wo of the most recognized pieces of science-fictional equipment are the communicator and phaser from the original Star Trek series. In Gene Roddenberry's universe, these items are essential gear for a Starfleet officer assigned to explore the galaxy. By the time James T. Kirk and his crew were beaming down to uncharted planets, phasers and communicators were well developed. But before Kirk's Enterprise roamed the quadrant there was Jonathan Archer's Enterprise NX-01, with somewhat less advanced technology.
Art Asylum now makes available the communicator and phase pistol from the new Star Trek series, Enterprise. Modeled full-size directly from production props for the TV show, this pair of tech toys is nicely detailed and fully functional.
This Starfleet phase pistol, a presumed precursor to "phaser" technology widely used in all previous Star Trek series, is a large, silver pistol with black grip, a removable energy cell and two power settings.
The hood of the pistol hinges open to allow the removal and replacement of a non-functional energy cell. Inserting the cell causes it to light up red. This is achieved using two LEDs that feed into translucent plastic in the energy cell, making the entire cell glow as if infused with power. This light is meant to indicate a fully charged cell and stays on until the hood cover is closed, or after eight seconds or so.
When the trigger is pressed, one of two sounds plays and the barrel lights up bright red. The two sounds are meant to represent the stun and kill settings, depending on the position of the settings switch.
The Starfleet communicator is reminiscent of the classic Star Trek model, with its flip-up antenna array and small hand-held size. Pushing the activation button releases the spring-loaded cover, which flips up to a sound taken directly from the TV show's effects library. Holding the button down triggers Capt. Archer's (Scott Bakula) voice saying, "Archer to boarding party, come in." The communicator is small and fits in the palm of a hand or a pocket. A green panel lights up inside the display screen for about four seconds.
Phase pistols have been set to stunning
The modeling of these toys is superior. They are well detailed and painted in an effect of brushed silver and matte black. Photos of the real props indicate that Art Asylum took great pains to make this set very accurate.
The communicator is formed with sharp angles and square lines. Simulated buttons inside the communicator are non-functional. The flip top snaps shut, then springs open using the same button that activates the chirping sound and Archer's voice.
Compared to other Star Trek communicator toys, this one is a lightweight. The lid flips and the device plays two sounds. More could have been done with this toy, but perhaps not at this price point. It is a fun toy and is missing perhaps only a belt hook so kids playing Enterprise could have a place to put it instead of a pocket.
The phase pistol is life-size and is quite fun to play with. The mechanism that lights the energy cell is quite complicated for a toy. As with a refrigerator, the light goes out when the door is closed. Also, as an added battery saver, the light goes out after a time. This is quite clever.
The power selection slider is a little confusing at first because there is a non-moving copy of the switch on the opposite side of the pistol.
The trigger fires two sounds, one to indicate stun, one for kill. The problem with these sounds is that they are virtually identical, with the exception of a lilting drop in sound for the higher setting.
Once the sound begins playing, the pistol cannot be fired again until the sample cycles to its end. Perhaps a better idea would have been to cut off and replay the sound each time the trigger is pulled. This could make for more exciting battles. As well, holding down the trigger does not cause repeating fire. Perhaps it should.
The disappointing aspects of this toy are few, but the most bothersome is a brilliant orange ferrule capping the barrel that detracts from the accuracy of this great replica. To quote the packaging: "Orange phase pistol tip is not Starfleet issue. This version has been modified for 21st-century safety regulations."
These devices are powered by watch batteries, which are included.
