Video Game Bytes: Nerf: N-Strike Elite review

Here’s an abbreviated look at a video game for the entire family.

• Nerf: N-Strike Elite (from Electronic Arts for Wii, rated E10+ for players 10 and older, $59.99). For the Nerf fans in the audience, the first part of this experience is old hat. Pick up the multifunctional Switch Shot EX-3 pistol, load the included trio of foam darts and engage in live combat role-play in a backyard or park firing at comrades (who should be wearing goggles) and the occasional annoying house pet (be kind).

Once tired of outdoor play, the multifunctional pistol bridges the gap to the virtual realm. Pull the barrel off the Switch Shot, replace it with a Wiimote and move to a virtual shooting gallery adventure using the Wii console.

Action takes place through roughly eight locations and involves shooting colorful icons and robotic enemies with foam darts while also targeting canisters.

Added action out of the story mode offers a Blasting Range to practice bot targeting with the generous selection of foam-filled firepower.

For added fun, the player can connect the included Red Reveal lens to the pistol and look through it to the screen to unlock codes and find enemy weaknesses.

The game even includes a cooperative play mode that really brings the foam dart shooting frenzy. The second player might feel kind of silly just pointing his Wiimote at the screen while his partner uses the pistol, but a second pistol can be had for a fairly reasonable $17.99.

N-Strike Elite is the perfect introduction to the shooter genre of games for the early tween but parents might grit their teeth at the high price point for the short adventure.