In SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide, Purple Lamp delivers a buoyant, ghost-tinged platformer that leans into the playful spirit and silliness of its source material. The story kicks off when a clash between King Neptune and the Flying Dutchman sends Bikini Bottom into translucent chaos – citizens are turned into ghosts, and it falls on SpongeBob and Patrick to set things right. The narrative doesn’t aim for deep emotional stakes, but its whimsical conflict and familiar characters make for a charming and appropriately absurd romp.
A core strength of the game lies in the seamless switching between SpongeBob and Patrick, which feels well-integrated into both traversal and combat. Patrick’s ghostly form can burrow through sand and haul objects, while SpongeBob executes bubble-based attacks and powerful stomps. This constant ebb and flow between characters encourages creativity in level design, keeping platforming sections fresh and engaging. The mechanics are fun, but they never feel overly complicated – a good fit for both younger players and longtime fans who just want to relive the feel of the cartoon world.
Still, the gameplay sometimes leans too comfortably on familiar territory. Much of the structure echoes past SpongeBob platformers: linear maps, collectible-based exploration, and relatively simple enemy encounters. Progression is straightforward, and for a completionist the campaign can be wrapped up in relatively few hours. While side activities like timed challenges and hidden items offer some replayability, they don’t significantly expand the core loop, which can make the experience feel pleasant but light for those craving more depth.
When it comes to performance and controls, the game is mostly solid, but not without hiccups. Switching forms between characters feels responsive, and the traversal is generally tight. However, some camera moments feel awkward – especially in tighter combat or platforming sequences – but these happens in what is mostly a smooth experience.
Visually, the game captures the vibrant, cartoony charm fans expect: environments sparkle, character models are expressive, and the color palette strongly recalls the animated series. The decision to bring back the original voice cast adds warmth to every exchange, elevating the game’s comedic and nostalgic moments. The audio design complements this beautifully, with a score that shifts between playful and ghostly, though not every line lands as sharply as the show’s best writing.
Boss encounters are among the more inventive parts of the experience. These fights often introduce platforming gimmicks or multi-phase mechanics, keeping things dynamic without becoming overly challenging. Combat remains simple: there’s not a deep combo system, but the variety of abilities available to both characters helps keep engagement high. For younger or more casual players, the accessibility is a strength; for hardcore platformer fans, the simplicity might feel limiting.
Ultimately, Titans of the Tide is a well-crafted tribute to the SpongeBob universe. It doesn’t break new ground in the genre, but it leans into the strengths of its protagonists, setting, and tone. Its highlights – like the character-switching mechanic, colorful visuals, and faithful voice work – speak to a clear care for the IP. Meanwhile, its short length and straightforward design prevent it from being a platformer titan. But for its target audience – families, SpongeBob fans, or anyone looking for a light-hearted, nostalgic dive under the sea – it’s a delightful voyage, and one of the best Spongebob games yet.
Score: 7.8/10
Press Play Media 