Good for fans

A lot of the complaints I'm seeing about this gun don't seem to take into account or be aware of the fact that it's a video game replica. So before we go further, let's confirm, this is a replica of the gun carried by the character D.Va from popular online game Overwatch. It says it on the packaging, in the description and seeing a character like this, you instantly know it's branded. I've played Overwatch before and while D.Va isn't my personal fave, she's undeniably popular. I'm also a video game nerd.

So I can forgive this gun if it's not the most amazing, functional Nerf gun, because it fills a pretty specific niche. It's not as high quality and beautiful as you'd expect from a Display piece (though you can still, of course, display it. A beautiful display piece would easily set you back double what this costs.) To me, it seems as though it's intended to be more of a prop or fun gun, not one you'd use during a Nerf battle or serious game, but to show off to your friends, 'play' at being D.Va or as a cheap cosplay prop. It's still functional and works as well as many other Nerf guns, though not as well as some of the great ones, but its main function is how it looks and the fun feeling of having a replica gun and at that, it works pretty well!

Scroll to the bottom of my review for a quick summary.

--------------------
Design
--------------------
Yes, this gun is pink just like D.Va's. In terms of getting the look right, it's a pretty good clone of her gun. The only nitpicking point would be that some of the colours (like the pink and gray) are more washed out, which does give it a cheaper look. However, without a direct picture comparison, you'd be hard pressed to even point out these things. The bunny chain is attached cleverly, not in the exact style of D.Va's (though still a chain) so that it doesn't swing around annoyingly when using it, or upset the weight balance. It even has the bunny-esque fins at the front of the gun.

All the small details are thought of here, so the packaging looks amazing, even the instruction manual is artistically done, to the degree that it looks better in the packaging than out. Would make a great in-box collector's item. A neat touch is that the Nerf balls are imprinted with the Overwatch symbol; cute!

--------------------
Functionality
--------------------
If you're looking for an amazing gun for Nerf matches, this isn't it. The functionality isn't bad, but again, it's not the prime selling point. It's a slow firer, you have to pump every shot and to be frank, it has a tendency to jam. The jamming is where it loses a point from me. During firing 20 plus times, it only jammed once, but the instructions for clearing it are not precise enough, leading to an internet search where people have the same problem. Firstly, when you're clearing the jam, your fingers can't actually reach the ball to push it out and because of the bend, it's hard to find a tool. I wish they'd included one as I ended up pushing through a broken makeup brush, and when I pulled it out the nozzle, the ball came with it. It also doesn't mention how to restore the gun to working order after unjamming it. To unjam you press the jam button pull it back very hard (you feel like you might break it), then after removing the balls, you must pull it back super, super hard and it will then slide forward itself.

The regular reload mechanism is also quite stiff and takes some strength to pull back, but it's rated 14+ so those ages should handle it fine. I found often that even when I felt I had pushed the pump mechanism forward hard after reloading, that it wouldn't fire and I had to jiggle it forward again. Once I was used to it, it was second nature, but I feel that's a definite issue.

There's also trigger locks on two sides, but only one of them works. I guess this could lead to confusion, but for me, the working lock was on the natural side, so I didn't have a problem remembering which is which. For left-handed folks, it might be harder. It's clear this was done for closer accuracy to the model, without the stress of having to figure out how to make a double-sided lock switch.

Those who know Nerf, know that the balls are far superior to the darts (and I prefer the discs to the balls as well). They fire farther, more accurately and hit harder. For that reason, this is more ideal for target competitions between friends and I feel 3 balls is the perfect number for that. It's (ironically) not a battle royale style blaster; the pump-action reload and limited ammo should make that clear.

--------------------
Summary
--------------------
Overall, this is a reasonable price, cute video game replica that is not quite fancy enough for display (but looks fab in the box), but has good functionality for slow and accurate shooting. Unfortunately, it also tends to jam and has some flaws that could be improved. If you're a D.Va fan or a cosplayer looking for a cheap base or prop, this is a must-buy, for everyone else, maybe not.

Age: 14+. No batteries required.

Pros:
+ Pretty accurate replica.
+ Doesn't need batteries.
+ Comes with ball style bullets.
+ Packaging looks amazing.
+ Great collector's item.
+ Small details are done well.
+ Good accuracy.
+ Has trigger lock.

Cons:
- Prone to jamming.
- Unjamming is difficult.
- Only 3 ammo provided.
- Pump action reload is slow and tends to need a jiggle.
- Colours are a bit muted/pale.

Recommended: Yes, but it's looks over function, so for D.Va fans only!