“As I added this game to my gamerDNA, I noticed that this was the first game I happened across that did not have a single trait on it. I'm not sure if it's because of the console selection, but more than likely no one ever played it. Licensed games...”
“As I added this game to my gamerDNA, I noticed that this was the first game I happened across that did not have a single trait on it. I'm not sure if it's because of the console selection, but more than likely no one ever played it. Licensed games never turn out well, and normally I'd agree whole-heartedly. Despite being a game that obviously pandered towards a younger audience, one that enjoyed the TV show, the game is very solid.
I had been a fan of the show since getting satellite TV for the first time in years and this show was debuting on Nick, sure I was probably "too old" to be watching cartoons at that point, but this one was genuinely funny for people of all ages. I say was because unfortunately, with the release of the movie, most of the original writers quit or left or something, leaving it to be a rather unfunny mess of drivel that only appeals to the younger audience. It's important to note, that this one, being the first game was, in fact, written by the original set of writers.
Most of the voice actors also lend their talent to this game, with the exception of the voice actor for Mr. Krabs, but his sound alike is good enough. The game's rather standard third person platforming fair, help out the other inhabitants of Bikini Bottom so that you can collect golden spatulas to open access to more levels. The hub starts out at the ever familiar street that Spongebob lives on and slowly opens up to add more of Bikini Bottom, ending with the final location being outside the Krusty Krab and the Chum Bucket. Almost all the levels reference the shows from the time, with a few of them being direct references. The levels that seem to reference a single episode are generally the more memorable ones. In one you travel to Rock Bottom, where everything is very dark and disturbing, just like the episode of the show. Another has you travelling between various characters dreams, in a sequence that's very reminiscent of Psychonauts.
The gameplay is broken up from your standard attacking things that want to hurt you to the occasional side games, such as sandboarding and bungee jumping. Further breaking up the gameplay is the ability to swap between three different characters. While you play as Spongebob most of the time, and rightly so, you can, and have to swap between Sandy Cheeks and Patrick Star as well. By today's standards, this could feel like unnecessary padding, and even at the time it could feel that way; however, the levels are broken up in such a fashion that you generally have to do as little retracing as possible.
Earlier in my review, I had spent the time to say that the writers from the show had actual involvement in writing the game. Really, this is the reason the game is so good, in my eyes. You cannot match the wit and wisecracks of the original writers. It makes the game worthy of it's licensing base, and not just some people trying to put out a game that barely even resembles the show, just to make a quick buck. This game, like the early episodes of the show, is genuinely funny. The only reason I had even given it a try was because of a review I read, done completely in rhyme to be sung along with the show's theme. I'm glad I did, as this game is one of my guilty pleasures in my game collection, it's always embarrassing to bring up, but it really is a joy to play.”
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