I admit it. Splashy the Whale (compare prices) by Pressman Toys sat on my "Toys to Review" shelf for some time before I let my kids get their hands on it. I think I was afraid that a water-spewing whale game would make a mess, and for that reason my children would love it to pieces. My fears were completely reasonable. My 4-year-old son said, "It's so wet that I love it!"
Splashy the Whale works a bit like the "Operation" game (compare prices) of our childhood. Players fish out the plastic life ring, fish skeleton and seahorse pieces with a plastic fishing pole. If they touch Splashy's tongue he gives them a spray of water. I anticipated a few drops, but if the piece gets stuck on his tongue, Splashy continues spraying for a good five seconds. Be sure to clear the playroom first!
The end result was two happy but soggy kids. They laughed hysterically and unknowingly worked to develop their fine-motor coordination. I just hope it doesn't leave a mark!