Toys & Games Archives : The Retro Network

Dark Tower: The Holy Grail of 80s Board Games

Dark Tower mixed fantasy adventure with electronic magic, creating one of the most unforgettable and ambitious board game quests of the 1980s.

Boglins: The Puppet Monsters of the 80s

Mickey Yarber

Boglins were the strange little monsters of the 80s toy aisle, rubbery puppets in plastic crates that felt alive the moment you slipped your hand inside and made them snarl, grin, or cause mischief.

How Slime Became a Toy‑Box Icon

Mickey Yarber

Slime went from a simple green goo in a plastic trash can to a full‑blown pop culture icon, shaping decades of toys, TV, and childhood messes.

How Dungeons and Dragons Got Caught Up in the 80s Satanic Panic

Mickey Yarber

In the 80s, Dungeons and Dragons became an unlikely target of the Satanic Panic, turning a harmless fantasy game into a misunderstood cultural flashpoint.

My Pet Monster: The Blue Furry Icon of the Eighties

Mickey Yarber

My Pet Monster brought bright colors, wild personality, and eighties charm to toy shelves, becoming a beloved creature that felt more like a mischievous friend than a monster.

The Masters of the Universe Fright Zone: When Evil Finally Got Its Own Playground

Mickey Yarber

The Fright Zone gave the Evil Horde a creepy headquarters filled with traps, monsters, and atmosphere, making it one of the most memorable villain playsets of the 80s.

The Art of Negotiating A Price

Mickey Yarber

Negotiating is part of the collector experience. These tips help you negotiate fair prices whether you are buying or selling.

Crystar and the Crystal Warriors : A Hidden Gem in 80s Action Figures

Mickey Yarber

Crystar’s crystal heroes and molten villains made it one of the most unique and overlooked fantasy toylines of the 80s, now rediscovered by collectors.

Toys“R”Us Set to Open 120 New Stores Nationwide In Time For Holiday Season

Walter King

Just in time for the holidays, Toys“R”Us is rolling out 120 new stores nationwide, marking its biggest U.S. growth push in years.

Understanding Your Retro Games Value

Mickey Yarber

Retro games can still bring real money, and knowing rarity, condition, and demand helps you spot which titles in your collection are truly valuable.

Why the First PlayStation Still Has So Much Personality

BJ Newman

Ask someone about the original PlayStation, and the answer is rarely just about graphics. They might remember a strange loading screen, a soundtrack they have not heard in years, or a game that seemed impossible

The Fugitive: The Board Game That Let Kids Join the Chase

Mickey Yarber

The Fugitive board game turned sixties TV suspense into a colorful cross‑country chase, letting families hunt the one‑armed man long after the episode ended.

How to Know if Your Vintage Board Game Is Complete

Mickey Yarber

Finding a vintage board game is exciting, but the real treasure is a fully complete set. Here’s how to tell if yours has every piece.

Why Limited Visibility in Digital Horror Terrifies the Human Brain

BJ Newman

High-definition graphics often fail to frighten audiences. Total visual clarity removes mystery from a digital environment. Visual deprivation forces the human mind to work harder. Darkness, limited visibility, and shifting silhouettes prompt the human brain

Tiger Electronics: Handheld Games That Entertained a Generation

Mickey Yarber

Tiger Electronics handhelds were the simple, beeping, plastic games that defined late 80s and 90s childhood and introduced millions of kids to portable gaming.

How To Start a Toy or Game Collection

Mickey Yarber

A great collection begins with passion, smart budgeting, and community. These tips help new collectors start strong and enjoy the journey.