SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide introduces a supernatural twist to the world of recent SpongeBob 3D platformers, offering a fresh take on the genre, though not every innovative concept is fully developed.
In a time where wholesome 3D platformers are becoming scarce, the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise is stepping up as a modern guardian, with developer Purple Lamp successfully reviving the classic Battle for Bikini Bottom. This success has carried over to The Cosmic Shake in 2023 and now to Titans of the Tide.
Unlike its predecessors, the latest SpongeBob installment doesn’t revolutionize the platforming experience but still manages to engage both fans and newcomers with SpongeBob and Patrick’s mission to combat a ghostly outbreak in Bikini Bottom. The storyline begins with a conflict between King Neptune and The Flying Dutchman, leading to a haunting plague in Bikini Bottom and the duo’s ability to switch between ghost and human forms.
Titans of the Tide focuses on SpongeBob and Patrick’s friendship dynamics, offering a unique gameplay experience. While the game revisits familiar locations like Jellyfish Fields and introduces new abilities for the characters, such as Patrick’s ghost grapple, it falls short in fully realizing SpongeBob’s capabilities compared to Patrick’s strengths.
Despite its short duration of around six hours, Titans of the Tide provides ample opportunities for replayability with collectibles and side quests. However, the game’s performance on the Nintendo Switch 2 platform may face occasional technical issues, particularly in handheld mode.
Overall, SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide delivers a solid 3D platformer experience with creative challenges but falls short of fully capitalizing on its innovative concepts. Despite minor setbacks, the game offers entertainment for both SpongeBob enthusiasts and casual players, making a notable addition to the franchise’s lineup.
Rating: 3/5