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THQ and Heavy Iron Studios team up once again for The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. The game, based on the upcoming film of the same name, is a decent platformer that follows what I assume is going to be the plot of the movie rather well.
The plot of the movie is once again based on the adventures of Spongebob and his friend Patrick. You see, one of their friends and (SpongeBob’s manager), Mr. Krabs was framed by the evil Plankton. Plankton is once again conjuring a way to steal Mr. Krab’s Krabby Patty recipe and he plans to do whatever he can in order to ensure that. The game’s plot is pretty light and includes the typical SpongeBob humor which surprisingly pleases the kids but is also well-loved among college students.
The game is a platformer, and much of the levels are in this style of gameplay. That means you’ll need to complete a number of jumps and complete many a collect-a-thon. Aside from the typical jumping and collecting, you’ll also have to use a surprisingly in-depth fighting system. Both SpongeBob and Patrick have unique abilities, like SpongeBob’s ability to roll into a ball and Patrick’s cartwheels. There are a number of spins and kicks in the game for both characters. Moreover, you can upgrade these moves using collectable Manliness points and Goofy Goober Tokens. While it isn’t absolutely necessary to fool around with this aspect of the game, it does make it easier to get through the game and makes the moves appear meatier on-screen.
Aside from the typical platforming elements, there are also a number of driving sequences in the game. You’ll be able to control the Patty Wagon and bathtub and despite the odd appearances, they offer responsive control. Most of these events simply have you completing them, while others require you to do in a certain amount of time or collect all of the rings in the particular stage. You’ll also find Super Monkey Ball-like levels which use SpongeBob’s ball ability.
Visually, the game is top-notch. The character models in the game, particularly those of SpongeBob and Patrick, and animate excellent. The different environments don’t have the same level of detail but do fit the game’s atmosphere well and are varied enough from level to level.
The game’s audio similarly keeps the series’ atmosphere intact. The background music is fitting and the sound effects are above average. The voice acting is particularly strong and is able to keep the signature humor.
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is a surprisingly solid platformer with any variety, thanks to the complex combat, driving and additional challenges to recommend to platform fans. Additionally, the series’ humor is intact in the game making it easy to recommend to all SpongeBob fans. -- Michael Taylor, PGNx Media
---- Nov 5, 2004
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