During the last war, I got to finally have a true Ultra loadout. Granted, it was during the 120fps limit games. Even so, having eight ten round magazines and two six round magazines actually means having enough darts to support yourself during a round. Results were better than expected, since my 2nd Amp shoots straight (the first consistently shoots right), so accuracy wholly depended on the darts and the wind. Which is still somewhat up in the air.
Ultra, how you frustrate me. I love using different ammo types, but you bring so little to the table besides cost! And maybe some screaming darts. Will you get better, or be too late to matter?
Bad Advertising, and Worse Results
When I first got to try out Ultra, Nerf had just finished filming their “Ultra Championship” (I merely got an invite to the launch/afterparty). Ultra was being advertised as the most accurate Nerf dart ever, but even then that seemed suspect. If you watch the video of us trying out the blasters, you can see cases of darts going around the targets being aimed at. Better than Elites? Sure. But most darts are. More importantly, Nerf Accustrike darts were far more accurate, and already compatible with existing blasters. At that point, the intentions were clear: hype the new ammo type that Hasbro exclusively makes.
In the end, we had more expensive blasters, more expensive ammo, and quite the community backlash to the new system. It was the “accuracy line” that wasn’t more accurate than things already on the market. By virtue of Hasbro being a juggernaut, blasters have sold, but enough to survive past the full introduction of the line?
Magazines are Good! Let’s Try Those!
Of course, now that we’ve reached the end of the known Ultra blasters, we have the Pharaoh and the Amp, both of which take magazines. Extra magazines range from $12 to $20, depending on retailer, but they do finally make a real loadout possible. See for yourself:
They at least make Ultra viable for games due to being able to sustain fire. Even so, the accuracy at distance is still lacking, and you’re safer just standing still, especially with wind.
It’s still not bringing anything new to the table, but it’s at least enjoyable, as opposed to a chore to wield in battle. In regular battle, mind you. I’m not even going to to try recommending you use Ultra against a Nexus Pro!
My Take: This Year is Do or Die
In the meantime, I’ll try to at least enjoy it as much as other ammo types, because I’m strange like that.