B-Daman
B-Daman (ビーダマン, Bīdaman) is a marble shooting toy produced in Japan by Takara.
The blaster's design is a humanoid figure at the centre, from which a specially made marble, is launched (but even other marbles of the same size may be used). Different attachments are used to change a B-Daman's accuracy, power, balance, control, and rapid fire. They are customizable and each have a special gimmick.
In the English language Battle B-Daman toys, the marbles are referred to as "B-Dama". In all cases they are simply called "marbles" (Japanese: ビー玉; biidama, hence the name "B-Daman") in Japan.
Timeline
In 2004, Hasbro collaborated with Takara and Fox Entertainment Group to bring it to the Japan and USA.
In 2005, Hasbro licensed the "Battle B-Daman" configuration of the toy.
In 2005, Takara licensed the show to Fox Entertainment Group.
Game rules
Depending on how it is played, there are different sets of game rules. In Hasbro's "Battle B-Daman" tournament set, it has the following 10 games:
Direct hit battle (DHB): Shoot at each other's B-Daman until opponent's B-Daman's switch is hit. In the "Zero" system, this causes a cap to block the barrel (originally a specially made game piece would pop out). Direct Hit Battle armor is required. (Note: Hasbro only sells the Zero, and blastercore versions)