack for “BFFs” and a variety of accessories to compliment the line. All-in-all, it’s shaping up to be an incredibly successful line, much like LEGO Friends has been, not conforming to the typical “Girls like dresses and horses and being subservient and nothing but pink“ stereotype. As the older brother to a 7 year-old girl, I’m thankful that more and more companies are realising that the old girl archetypes don’t hold anymore. I’ll be glad to pick up some of these for my little sister and she can have some kick-ass Nerf all her own (so she isn’t bugging me for MY Nerf guns).
The Nerf Rebelle line will be launched worldwide this coming Autumn.