Spongebob's Atlantis Squarepantis Review for PlayStation 2 (PS2)

Spongebob's Atlantis Squarepantis box art

System: PS2, Wii	Review Rating Legend
Dev: THQ	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: THQ	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Oct. 23, 2007	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Controlling the various characters might also stop you from time to time as well. While the schematic for the characters will generally be different every stage you play, it still could have broadened the depth of controllability a little better. Too often I wanted to perform an "ability" I had just done in a previous level, only to find out that I no longer could or that the buttons were different. This annoyance dampened the experience I might have otherwise enjoyed. The camera honestly works well with the various stages. If it is over the back viewing, top down, or just traditional face front viewing, the camera responded good within its own controls. Most of the time you are unable to control the camera. The controls deliver either frustrating or mellow controls, and that's really dependent on the player.

Spongebob's Atlantis Squarepantis screenshot

The graphic choices for this game are a bit confusing. Instead of using the animation style of the show, the graphic cutscenes use a 3D trying to look 2D method that doesn't quite work. The actual in game graphics pop and are colorful, but it is the cutscenes that hinder the graphic appeal of the game. The pre-stage introduction from Spongebob's character model borders on one of those knock off brand toys destined to be at your local flea market. The environments also seem a bit dated and bland on certain stages. It almost felt like some stages where worked on more than others. Thankfully, the voice actors of the show provide the vocals for our characters. Delivering some funny dialogue specific from the characters helps a lot. Being a parental fan of the show I found myself chuckling a few times because of the little quips.

Spongebob's Atlantis Squarepantis may not make the sales chart as the biggest title ever, but there is enough to keep even the hardest family gamer happy. If you love the characters enough to watch the sometimes countless hours of television he is on, then this will be a walk in the park for you. Even though there will be times you will be annoyed by the adventure to Atlantis, there is no real reason not to visit the sponge under the sea. Just don't say that I didn't warn you about being annoyed.

By Matthew Walker
CCC Project Coordinator

Features:

Relive the best moments from the TV episode.

Explore the lost city of Atlantis and meet new characters.

Play as six key characters from the show, including SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and Plankton.

Unlockable bonus features include: 'Director's Commentary' featuring SpongeBob himself talking about being in the game, additional variations of every level, and extra arcade games.

Replayable levels so players can beat their best score.

Exciting multiplayer mini-games in the Amoeba Arcade.

Drive the Atlantean tank and fire ice cream at enemies.

Create music to power the magical bus to Atlantis.

Customize SpongeBob with new accessories, outfits and expressions.

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

2.4

Graphics
While the in-game graphics are bright and colorful, the cutscenes look almost nothing like their animated counterparts.

2.8

Control
Simplistic controls, but a bit lacking in the diversity category.

3.7