In June, a "rehydrated" remake of 2003's SpongeBob Squarepants: Battle For Bikini Bottom was announced, and after yesterday's live stream at Gamescom, we have even more of a reason to get excited. According to publisher THQ Nordic, the game will contain brand new gameplay that was reportedly scrapped from the original version, and even a brand new horde multiplayer mode. Although a release date has yet to be announced, players of the original game and new SpongeBob fans alike have plenty to look forward to.
Battle For Bikini Bottom Rehydrated will put players in the shoes of SpongeBob Squarepants, Patrick Star, and Sandy Cheeks, as they team up to stop the evil plans of the one and only Plankton and his army of evil robots. Developer Purple Lamp Studios has completely rebuilt the game from the ground up, giving fans the exciting original story and gameplay that they remember from 2003, but making it fit a bit better in the world of 2019. The 2003 platformer is arguably the best SpongeBob game that we've seen, providing players with great gameplay along with familiar characters and storylines that they can remember from the beloved show.
In order to make this the definitive version of the game, Purple Lamp is including brand new story content that was cut from the original. This reportedly includes a Robo-Squidward boss fight, among other things. There will also be a horde-based multiplayer mode that will be playable both online and via splitscreen. The developer has promised that there is a great deal of care going into the making of this game, assuring fans that it will be a faithful remaster and homage to the original. Based on the Gamescom footage, it looks like that claim will be backed. The graphics look great, and the environment of Bikini Bottom is vibrant and colorful with life.
Although we've yet to receive an official date, Battle For Bikini Bottom Rehydrated is expected to be released sometime in the near future and will be available on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The game is one of many early 2000s titles being remastered for current-gen consoles, and hopefully it won't be the last. When it comes to spending money on quality nostalgia, like SpongeBob, I'm ready.