NERF Epic Pranks is a free shooting game inspired by the toy NERF guns that shoot soft projectiles. The title offers a virtual version of the toy gun, with the main character sneaking around to play pranks on friends and family.

This game is a long way from more straight-faced shooting titles like Cyber Hunter and Contra: Evolution. NERF Epic Pranks strives to recreate the fun, colorful, and harmless ethos of the toy on which it is based.

Jump out and shoot your target

NERF Epic Pranks opens with the player taking control of a character holding a NERF gun and hiding behind an item of furniture. Your target is a second character who has their back turned to you. By pressing down, your character will leap out and shoot pellets at their target, depleting that character's health.

An element of stealth

The twist is that once you hit your target, they will turn around and look at you. Their line of sight is represented by a red wedge shape, and you will need to remain hidden behind the furniture until the target loses interest and turns back. After that, you can carry on firing. Defeating your opponent will earn you money.

A range of settings

NERF Epic Pranks features a variety of settings, including offices, bathrooms, and poolside barbecues. Some levels will face you with multiple targets, while others contain bosses who take a larger number of hits before they fall. If you keep on winning, then you will unlock new characters and more powerful NERF guns to take with you into your mischievous battles.

Colorful fun

The game is clearly intended for children and will become repetitive for older players. That said, care has clearly been put into its presentation. The settings are colorful, the characters are well-animated, and the humorous visual effects (like the final bullet for each target shooting in dramatic slow-motion) add appeal.