WowWee introduced its Robotic Enhanced Vehicles (REV), electronic race cars controlled through a smartphone app, that allow players to compete against one another or against an AI opponent.
The REV system starter kit includes two AA battery-powered cars — one black and one white. Designed for indoor use, the cars can handle several surfaces, including carpet, hardwood, and tile. In addition to four AA batteries, the device requires a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone running iOS 8 or later or Android 4.4.3 or later. A downloadable app connects the phone to the vehicles, simply by holding the phone above the car you wish to control; the app will configure the player’s profile before displaying the health of players and AI characters during the contest.
Once the two are communicating, users can choose to play against another person or AI characters with varying strengths and weapon combos, which operate the second car. WowWee allows up to 16 players and cars to join in the games, which include a straightforward duel with an opponent, a campaign involving a series of battles with AI characters of increasing skill, team battles, capture the flag, chase and evade, and others.
Similar to a demolition derby and shoot-em-up match, the basic game consists of cars attacking one another by collision or through use of various weapons ranging from machine guns and plasma blasters to EMP bombs, mine fields, and air strikes. To counter these, there are choices of shields and health packs, and defeating an AI character unlocks weapons and more features.
Cars are equipped with WowWee's BeaconSense technology, “a proprietary indoor GPS system” that uses sensors to detect surroundings, other vehicles, and navigate accordingly. The cars also make use of what the company calls Simulated Damage Vehicle Physics, where vehicles react to a virtual hit as if it were real. If a car is hit from behind, it lunges forward; a hit from the side alters its course; too much damage causes the car to flee until “healed,” and then go back to attack.
In addition to the REV cars, WowWee also unveiled a few accessories. The Ramp, which runs on four AAA batteries and features BeaconSense, acts as a bonus point in the game. By jumping the Ramp, players win new weapons, restore health, or damage the opponent depending on how it's set. The power pack accessory replaces the battery carrier, and charges using a Micro USB cable that plugs into a standard charger.
The REV starter kit is available for $99.99, the ramp for $89, and a pair of power packs for $40.
Source: Gizmag
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