Are ya ready, kids? SpongeBob is back on Xbox today with a new adventure called Titans of the Tide, and the first reviews have started appearing on the web ahead of its imminent release.
This game is the latest project from Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated and The Cosmic Shake developer Purple Lamp (they also worked on Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed), and sees you taking on a ghostly platforming adventure as SpongeBob and Patrick amidst a clash between the Flying Dutchman and King Neptune.
Here's what some of the reviews are saying so far:
GameSpew (9/10)
"Its ridiculous advert starring David Hasselhoff isn't the only brilliant thing about SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide. This is an excellent platforming adventure, featuring a great mix of character skills, fantastic level design and plenty of side quests. Even if you're not a fan of SpongeBob, there's a lot here to love."
GamingBible (8/10)
"SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide gets so much right. Its instantaneous character switching system is brilliant, and Purple Lamp has once again cooked up an entertaining story, whisking players through several fun new locations. It could be longer and there are a few bugs present, albeit harmless ones. It’s hard, though, to deem the title as anything other than a thrilling 3D platformer that’s a blast to play through."
PushSquare (7/10)
"SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide isn't going to blow anyone away, but it's a perfectly decent 3D platformer that mostly captures the energy of the show. Swapping between SpongeBob and Patrick is a neat mechanic that's used very well throughout, and levels are big and varied as you explore Bikini Bottom and talk to its populace, all of whom are voiced by the proper cast. It definitely has some rough edges and some soft writing, and it won't win over any SpongeBob detractors, but it's a good all-ages game for both kids and longtime fans."
GameReactor (7/10)
"In a way, this game reminds me of Mafia: The Old Country or Dying Light: The Beast, in that both are fine games but compared to former instalments in their respective series, they do feel a bit safe, reserved, or too concise. Again, I bring it all back to my former statement about Titans of the Tide, with this beginning as a "great" platformer and steadily slipping into "good" territory, and occasionally slightly below even that."
Final Weapon (6/10)
"I would recommend this game to younger audiences and people who are diehard fans of the SpongeBob series, or if you’re someone looking for simple, mindless fun. If you’re looking for something more elaborate as a fan of The Cosmic Shake or other 3D platformers, though, you may be better off looking elsewhere for your Spongebob fix."
Looking at the Metacritic scores, SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide has an average of 71 for PS5 based on 10 reviews, 78 for PC based on 9 reviews and 76 for Xbox based on 4 reviews as things stand. That puts it pretty much in line with The Cosmic Shake from a few years ago, which has an average of around 70 across all platforms.
It feels like we pretty much know what we're getting with this one, then, but we'll still leave you with a few extra details along with some screenshots below. Titans of the Tide is currently available to pre-order on the Xbox Store at a price of £34.99 / $39.99, and there's also a more expensive "Ghostly Digital Edition" that includes the Tidal Season Pass.
How do you stop the two biggest egos of the Seven Seas from fighting? A clash between the Flying Dutchman and King Neptune has unleashed ghostly mayhem all over Bikini Bottom. SpongeBob and Patrick will need all their skills, bravery and - dare I say - wit, to return life to what passes for normal in their undersea home. Join Bikini Bottom's most notorious duo on their ghostliest adventure yet!