Video games can be improved upon by combining traditional gameplay mechanics (e.g., a player's use of a controller) and live-action combat elements that may be measured and scored. For example, a player may fire projectiles at a target when prompted by a game, may have to dodge projectiles fired at the player as part of the game, may have to traverse the room to touch or move an object, and/or may have to strike a dummy or other object as instructed by the game. Such live-action combat aspects may be incorporated into a video game having otherwise traditional gameplay mechanics.

A projectile for launching through the air comprises a body and one or more projecting members integral therewith extending outwardly a distance from the body, which can be hollow or solid. The projectile is formed from an elastomeric material capable of being stretched to energize the projectile for launching. The projecting members are positioned a distance apart from one another and include openings disposed therethrough at distal ends for engaging sections of a launching device. The launching device includes a handle with the sections extending outwardly therefrom to accommodate placement of the projectile openings thereagainst for retaining the projectile before and during launch. The projectile is launched from the device by pulling the body away from the launching device to energize the projectile, and then releasing the energized projectile, causing it to be propelled from the launching device into the air and towards a desired target.

A device for launching and catching an object is provided. The device may include a body having an inlet, an outlet, and a channel therebetween. A propulsion mechanism may be housed within the body and include a motor. The propulsion mechanism may receive an object traveling at a first speed within the channel and from the inlet and to adjust the speed of the object to a second speed enroute to the outlet such that the object is launched into the air. A receiving funnel defined by the body may catch the object as the object descends such that the object is directed back into the inlet. A method of playing a catch game is also provided which may include one or more devices for launching and catching an object.

A ball launching toy, comprising: a base stand, a ball, a ball stand, and a launching mechanism. The ball stand is configured on the base stand. The launching mechanism is configured on the base stand to launch the ball. The ball has a fitting recess formed on an outer surface of the ball. The ball stand has a mountain shape. The ball stand includes a fitting projection on a top part thereof. The fitting projection projects upwardly. The fitting projection fits in the fitting recess when the ball is set on the base stand.

An amusement game device is provided. The amusement game device includes a projectile launcher configured to launch a projectile, and a light-emitting device associated with the projectile launcher. The light-emitting device is configured to emit light for a first period of time towards the projectile at a time after the projectile has been launched by the projectile launcher. The amusement game may also include one or more projectors, such as for causing different target information to be displayed.

A method for controlling a graphic interface involving images of a digital representation of a launcher, where the launcher including a launching arm equipped with a magnet. An array of magnetometers M.sub.i measures the magnetic field generated by the magnet, a state vector of the launching arm in a virtual reference frame Rv is determined, and a phase of arming then firing a projectile in the virtual reference frame Rv are identified. An image is then constructed and displayed on the graphic interface.

A toy apparatus includes: a base portion; a receptacle including a first open end, a second open end, and a sidewall that extends between the first open end and the second open end; a platform configured to move relative to the base portion between a first position and a second position, the first position under the second open end of the receptacle; and a launcher coupled to the platform, the launcher configured to move the platform between the first position and the second position.

A target toy using water to float or suspend an object with hydraulic surface tension suction trapping water relative to atmospheric pressure differential maintained with a displaceable target atop a capsule pod assembled with a character suit. An upper clear dome of the pod extends above a torso of the suit so a figure character head rises into view while the pod is filled and as long as the target remains atop, but subsequently the character head falls out of view into the lower base portion falling out of view while water is drained when the target is impacted by the projectile. When the target is struck or removed during gameplay its air seal is broken and the water evacuates through the bottom of the pod. The character head sinks as the water drains and the player is considered defeated.