SpongeBob SquarePants Movie

You're just a kid, run along home! What can be more aggravating than for people to say you're just a kid? Especially when you've invested almost your entire life (admittedly a short one, as you really are just a kid) into something, only to be informed that when push comes to shove, age is all that matters.

Poor SpongeBob. He was counting on being named manager of Mr. Krab's new restaurant, only to find out that he has been passed over for promotion, because of his youth. Meanwhile, Plankton has hatched another diabolical plan to take over the world, by means of framing Mr. Krab for the theft of King Neptune's crown. Getting Mr. Krab out of the way means that Plankton's Chum Bucket will be the only meal in town. When SpongeBob finds out that King Neptune has imprisoned Mr. Krab, SpongeBob vows to travel to Shell City to retrieve the crown, clear Mr. Krab's name and prove he's a man, all in six days.

The GameCube version of SpongeBob Squarepants The Movie begins with SpongeBob deep in a dream, which stars him as a suave, assured investigator. A piece of cheese is missing from an order, and it's up to SpongeBob to find the cheese and correct the situation. As in most platformers, this is the semi-tutorial level, where players are introduced to the characters and their controls. Players control SpongeBob, and learn how to gain "manliness points" from collecting small barbells, while avoiding underwater hazards like jellyfish. SpongeBob's basic moves at this point consist of a jump and double jump move, plus a special Karate Spin where SpongeBob uses a large foam hand to karate chop enemies. SpongeBob's usual goofy persona is missing from this level, as he is in a dream, after all, and is making out like he's the next James Bond. The resultant speech from SpongeBob is a little off-sounding for those of us used to the high-pitched nasal tone of SpongeBob's usual dialogue. However, all subsequent levels feature SpongeBob as we know and love him.

The next level introduces us to Patrick, who is committed to helping his good friend SpongeBob retrieve King Neptune's crown. He can also jump and double jump, plus has his own special move, the Star Spin. After a wild night drowning his and SpongeBob's sorrows in sugar at the local ice cream establishment, Patrick and SpongeBob have left the eatery in a shambles. The incensed employees try their best to chase them out, and Patrick has to avoid them.

Besides the barbells, the duo must also collect Goofy Goober tokens, which serve as points to unlock special abilities. For SpongeBob, these moves are, besides his basic Bash move: SpongeBowl, a bowling ball maneuver; Sonic Wave Guitar, a sonic wave-producing guitar; Wall Jump; Bungee; and SpongeBall, a special move where SpongeBob transforms into a ball for certain challenges. For Patrick, besides his basic Star Spin move, they are: Cartwheel; Smash, a butt-smashing move that cracks open floors; Pick up, Carry and Throw; and Tongue Swing. If enough Goofy Goober tokens have been collected, players can purchase special moves at Mindy's store (King Neptune's daughter).

Several of these moves, plus the health attribute, can be upgraded by earning a certain number of manliness points. These upgrades are important, as they increase the strength and duration of essential moves, which will definitely be needed for levels further into the game.

This game is mostly a platforming game, but it also features some exhilarating racing levels, presented as challenges. These consist of either driving a patty wagon through the streets and cities, or sliding through caves higher up. These races are quite fun and exciting, and while they can be difficult in spots, progress is saved at certain checkpoints so racers can begin again not too far away from where they left off. The movement feels natural, and jumping across ledges, while not all that easy, is still doable.

The platform levels, while technically superior to many other similar platform games, lack the sheer exuberance of the racing levels. There's a whole lotta jumping going on, along with tongue swinging, smashing and cartwheeling, plus tons of items to smash, collect and blow up, but the platform levels aren't quite as much fun as the racing ones, for reasons hard to pinpoint, exactly. Maybe because they're dark and dimly lit for the most part, or because they feel small and contained. The jumping can also be frustrating at times, because the double jump buttons have to be hit just right, timing wise, or else Patrick/SpongeBob will miss their target. Oftentimes this happens while almost at the end of a long jumping sequence, which means players have to begin the platform series all over again. And, some of these jumping sequences can be quite difficult on purpose, as things are sinking and blowing up as they're being jumped on, making timing these jumps crucial.

The graphics are great, and everything is of high quality, visually speaking. The colors are bright and vivid, and the characters are all drawn exquisitely. Most of the platform levels are pretty dark, though, which can be a little depressing. SpongeBob and Patrick look just like they should, and their movement is natural appearing, for a starfish and sponge, anyway.

The music is just right, with the tunes matching the show's music nicely. Cheery! Some sound effects are present, but aren't very obvious; there probably could be more of them for a better experience.

Our family loves the SpongeBob games, especially Battle for Bikini Bottom, which is a great all-around game and one of the better GameCube offerings currently out, in my opinion. Movie is also a good game, but there are differences. Movie has more action in the platforming levels, and also has more variety with the addition of the racing levels. The difficulty level is a little higher. These are all good additions, and the game has an overall elegant design. However, the game just hasn't caught our attention the way Battle did; for some reason, we just haven't had quite as much fun with it as we've had with Battle for Bikini Bottom, or with Spyro: A Hero's Tail, which frankly isn't as good a game in overall design. But, we like it better. Maybe we're lazy gamers :)

The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie is an excellent game, and one which makes prime use of its movie tie-in, very successfully. Because of the slight difficulty in some of the jumping sequences, and the long races, this is probably a game better for older kids and/or more experienced gamers. Younger players will be better off with the recently released Spyro: A Hero's Tail, or SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom, which are both easier games.

A great family game, and one which parents will seriously want to look at this holiday season.
 

Gameplay: 8
This game is fun and exciting, and offers a good amount of challenge for kids and adults alike. There is plenty of variety between the racing challenges and the platform levels. And, of course, who couldn't love SpongeBob?

Graphics: 8
The graphics are very bright and vivid, with an overall cartoony look which fits in well with the SpongeBob theme. The characters all look great, and move fluidly. SpongeBob and Patrick look just like they should.

Sound: 7
The music is good, but the game could use more sound effects to enliven the scenes some.

Difficulty: Medium
The game is not too easy, and not too hard. The platform levels are challenging at times, but not impossible. Better for older kids and adults, than for young children.

Concept: 7
Another platform movie tie-in, and with nothing really new. The presentation is smooth and professional, though, and all the elements work well together.

Overall: 8
An above average platform game that delivers in terms of quality and fun. While not as joyous as Battle for Bikini Bottom, it is still a good game which will offer hours of gameplay. A good choice for a Christmas gift for the family.