Fans of loveable cult cartoon icon SpongeBob SquarePants should hold onto their hats and prepare for news since it seems like we will soon see a remastered version of SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom.
A teaser trailer has appeared on THQ Nordic’s YouTube channel, showing Spongebob preparing for battle. The accompanying description says that the classic title is being “faithfully remade in spongetastic splendor.”
The remastered game is called SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated and will feature a brand new multiplayer mode. This multiplayer mode, dubbed horde mode, will accommodate up to two players either online or via split screen. The Steam page for the game also states that the title will include high-end visuals as well as restored content that was cut from the original game, including the Robo Squidward boss fight.
Battle for Bikini Bottom was originally released back in October of 2003 and there are actually three different versions of the title. The PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube received a 3D platformer, the GameBoy Advance a 2D platformer, and the Windows version of the game was a point-and-click adventure. Each version featured an original storyline that saw players attempt to defend Bikini Bottom from an invasion of robots. Gameplay included collecting items and defeating robots while navigating a series of platforms.
The original console version features SpongeBob as the main character, though he could be switched out to Patrick or Sandy via a bus stop. Sandy and Patrick did not appear together as playable characters. The remake may change this, as it is suggesting that you can play as any of the three characters and use their unique sets of skills.
Reviews for the games were mixed, but over the years, they have gained a cult following. Fans have been calling for a remake and those dreams are finally coming true. The rehydrated edition is based on the console version and is being developed by Purple Lamp Studios rather than Heavy Iron.
The game will be released on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows. Its release date is not yet known, although current rumors point to some time in 2020. It seems that fans will have to wait a little longer for a new dose of everyone’s favorite pineapple dweller.