To say Spongebob Squarepants was a vital part of most people’s childhood is an understatement. The lovable sponge has dominated both theaters and televisions for the past 20 years. No matter what your thoughts are on the show, you can’t deny the level of success it’s achieved. When it comes to games though, it’s debatable whether the Krusty crew has been able to reach the same level of success; or any at all. While there have been many failed titles around the show, Battle for Bikini Bottom showed the most promise glimpse into Bikini Bottom. Now that it’s been remastered almost 17 years later, will the Sponge see a resurgence in gaming or dry up trying?

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Putting you in control of Spongebob, Patrick, and Sandy, you must stop Plankton’s evil robots that are causing chaos throughout Bikini Bottom. You’ll traverse numerous areas from the show including Goo Lagoon, the Sandy Ski Slopes, and much more which truly give you a look into the Spongiverse. You would think that this would be any fans dream come true; and it does to a degree. Each level looks unique with vibrant color schemes that better fit the Spongebob feel compared to the original game. The music also perfectly adds to the feeling that you’re watching an episode of show because they’re just feel good tunes to explore to. While I would have liked to see more happening in the levels themselves, this game is a remastering of a PS2-era game so I won’t knock.

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When it comes to the gameplay, it follows the traditional platformer collect-a-thon style for the most part with each character having their own signature moves. Spongebob’s moveset revolves around the use of bubbles such as rockets, bowling balls, and a few others that you earn along the way. Sandy also has a unique moveset that helps you traverse many of the levels, but boy-o-boy did they give Patrick the short end of the stick. While I know Patrick isn’t meant to be the smartest character, only being able to throw things seems like a massive waste of what could have been. As you go through the game, going back to earlier levels to unlock more spatulas is a rewarding feeling; especially when it’s just right out of reach.

While the gameplay is decent enough to keep you interested, the boss battles is where Battle for Bikini Bottom shines. Contrary to the typical platformer combat found throughout the rest of the game, the bosses keep you engaged. This isn’t to say that they’re tough, but overall interesting. Not only are the bosses themselves funny, but having the fights narrated by the talking fish head from the show completes the best boss battles you could want from a Spongebob game. While I eouldvr loved for more of a challenge, it does a decent job of standing out.

Battle for Bikini Bottom is a Remastering of a PS2 era game, so if you go into this expecting a stellar title based off of current gen standards you will most likely get bored of the game quickly. It’s not to say it’s a bad game, but it’s clearly a title created for it’s dedicated fan base and fans of the Spongebob series alike. The atmosphere, the dialog, and the story will keep casual fans hooked into the game while the gameplay may be a massive turn off since it hasn’t aged the best. If you’re looking for the best Spongebob game to play, Battle for Bikini Bottom still holds first place.

THE BREAKDOWN

PROS:

• Massive visual upgrades to the best Spongebob game to date.
• Perfect representation of the Spongebob universe down to little details.
• Boss battles are comical, and some of the most fun parts of the game.

CONS:

• Gameplay hasn’t aged well.
• Game can be beaten in only a few hours.
• Some characters don’t feel as useful as others through the playthrough.
• The lack of the all of the voice actors is a way to keep true to the original, but feels like a letdown today.