How regarding a dip in Bikini Bottom to escape the lingering winter? This is exactly what SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake, a new video game adventure freshly landed on our consoles. But beware: if the invitation seems enticing, we quickly realize that the stay is not as fun as anticipated.
Photo courtesy of THQ Nordic
From its creation in 1999, SpongeBob quickly emerged from the shackles of television where the series starring him might have confined him. In addition to venturing into the worlds of film, comics and even Broadway, our friendly yellow hero regularly lets his fans control him in various video games.
Photo courtesy of THQ Nordic
The last one standing, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake, which appeared recently. If this new offering does not rank among the worst, it is not among the best either, because we come back from this trip to Bikini Bottom not very satisfied with our stay.
New plot
SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick the Starfish star in this new original video game plot where the duo must rescue the members of their gang, now scattered across the four corners of space-time. To do this, they will have to cross worlds populated by cowboys, pirates, knights and prehistoric snails (yes, yes!) where they will meet Sandy the squirrel, Mr. Krabs and other Carlo Tentacule.
Photo courtesy of THQ Nordic
It’s simple, it’s [un peu] childish and sprinkled generously with childish, sometimes dubious humor. But that’s it, Spongebob. The character—and his friends—didn’t build his empire on intellectual gags, high stakes, or probing questions. It is therefore necessary to accept the clear terms of this colorful universe before setting foot there.
Agreed and repetitive
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake moreover embraces the codes established from the first episode of the television series. The fans, of course, will be seduced by it, happy to reconnect with their favorite characters. It feels good, it cheers up, and it brings back fond memories for anyone who grew up with SpongeBob and his friends.
Photo courtesy of THQ Nordic
But once the fun and excitement of the reunion wears off, what’s left? Not much, other than conventional platforming, repetitive and, ultimately, a bit boring. This one is even more weighed down by its sometimes confused, wobbly or, even worse, unresponsive mechanics.
We therefore quickly realize that the main attraction – if not the only one – of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is the presence of the inhabitants of Bikini Bottom. Our interest would undoubtedly have vanished even more quickly if the game had featured characters who are unknown to us.
In short, we complete the main adventure in a few hours, not without having found the time long. We therefore doubt very much that we will eventually dive back into it to relive the experience a second time.
SpongeBob SquarePants : The Cosmic Shake ★★1⁄2
- Disponible sur PS4, Xbox One et Nintendo Switch
