Nerf Arena - PC Games

Viewed from a first-person perspective, players manipulate combatants against either human or computer-controlled opponents. Instead of pistols and rocket launchers, Nerf Arena Blast warriors use Nerf Blaster weapons, most modelled after real Nerf creations. Although players still pound opponents with Styrofoam projectiles, Nerf Arena Blast eschews the "blood and pain" animation so prevalent in the genre; Atari has created a game suitable for younger gaming enthusiasts.

Nerf Arena Blast features three modes of play. In PointBlast, players accumulate points by striking opponents with Nerf weaponry and picking up point power-ups left behind. SpeedBlast lives up to its moniker; competitors race through the map locating checkpoints while trying to slow down their opponents. Finally, BallBlast requires players to seek out brightly coloured Nerf balls and fire them into targets.

Though obviously geared toward younger players, Nerf Arena Blast's varied game play and intense action should equally satisfy adult gamers looking to recapture some of the unbridled Nerf fun of their youth. --Doug Radcliffe