![]() ![]() Truthfully, there’s nothing much to write home about here, but everyone is executed well and there are some smart points that keep it from being too bland. The setup is fairly standard for 3D platformers-explore the Bikini Bottom hub world to access different levels, each of which have two different types of collectables to find and eight objectives to complete as SpongeBob and either Patrick or Sandy as a secondary character, depending on the level. If you’re a fan of the early era of SpongeBob before Stephen Hillenburg left the show, this will grab you the same way.īattle for Bikini Bottom is less successful as a game than it is a SpongeBob property, but it holds up well enough that it’s still worthwhile. The Rehydrated visuals come in handy during dialogue scenes especially, lending a little extra expressiveness that can help sell the jokes (though the stiffness of the models just standing there is a little distracting). Yet, even though it indulges in the series’ history, it isn’t afraid to forge its own identity either, inventing new characters and having its own running gags, rather than simply regurgitating what worked in the show. It uses the show’s world well and visits plenty of locales, both obscure and familiar, and cleverly uses Bikini Bottom as a hub world to let you explore places that aren’t big enough to be a full level, but also couldn’t be excluded, like the character’s houses or the Krusty Krab. ![]() It’s full of smart gags and some good-natured absurdity, with plenty of fun visual jokes dotted around the map. I’m not quite sure who wrote the game’s script, but it feels like it came right from the show’s writer room. The first thing that stands out about Battle for Bikini Bottom is the clear love the producers had for SpongeBob as a series. Those prayers have finally been answered with Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated. Originally released in 2003, it’s remained in the conversation of the best licensed games of all time, still enjoys an active speedrunning community, and has had fans clamouring for a remake for years. Maybe it’s only because it’s rare to see a licensed game this good, but SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom has had an enduring legacy. But when they work, they tend to stick with people. They’re often farmed out to the cheapest bidder, landing them at studios with no passion for the property. Licensed games have, deservedly, a bad rap. ![]()
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