Entertech
| Type | Water gun |
|---|---|
| Company | LJN Toys |
| Country | United States |
| Availability | 1985–1990 |
| Slogan | "The look! The feel! The sound, so real!" |
Entertech was a brand of battery-powered motorized water guns sold in the United States from 1985 to 1990 by the now-defunct LJN Toys. Unlike the colorful designs of many of the simple hand powered pump water guns of that time, most of the Entertech water guns were manufactured from black plastics with a matte finish to resemble actual firearms. Marketing materials and television spots would tout, "The look! The feel! The sound! So real! Entertech!" These water guns were revolutionary at a time when most children were purchasing inexpensive clear colored plastic squirt guns that were hand powered, had poor effective range and looked like toys. The Entertech line boasted realistic looks and water storage in the form of detachable magazines (in most models) like their real firearm counterparts. In addition, the motorized water pumps made noises that, while not realistic, added an extra level of sensation. Finally, all of the guns except the Enforcer shotgun model boasted full automatic rate of fire (approx. 60 rpm) and a 30-foot effective range.
The end of Entertech's short-lived success was due in part to incidents in which law enforcement officers shot and killed children toting toy guns, claiming to have mistaken them for actual firearms. In addition, there were report incidents of criminals utilizing toy guns in robberies of retail establishments and even banks. In the midst of these highly publicized incidents, Entertech voluntarily began manufacturing their guns with blaze orange-colored caps in 1987, and began a line of less-realistic neon-colored guns later that year.
After Acclaim Entertainment purchased LJN in April 1990, they began phasing out toy manufacturing. Using LJN to make video games instead of toys increased the limit of titles Acclaim could produce for the Nintendo Entertainment System. In September 1990, Acclaim sold the Entertech brand for $1.7 million.
...
Wikipedia