The SpongeBob SquarePants games have built a fairly extensive legacy, and ever since THQ Nordic regained the rights to the franchise, we’ve seen a respectable resurgence. This new era has given players fresh platforming adventures filled with the iconic humor of the animated series. This year, Purple Lamp returns with the third entry in this renewed lineup: SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide.
The story begins on a special day at the Krusty Krab, where Krabby Patties are sold at half price. Everything is going smoothly until the Flying Dutchman shows up as a customer only to rage when King Neptune cuts in line, unleashing a furious outburst that turns several citizens, including SpongeBob, into ghostly beings. To restore order, SpongeBob and Patrick must team up and switch between different physical forms in search of the Flying Dutchman.
Gameplay is exactly what you’d expect from a 3D platformer: fighting enemies, jumping across obstacles, and solving puzzles to unlock new areas. The game includes boss encounters and plenty of collectibles. The standout mechanic is the ability to swap between SpongeBob and Patrick, each offering different abilities. Patrick can lift heavy objects and attack from beneath the sand, while SpongeBob has better range and can glide to reach higher locations. On top of that, both characters gain unique ghost powers that add some clever twists to the experience.
However, Titans of the Tide also has noticeable shortcomings. Its roughly five-hour runtime is acceptable given its $40 price tag, but it’s still on the short side and offers limited content. There are only four main areas that drive the story, plus a fifth one that feels like unnecessary filler. Many levels also feel reused from previous entries, creating a sense of déjà vu right from the beginning. Collectibles offer little incentive, as they only unlock cosmetic outfits.
Visually, the game holds up with solid 3D models and an aesthetic faithful to the show. The voice actors from the series return to bring the characters to life, keeping the nostalgic charm intact. The narrative isn’t particularly impressive, but it’s entertaining enough for the younger audience the game is clearly targeting.
One interesting detail is that the game shares thematic elements with the upcoming animated movie The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, especially its focus on ghosts and the Flying Dutchman. However, the game and film are not connected in any official way, which may cause some confusion among players.
Overall, SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide is a decent platformer: accessible, lighthearted, and enjoyable for fans of the franchise. Still, its lack of innovation, aging engine, and heavy reuse of assets make it clear that Purple Lamp needs to reinvent the formula before it becomes stale.
Final Score: 3/5
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