From Pac-Man to VR: How Arcade Software Paved the Way for Today’s Gaming Apps   Arcade software from the 1980s profoundly shaped the landscape of modern online gaming, setting the foundation for the interactive and immersive experiences enjoyed by gamers today. This article traces the technological and design evolution from early arcade classics like Pac-Man to cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) games. By examining how early arcade principles such as simplicity, user engagement, and addictive gameplay mechanics still influence current mobile and online gaming apps, we reveal how t ..read more

The 1980s was a decade full of digital evolution for the game industry, and the early games with famous characters such as ‘Pac-Man’ along with ‘Super Mario Bros.’ and ‘The Legend of Zelda’. Although a lot of technology has been far advanced for decades, modern games these days are heavily inspired by those 80s games, especially in how student gamers enjoy those games. For students needing help with written assignments, a professional essay writing service like Academized can provide support. Academized offers expert writing services, helping students with essays, research papers, and more ..read more

Top 10 '80s Franchise Halloween Costumes The 1980s were a golden era for pop culture, giving rise to some of the most beloved and enduring franchises in entertainment history. This Halloween, will you celebrate than by donning a costume from one of these iconic series? Whether you're looking to channel your favorite hero, villain, or magical creature, these top 10 1980s franchise costumes will make your Halloween unforgettable. 1. Beetlejuice Costumes Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! The "ghost with the most" became an instant icon with his black-and-white striped suit, wild hair, and ..read more

When I was a kid, there were no toys that reigned supreme like Transformers. I knew a few kids that liked He-Man and the Centurions, but almost every kid in my neighborhood collected Transformers. In the military housing where I lived in San Diego, I had several friends that enjoyed showing off their figures as if I had the smallest collection in the area. I had plenty of Transformers at the time, right after the movie came out and subgroups like the Headmasters and Targetmasters had come out. I had Weirdwolf, Sureshot, Hardhead, Skyhammer, and plenty of others. But there were always more I wa ..read more

Aside from the visual and audible cues reminiscent of the 1980s, one sense can elicit comforting recollections of a fond era: The Aroma of the 1980s. Look back through your mind's scent folders and ask yourself "What aromas then bring a smile to my face now?"  Journey with us as we take a look at a few that spring to our mind! Chapter 1: Toys Starting with our entertaining toys, many of us recall the sweet, fruit scents of Strawberry Shortcake (Sweet Beginnings) and her cast of character dolls.  Whether new or old, the scent of strawberries, blueberries, peaches and other scents co ..read more

Decorating our modern, high-tech homes with 80s decor does not have to be an eyesore, instead we can create crafty and unique ensembles with little expense and without distraction. Although the market is saturated with retro themed merchandise from themed wallpaper, tabletop accents, to photographs and custom electronics, we possess the ability to decorate our homes through thrifty scavenger hunts within our parent’s homes or in the local thrift, second-hand, and even used furniture stores.  A large market is also readily available as well. A fair amount of GenX'rs who lived through our ..read more

It was Christmas 1988 and the last one that my whole family enjoyed together. My parents had just divorced but still came to my aunt and uncle’s house for the holiday, so it was one of the most vivid holiday memories I have. It was the first year my aunt and uncle offered us the Christmas Box, where my brother and I could take the contents of the box or $10. My older brother took the $10, leaving my younger brother to dig through all the crap they put in the box, including about thirty bucks in hidden $5 bills. That wasn’t the best gift of that day, and neither was the Transformers double Po ..read more

  We had the privilege of interviewing one of our fellow contributors to Rediscover the 80s.  Author Brian Cave of Old School Evil and Old School Evil: The Rejects.  Visit Brian's website at oldschoolevil.com and listen to our interview here or where ever you listen to Rediscover the 80s ..read more

  Retrocon 2024 is upon us and Rediscover the 80s as well as Agents of MASK are hosting a simulcast of the pre-show.  Tell you about the upcoming events, guests, events, and a few notes from my person experience there at this totally awesome event.  Come take a listen ..read more

If you ask anyone from the 80s about their favorite toy store, you’re more than likely to hear the answer: Toys “R” Us or maybe KB Toys. While I have plenty of memories of going to both through my teens and beyond, the place for me to check out the latest action figures as a young kid was Play Co. Play Co Toys was a chain of smaller toy stores with multiple locations in the San Diego area, and one of them was right down the street from my childhood home. I think my parents liked letting my two brothers and me loose in the smaller store where they could always see us and not the giant warehous ..read more