Everyone’s favorite yellow sponge is back and better than ever in SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated, the remake of 2003’s SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom which released for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube. The remake brings with it updated graphics, along with a brand-new multiplayer mode, all of which make for a family-friendly game where “F.U.N.” can be had “anywhere or anytime at all.”
Down Here In The Deep Blue Sea
Plankton is up to no good (as usual) in SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated, as he creates a legion of robots with his Duplicatotron 3000 to help him steal the Krabby Patty formula. But again, he is the cause of his own demise, as the Duplicatotron 3000 is set to “Don’t Obey,” which causes the robots to take over Bikini Bottom (Chum Bucket, included). Now, it’s up to SpongeBob and crew to save the day with their zany, over-the-top antics throughout Bikini Bottom’s fan-favorite locales.
Players are tasked with exploring Bikini Bottom, taking out robots, and collecting Shiny Objects and Golden Spatulas, which are used for unlocking new areas and moving the storyline forward. Players can also take part in side quests - like collecting Patrick’s lost socks - that also help their overall progress.
Boss battles are where SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated truly shine, as each one provides plenty of challenge while still being fun. The overall massive size of the bosses - from King Jellyfish to SpongeBot SteelPants - also make for satisfying battles that fit perfectly within the platforming genre.
While, at times, jumping from platform to platform can be a bit wonky depending on the placement of the camera, the platforming mechanics feel solid while being welcoming enough for younger players. It is advised, though, that younger players run through the story mode first, so that they can get a hang of the controls before jumping into the game’s brand-new multiplayer mode.
For The Horde
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated introduces an all-new local and online multiplayer mode that allows two players to take on the waves of robot enemies that RoboSquidward sends their way. The mode very much resembles Survival Mode from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, with each wave of enemies being more difficult than the last. As players clear waves, they also move to new areas, which also get a bit trickier to navigate as the difficulty rises.
Rehydrated’s Horde Mode is - in a word - chaotic. As more and more enemies litter each area, players will also have to avoid area of effect damage, as well as navigating any gaps in the level that will spell doom if fallen into. There is a lot going on at once, which might be overwhelming for younger players who have never had that type of “survival mode” experience.
That said, Horde Mode is still accessible enough for younger players to play as part of a family game night. Sure, there may be struggles from being less experienced in gaming overall, but - speaking from experience - Horde Mode is still a fun time for families to share in together.
This Remake Is The Remake For You & Me
Having never played the original game myself, it was a treat to be able to experience a new SpongeBob storyline (well… newish; we’ve seen Plankton’s carelessness wreak havoc on Bikini Bottom before). It was even more fun to be able to run through all of the iconic locations from SpongeBob’s hometown, such as Downtown Bikini Bottom, Goo Lagoon, Rock Bottom, and of course, SpongeBob's home itself. Having watched the very first episode live when it premiered in May 1999, the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise holds a pretty dear place in my heart, even as an adult. This holds especially true now that I will eventually get to watch SpongeBob SquarePants when my son is old enough.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated doesn’t do anything that hasn’t been done before, but it looks and plays great with players getting to interact with their favorite goofy characters from the animated series. The game has rekindled my love of this series, and now, I can’t get “Jelly Fish Jam” out of my head.
A PlayStation 4 copy of SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated was provided to TheGamer for this review. SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated is available June 23rd for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated