The discussion dives into the nostalgic world of Entertech water guns, highlighting their hyper-realistic designs and the playful innocence of 80s childhood. The hosts share personal anecdotes about gendered marketing in toys and their hilarious toy collecting adventures. Reflecting on the duality of childhood innocence against the backdrop of nuclear fears, they explore how these toys shaped their understanding of play and violence. The light-hearted banter about nostalgic pop culture and whimsical family connections adds an entertaining flair to their journey down memory lane.
The rise and fall of Entertech reflects a nostalgic yet complex interplay between childhood innocence and the emerging concerns over toy realism and gun safety.
The personal memories shared by the hosts highlight how Intertech water guns fostered imaginative play, significantly impacting their childhood experiences during the 80s.
Deep dives
The Intriguing Legacy of Intertech Water Guns
Intertech, a brand of battery-powered, motorized water guns, became a nostalgic icon during its short-lived run from 1985 to 1990. These water guns, designed to resemble real firearms with a matte black finish, offered a stark contrast to the cheap plastic squirt guns of the time. Special features included detachable magazines and a fully automatic rate of fire, providing a unique play experience for children and blurring the line between toys and realism. Unfortunately, this realistic design contributed to the brand's downfall, especially after tragic incidents involving law enforcement mistaking toy guns for real weapons.
Nostalgia and Personal Experiences with Intertech
The episode focuses on the hosts' personal connections to Intertech water guns, with memories vividly recounted from their childhoods. The discussion highlights how these toys facilitated imaginative play, with kids reenacting scenes from popular movies like 'Predator' and 'Big Trouble in Little China.' These recollections illustrate the significance of such toys in their lives, providing a source of joy and adventure during a simpler time. The hosts express fondness for the vibrant colors and unique designs of the Intertech guns, comparing them to the later, more common Super Soaker brand.
Cultural Context and Shifts in Play
The conversation shifts to the cultural context surrounding gun play in the 80s and how it has evolved over time. The hosts reflect on the innocence of childhood play with water guns and the stark difference in today's perspectives on similar toys, particularly regarding issues of gun violence and safety. They acknowledge that while war play was commonplace and accepted back then, it now raises serious concerns among parents. This discourse underscores the complexities of nostalgia intertwined with the realities of modern society and the changes in attitudes towards toy weaponry.
The End of an Era for Intertech
As the episode delves into the eventual decline of Intertech, the hosts discuss the brand's transition following its acquisition by Acclaim Entertainment in 1990. They mention how the company pivoted from toy manufacturing to focusing on video games, leading to the discontinuation of the Intertech line. The shift reflects broader trends in the toy industry, with Super Soakers and other less realistic options taking center stage. Despite its short-lived existence, Intertech's legacy persists in the hearts of those who grew up with these toys, representing a unique era of childhood creativity and fun.
This month on 80s Kids Unite, Zak, Corey, and Diallo wax nostalgic about growing up in a more innocent time when kid’s water guns were hyper-realistic, and the problems that eventually caused! That’s right, it’s the rise and fall of Entertech! You can watch the full video version of this episode on our YouTube page!
Help Dustin from Two Dollar Late Fee and Max from Ready2Retro recover from the LA fires.