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SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game is a childish title that will make younger gamers smile. The large open world and familiar characters are great to interact with. Moreover, the simple tasks and freedom to explore must be applauded. However, there are a few glitches and issues that impact things. Accordingly, I’m hopeful that these minor problems will be ironed out. If they are not, it isn’t game-breaking, it simply undermines the polished finish.
This 3D open-world experience was developed by PHL Collective and published by Outright Games. Moreover, it is a single-player game, which may disappoint some parent and child teams. However, I was happy to sit back and watch my munchkins tackle each task between them. I laughed as they giggled their way through Bikini Bottom. The physics-based mechanics are ridiculous and Patrick Star can destroy anything in his path.
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game is mindless fun.
The plot is as deep as a puddle. Ironic, I know, as this is set at the bottom of an ocean. Yet, the storytelling and character depth won’t remind you of a Shakespearean masterpiece. Instead, you’ll take every moment with a pinch of salt. This approach was perfect for my kids as they loved the stupidity of every encounter. However, adults will roll their eyes as each bite-size encounter amounts to nothing more than toilet humour and childish shenanigans.
This may seem like I’m complaining, but I’m not. I cherished each silly moment. SpongeBob, Mr Krabs, Plankton, and more demand your help as you jump, roll, and drive across Bikini Bottom. Consequently, each of your favourite locations can be explored and there are tasks to be completed in each area. Yet, if you just wish to run riot, you are not penalised for taking a break. This level of freedom was ideal as my youngest daughter loved colouring in the large canvas and driving the police cars across the sandy sea bottom.
No rest for the wicked.
As you complete each mission, a new one will be flagged on your radar. Whether you are asked to remove loud teenagers from a sunbathing spot or you need to shoot crates with a coconut gun, it doesn’t get boring. Furthermore, you may be asked to collect rubbish or clean gloop from prime locations across the sea floor. Either way, the tasks are easy to complete and perfect for a younger audience.
I adored the selection of venues to explore and the short, sharp missions were achievable for the youngest of players. Alongside the main quests, you are asked to find jars of mayo. This was a little testing as they are hidden in the strangest of locations. This additional task was tough for my youngest kids, but my oldest daughter who is 10 loved the challenge and showed her sisters how it was done.
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game looks great.
Child-friendly games tend to look awful. Thankfully, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game is eye-catching and perfect for its intended audience. The large open-world is a pleasure to explore and the characters are nicely detailed. What’s more, the cinematic is well-presented and this kept the action flowing. Unfortunately, though, there are some issues where you can see through the floor and the camera occasionally gets stuck in the scenery. This was a shame as without these problems, it would be an extremely well-polished title.
The audio is as loud and hectic as you’d expect. Every character sounds like they should and the noise levels are uncomfortably high. Yet, it is this cacophony that adds energy and drama to each mission. The shrill sound of each siren or the noise of each creature chatting will make you wince and smile.
Good controls.
The camera can be problematic. However, the controls are easy to understand and simple to master. Patrick rolls around, burps, jumps, and grabs items with both hands. Furthermore, the physics-based elements allow the world to shift and flow as items are struck or picked up. This was nice to experience, but it made things tricky at times. However, as long as you are patient, you can overcome many of the issues related to these mechanics.
Replay value and longevity are at an all-time high. There are many mayo jars to collect and plenty of missions to complete. Furthermore, you can redo quests if you like or explore Bikini Bottom at your own pace. Either way, there is plenty to see and do in this child-friendly game.
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game is great fun.
An adult will think that this is repetitive, simple, and childish. However, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game is not aimed at adults. Its key demographic will love the vivid graphics and the burps. Furthermore, they’ll adore each quest and the large open world. It is silly, loud, and remarkably easy to play. Accordingly, it is perfect for kids and I recommend buying it here! Can you become a Bikini Bottom hero? Help the locals, explore the world, and find every jar of mayo.
