14 DAY TRIAL // 
Among the games released in the first month of this summer, we find one that although is almost 17 years old, matches the atmosphere of sunny beaches and cool blue waves. SpongeBob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom was never really appreciated by the critics, but managed to become a fan favorite. It is no wonder that the best SpongeBob game ever published received a remaster which updates the graphics and game mechanics as well, inviting all the gamers to a summery fuss at the bottom of the ocean.
THQ and Purple Lamp Games saw an opportunity to make a new heap of money by dusting off the original game, which back in 2003 was already released for all the existing platforms. Thankfully after just a few minutes in the game, we can see that they did a thorough job, and while the story did not change, the Rehydrated edition is a remaster through and through, not just another quick cash grab.
The events begin again with a scheme of Plankton to steal the Krabby Patty recipe by building an army of evil robots. As usual, things go south pretty quick and the whole town ends up being terrorized by this mechanical menace. And just as in the cartoons, it falls to the three usual suspects, Spongebob, Patrick and Sandy, to save the day. They will travel to every corner of Bikini Bottom whooping robot butts and using their special skills to solve different puzzles. The story overall is miles away from being a masterpiece, but it fits the tone of the base material with the same wacky humor and lightheaded approach.
Being a remnant from the golden age of the Colectathon genre, SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom can be best described as a somewhat ingenious platformer. The Rehydrated edition keeps the simple yet entertaining gameplay and adds just a few twists to make it feel modern and up to date. The main reason to get into trouble with robots and solve the puzzles of the game is not really the story, but the collectibles hidden in every nook and cranny.
The main goal is to gather all the golden spatulas hidden in the level, which help you progress further into the game. But, in the meantime you will have to gather a ridiculous amount of colored coral pieces, you will have to keep an eye out for the underwear of Spongebob and even give a hand for Patrick by collecting his lost socks. From this item list only the underwear of Spongebob, which miraculously fits all characters, has a practical role: it can restore the lost hit points of our heroes. Moreover, if you manage the golden variants you will manage to increase the maximum hit points of the characters.
Although the underwear fits all of them, our heroes have different abilities which you will need to use to solve the different puzzles of the game. In each level, you can use Spongebob along with one of his friends, the switch among them being made by using the strategically placed bus stops. Some quests and puzzles may require an ability that is unlocked in the later stages of the game, which means that those who want to collect everything will have to do a bit of backtracking.
Though it is perceived as a kids game, SpongeBob Squarepants Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated does not lack challenge either in the puzzle, not in the combat area. While most of the robotic opponents do not represent a problem alone, when they gather in higher numbers they can make your life somewhat difficult, mainly due to the lack of a target lock function. There are also the boss battles that follow the classic recipe in which you have to learn a pattern and then execute precise movements to vanquish your foe. After a few trial and error runs everything becomes obvious, but you will still need good reflexes to manage to best the oversized opponents. The same good reflexes are required if you want to gather all the collectibles, some being pretty cleverly hidden in the levels.
Next to the graphics the most obvious update of the remaster are the controls, both of the characters and the camera. Since the challenge level is not basic, this update is most welcome. The new controls are precise, while the camera movement is smooth. Still, some things could have been improved. Next to the target lock function, the game could have benefitted for better clues about where you will land after jumping. While in some areas you can see your shadow and have a pretty good idea how the jump will turn out, in other instances it is a guessing game. Still, things are much better than in the original release.
It is worth mentioning that the remaster also contains some content that was cut from the original game. Next to a brand new boss fight, in multiplayer now you have the chance to explore the ice cream filled lands Patrick is dreaming about. Unfortunately, this new co-op mode is the weakest point of the game, up to the point where I believe it had been better if it was left out. The developers tried to simplify horde mode, and adapt it to an isometric perspective. You have to defeat an ever-increasing number of enemies, using characters that you cannot control during single players like Plankton or Squidward. The result is dull and boring, the only truly negative aspect of a well put together remaster.
The Good
- Simple, yet challenging gameplay
- Improved character and camera controls
- A real fan community pleaser
The Bad
- Boring co-op experience
- Lack of target lock option
Conclusion
The length of the game is more than fair and the new additions, except the co-op, enhance the overall experience. The return of most of the original voice actors is also a bonus, making SpongeBob Squarepants Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated a fair remaster and a fun summer-y experience.
