Posted in: Games, Video Games | Tagged: Boomco, entertainment, gaming, master chief, sdcc, video games

SDCC '15: Blasting Away With Halo 5 And BOOMco

Published Wed, 15 Jul 2015 20:45:55 -0500

By Dan Celko

Once again at SDCC, the Xbox Lounge opened its doors to con-goers in the Manchester Grand Hyatt just a short walk away from the San Diego Convention Center. Microsoft gave visitors the opportunity to get hands on time with some of their big hit games as well as unreleased title such as The Division and Halo 5: Guardians.

Video games weren't the only things being featured by Microsoft this year as they had their new Halo 5 Mega Bloks sets and BOOMco blasters. This is what really pulled my attention, specifically the Halo 5: Guardians Breakout Arena. The area was a small room set up inside the lounge which I can describe as no other way than reminiscent of the old TV show American Gladiators. Participants waited in line to be split into teams of four and were given UNSC "armor" to wear.

Upon entering the arena, there were camera crews streaming our preparations to a screen outside where sportscasters gave their commentary. As we were lead to our weapons, our audience was visible through the windows around the arena.

A few minutes were taken to explain the rules of the game to us. It would be the best of three rounds, 4v4 team deathmatch. The initial weapons we were handed were single shot pistols, requiring a reload after each time the trigger was pulled, and a "grenade" which was little more than a rubber ball you tried to peg people with. There were also "power weapons" on the field that you could use to replace your current weapon. The main advantage of these were that they held multiple shots per a clip. The disadvantage is they were out in the open and you would be riddled with imaginary bullet holes if you went anywhere near them.

Our two teams went our separate ways towards our respective starting positions. My team, Red Team, discussed our strategy. We decided the best approach would be to play it cautious and focus on stopping the power weapons from being taken.

It started out well. We took our defensive positions, staying on our side of the map. I was able to use my height to my advantage and shoot above the bunkers we used for cover. It gave me a view of the entire field while minimizing how much I was exposed. Using this tactic, we were able to keep Blue Team pinned until they made mistakes, allowing us to pick them off one by one. The first round was ours.

We were not so lucky the next round. They learned from their experience and quickly decided how best to counter us. Their aggression had skyrocketed. Before we could even react, they went for the power weapons and as I rushed forward to try to stop them, I was taken out. My teammates did the best they could to hold them 3v4 but were at a serious disadvantage already being against a power weapon.

It all came down to the last round to decide who the victors were. We never stood a chance. As hard as we tried, the blues had us pegged and didn't even make a move for the power weapons. Looking back, it all came down to one guy who brought us to our knees. I'm not sure what got into him, but he would rush forward at such an incredible speed, take one of us out, and get back to cover on his side without any of us being able to react. This was quite possibly the shortest of the 3 rounds.

When it was over, the Blues walked away victorious with their trophy posters in hand. Us on Red Team, took a team picture together to attempt to walk away with some dignity intact.

The experience was definitely one of my fonder memories I had at the convention, letting me justify playing like I was 8 again while drawing out my repressed Halo fanboy from hiding.

As for the BOOMco blasters themselves, I wouldn't recommend getting them unless you're already a Halo fan. There is a definite wow factor when holding UNSC and Covenant weapons in your hands and trying to defeat your enemies with them. However, as a toy I wasn't particularly impressed.

The single shot of the basic pistols took me out of the action every time I had to reload the barrel; an irritation I've had with similar toys in the past. Not only that but it doesn't cost much to get BOOMco blaster that already exist without the Halo makeover.

When it comes safety though, I would have to consider them unparalleled when put next to similar projectile toy I have tried in the past. Before the match started, we all fired a shot directly into our hand at point black range to understand how the blasters worked. I hardly felt a thing with no pain or sting on impact.

In short, a solid buy for a young Master Chief in your life with little worry over safety issues. If you have a child that had never fallen into the Spartan crowd, you might be better off buying regular BOOMco products.

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!