Nerf: N-Strike Elite is a follow-up sequel to last year’s Nerf: N-Strike. Electronic Arts, the publisher behind the series, is setting up the franchise to be one of their key titles for the Nintendo Wii, and if there’s anything to take away from N-Strike Elite, it’s that EA knows how to appeal to their demographics.

Clearly avoiding any adult or mature content, Nerf N-Strike Elite is an age appropriate on-rails shooter for the Nintendo Wii. Having not played the original, the story apparently picks up right where the first left off – the villainous B.O.B. has returned and is sending his evil robots to try and take over the world. Players take up the roles of children in the title as they must overcome the odds and band together with their Nerf-based guns to save the world. Not the most original attempt at a story, but it works for the most part.

Taking advantage of the Nerf toy gun lineup, N-Strike Elite sports countless named guns that fans of the toys should immediately recognize. From the Vulcan that fires away 25 shots in a matter of 6-8 seconds to long-range sniper rifles that have a lower fire rate and less ammo in the clips, the guns are well represented and should please the hardcore fans, no matter what their age is. Instead of high-tech futuristic guns that blast away gunpowder and bullets, N-Strike Elite sports the Nerf foam bullets and no blood whatsoever. The enemy types, for the majority, are robots with Nerf plastic attachments represented with a lot yellows, blues, oranges and red colors.

With the wide assortment of weapons provided, the longevity is extended through attachments, upgrades and unlockables that can be applied to all the weapons. Similar to the Call of Duty series, N-Strike Elite employs features to keep gamers coming back for more Nerf entertainment. The currency, special canisters hidden through the levels, is easy to gain and even easier to spend. Improving the guns turns out to be an addiction as any leveling up and upgrade system could be.

As with any peripheral title, N-Strike Elite is packed with an accessory to make use of the Nintendo Wii’s motion controllers. The best perk of the gun peripheral is that it doubles as a real Nerf gun. Bundled in the package are three foam bullets for the gamer to use for their own leisure. Having used the gun to play around with, the speed of fire is much faster than I ever expected, so the gun packaged is a viable toy to add to any toy chest.

The package itself is a great deal, but the game itself is an average title in the long run. The on-rails gameplay often throws gamers in combat that doesn’t exactly make sense. The computer allies back away from the fray and then the game has the human player acting as if they were John Rambo going toe to toe against numerous enemies without a real prayer. The support from the computer allies is nil to none, so gamers are stuck fending their lives all by their lonesome.

To help gamers with their plight, N-Strike Elite permits two players to play together – so long as the second player has a gun to use. Granted, the action isn’t non-stop, but the game is better experienced with a friend to gun down evil robots together. Even if the game isn’t high on the difficulty, the game is better served with an ally to help eliminate the countless foes set before the players.

Lastly, the new feature implemented into N-Strike Elite happens to make gamers feel a little more legitimate is the “Red Reveal” mechanic. Looking through the additional red scope, players must use infrared to reveal secret words to solve puzzles. Puzzles usually involve around looking at a set of numbers and picking the correct sequence to open a locked door. It’s not mind-bending, but the feature does aide in mixing things up.

Gameplay: 7.4
While the highs of N-Strike Elite aren’t tremendously exciting, at least the lows of the game weren’t extremely dismal. All around, N-Strike Elite is a satisfactory on-rails shooter.

Graphics: 7.0
It’s not a groundbreaking Wii title, but it does a serviceable job.

Sound: 6.0
The written dialogue is forced and clichéd. The background soundtrack is typical, but it does set the appropriate mood.

Difficulty: Easy

Concept: 7.9
An admirable attempt at providing a unique experience, N-Strike Elite stands out on the Nintendo Wii.

Multiplayer: 6.6
It could be an amusing multiplayer affair with two Nerf guns.

Overall: 7.3
Teen boys should fall in love with Nerf: N-Strike Elite.