Water Games from TOMY (1976)

Company: TOMY | Release date: 1976 | Where to purchase: eBay

Along with Merlin, the Electronic Wizard, Water Games from TOMY were staples of long family road trips when I was a kid.

Each game presented a challenge enclosed in a clear plastic container filled with water. While the instructions recommended distilled water, we used plain old tap water. Depending on the game, the base contained one or two large buttons. When pressed, each button created a stream of air bubbles that would move the contents of the container through the water. With some patience and a bit of luck, the buttons and the air bubbles they generated could be finessed to complete the challenge.

TOMY’s initial releases of Water Games in the 1970s revolved around simple carnival-style games, like ring toss or ball toss. The popularity of the toys allowed the company to branch out into two-player options (often based on a sports theme), and games that were branded using licensed characters like Pac-Man and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Note: If you buy something using the eBay link in this story, we may earn a small commission.