Toys Archives : Page 8 of 9 : The Retro Network

Risk Was the Board Game That Conquer the World One Roll at a Time

Lay out the board, parcel out the territories, build up the armies, and commence global conquest. Even people who “don’t play strategy games” know Risk. Simple enough for a young mind to grasp, yet elaborate

Toy of the Week: Rose Petal from Rose Petal Place

Karen Flieger

When was this doll line produced: 1984 Manufacturing Company: The raised print on the doll’s back reads “DKP 1984”, but the doll line was manufactured by Kenner, the same company that produced the original line

Sorry!: The Board Game Where Payback Is the Point

The Retro Network

Woe to the unlucky Sorry! player, and the torrent of conflicting advice he hears from the little animated angel and devil that perch on either shoulder. Angel: “Show some sportsmanship! Prove you know the fine

Monopoly: The Game That Turned Kids Into Tiny Tycoons

The Retro Network

A board game that hinges on buying and selling imaginary real estate might not, at first glance, seem like such a shoo-in for the All-Star Toy team. Kids like to pretend, sure…they imagine they’re superheroes,

A Brief History of Battleship

The Retro Network

In this “classic naval combat game,” the open seas were cluttered with ships of war, five on each side. But unlike real war, these nautical enemies decided to play fair, standing perfectly still and taking

Penny Racers Were the Cheapest Fun You Could Have

The Retro Network

Matchbox and Hot Wheels were great for driving fast or for zipping along tracks and play sets, but for the spin-crazy, wheelie-happy, stunt driving kid, only a genuine Penny Racer would do.

ColecoVision: The Console That Tried Everything

The Retro Network

ColecoVision was the Cadillac of home video games back in 1982; a system so powerful, you’d make friends with the biggest jerk on the block just to be near it. Everyone had an Atari—that quaint little

My Christmas Memories: 1980

OldSchool80s

1980, the beginning of the most awesome decade in pop culture history. Ronald Reagan just began his first term as President. Disco’s popularity had pretty much come to an end and music was getting ready

Mattel Creations Brings Original Street Sharks Designs To Life

Jason Gross

In September 1994, the Street Sharks animated series was released in syndication. In conjunction with the cartoon, Mattel also released a series of action figures featuring the half-man, half shark characters. The successful series and

No Love for G.I. Joe’s BattleForce 2000?

YoJoeJustin

BattleForce 2000 is an all-time favorite as an adult collector, yet as I’ve been around the G.I. Joe community, I’ve found that there’s not much love for BattleForce 2000. 1987 was generally the beginning of

Super7 Adds Michael Knight to ReAction Line

The Retro Network

If you were a Knight Rider superfan as a kid, you may remember the “talking” K.I.T.T. toy vehicle that came with a Michael Knight figure. It was a sought after toy and remains nostalgic for

Retro Commercials: My Buddy

OldSchool80s

I don’t know about you, but commercials can often take me back to my formative years as quickly as any song or movie can. That is why we will continue this semi-regular feature on ’80s commercials

Treasure Hunting From Home: Disney Flair!

Karen Flieger

While I was watching one of my favorite 1990’s movies recently, (Office Space) I took particular delight in Jennifer Aniston’s scenes who plays a waitress at a Bennigan’s/TGIFriday’s. There’s a running gag throughout the movie

The 1992 G.I. Joe Terror on the Tundra Catalog

YoJoeJustin

The 90s saw the original run of the 3-3/4 in G.I. Joe A Real American Hero line continuing to surge into the era of the sub-team. Battle Corps, Ninja Force, Sonic Fighters, and more were

’80s Toylines That Deserved Their Own Cartoons

Brian Cave

One of the greatest joys I felt as a kid was waking up bright and early on a Saturday morning, getting a bowl of sugary cereal, sitting down in front of the television set, and

Fascinating Facts About Hot Wheels

Mickey Yarber

Since 1968, Hot Wheels have been a favorite toy of kids and adults the world over. Even as popular as they have been for over fifty years, there’s probably a few things you still don’t

’80s Barbie Playsets and Accessories From My Childhood

Karen Flieger

I’ve played with Barbie off and on since I received my first dolls for my fourth birthday. (They were Malibu Barbie and Skipper and Roller Skating Ken) This article isn’t about the dolls. It’s about