Germs (Worlds of Wonder)

Germs
Worlds of Wonder
1988

Worlds of Wonder aren't known for much these days, but back in the 80's they were the group behind the highly popular Lazer Tag and Teddy Ruxpin. Unfortunately that seemed to be their only popular items. Though the company released other toys here and there, none seemed to grab the foothold in toy isles that their laser guns and talking bear did.

Germs were released in 1988, on the tail end of the company's production of Lazer Tag. Though it was a fairly unique and cool concept, at the end of the day, these little guys were nothing short of colorful rubber toys that had no cartoon or comic book support. Additionally, they didn't have any action features. Short of displaying them there wasn't much to do with them, and what kid wanted to do that?

In total, twelve Germs were produced; Ahahchoosiosus (a sneeze), Winkyblinkyigoopiola (eyeball goo), Huppahickasillia (a hiccup), Gidgygidgyitus (a giggle), Oochiachitickleorum (an itch), Grumblerumbleosus (a tummy ache), Innyoutyitis (bellybutton lint), Hackahackasilliae (a cough), Bubblebuppilitus (a burp), Muggywympiosus (smelly feet) and Sweatystinkiosus (body odor). Wow...Even as adults we can't pronounce half of those names.

Each figure came packed in a blister card inside of its own test tube. The only other item included was a fold out lab report which went into over the top details of the germs lifestyle and habits.

Admittedly, these days it is rather cool to display these in a test tube holder on a shelf. So, you know, if you're a collector of unique toys don't rule that option out.

Germs aren't too common on secondary markets, but you can put a set together over time with persistence. Carded ones will run you about $20.00 to $45.00 a piece, and loose ones sell for around $10.00 to $15.00 dollars a piece (with or without the lab report). We have seen a few full (loose) sets sell here and there for around $100.00 to $150.00. However, most sellers typically ask around $200.00 to $300.00 before being talked down in price. To date we have not found a seller with a complete carded set.

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Lazer Tag (Worlds of Wonder)

Lazer Tag
Worlds of Wonder
1986 - 1988


The 1980's were a different time. Pop rock was ablaze across pretty much every 80's radio station. Barriers with foreign countries were being broken, and even better, it was okay for kids to play with toy guns. Yes, back then you could still walk into your local K-Mart and buy a cap gun that actually looked like a real gun. As we ran around our yards, and even more socially unacceptable today, our entire neighborhoods, we would have a blast (no pun intended) pretending we were shooting the hell out of each other. It was fun, and it was safe. Boy, those times have changed.

In 1986, Worlds of Wonder introduced us to this great new way to play with guns. Lazer Tag was essentially "light guns", known as the StarLyte (pistol) and StarLyte Pro (rifle), that used the same technology as your TV remote control. It fired a coded pulse of infrared light (outside the spectrum visible to humans) which causes the detector to react.

Rather than running around shouting, "Hey, I shot you!" Only to be told, "No you didn't!" Lazer Tag provided you with a clip on target (StarSensor) which settled the arguments of whether or not you truly had been blasted. The targets also kept score and after so many hits taken would produce a "game over" sound, at which point one would need to reset it.

Even if you didn't have a friend to play with, Worlds of Wonder released a stationary target which could be set up anywhere and used to play single player known as the StarBase. This was also a great training accessory to help you become a better shot with the StarLyte.

They even produced a walkie taklie for people who split up into teams (StarTalk) to play.

For those who really wanted to get into it, you could also deck yourself out with the StarHelmet or StarCap. Each provided you with more sound effects and also provided your opponent with more targets to shoot at. A StarVest was also produced, which did away with the clip on StarSensor which was prone to fall off while running.

While the official Lazer Tag brand fizzled out as the 90's rounded on the world, there have been several incarnations of it from various companies. There have even been specialty shops opened across the U.S. that have arenas set up that you can rent the equipment and play in. Worlds of Wonders even produced an updated look to the guns in the lat 90's known as the Deluxe Kit. At this time however, the market was so oversaturated with guns like this, and while units sold well, it was not well enough to come anywhere close to what the 1980's versions sold when first introduced.

Today it's very difficult to find mint in box Lazer Tag items, and even when you do, they aren't guaranteed to be in working condition. The StarLyte Pro (rifle) seems to be the most difficult item to track down in a mint condition sealed box.

To go back to a time where playing with guns was socially acceptable (and to an extent, safer) would be fantastic. But, at least for now children of the 80's still have their memories.

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