Bravestarr Heroic Laser-Fire Backpack (1986)

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The 1986 Mattel Heroic Laser-Fire Backpack is a distinctive electronic accessory from the vintage BraveStarr toy line and an early example of infrared action-figure gaming. Molded in blue plastic to represent the heroic side, the backpack attaches to standard 8-inch BraveStarr figures and connects to a handheld Neutrac-Laser pistol with a flexible wire. It was sold as a standalone accessory and with deluxe versions of Marshal BraveStarr.

Powered by a 9-volt battery, the Heroic Laser-Fire Backpack uses invisible infrared beams for interactive combat. Pressing the pistol trigger produces a firing sound and sends an infrared signal toward an opposing figure. When the backpack's chest-mounted sensor detects a hit from the Evil Laser-Fire Backpack, it signals that the figure has been defeated with a continuous electronic beep.

The set also included a cardboard outlaw target and reflective stickers that allowed children to practice their aim without another player. Today, complete and working examples are particularly interesting to collectors because of their early electronic technology, but vintage units should be checked for battery corrosion and aging electronic components.