Spongebob: Atlantis Squarepantis
Score: 80% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: THQ Developer: Blitz Games Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Action/ Puzzle/ Mission-Based Driving
Graphics & Sound: Spongebob: Atlantis Squarepantis is an odd game in that it doesn't really have a unified visual style. There are four types of levels in this game, and while each type has a certain feel, that feel doesn't necessarily transfer over to the other types. Vehicle-driving levels have a very cartoony feel that could almost convey the style seen in the show, while the puzzle/maze escaping levels have a very pre-rendered feel to them. The camera is pulled back, you are given a top down view and the style looks more traditional 3D than cel-shaded. The same visual look goes for the rhythm levels, though the camera is up close and not above the action, while the rail-shooter levels are cel-shaded, but don't quite feel the same as the vehicle levels. At the end of levels, you are treated to cut scenes that advance the game's story. While these videos almost feel hand-drawn, they aren't and the slight differences make these scenes feel awkward and off. Like most Spongebob games, the voicework is really good and, while the random comments the characters give are fairly limited, they are performed by the cast of the show (or at least it seems that way). And then there is the generally happy musical score that fits well with the Spongebob theme.
Gameplay: Not only are the visuals for Spongebob: Atlantis Squarepantis odd, but the gameplay isn't all that straightforward either. When most games try to "transcend genres," they do it by mixing genres in new ways, but within the same gameplay model. Atlantis Squarepantis, on the other hand, gives you full levels in each of the genres they want to touch on. Of the 18 levels, there are four types. There are levels where you drive a vehicle and try to shoot at various objects in order to get to the end in as little time as possible (there are items in these levels that can lower the clock that is ticking away, so even if you actually took 20 minutes to get through a level, it might only register as three). Then there is the puzzle level where you have to navigate your characters through odd mazes using very specific types of movies (Spongebob can flip things, Patrick can throw things, etc.). Like the previous type, how well you score in the level is based on your completion time, and you can collect items in the level that reduce the time on the clock. The other two modes are a rail-shooter with a camera as your gun and Krabby Patties as a way to knock people out of your way (yes, just like Pokemon Snap), and a button-mashing rhythm game. The Pokemon Snap-like episodes were pretty fun because they had you roaming around a museum taking pictures of exhibits or Atlantis trying to plan out your escape. All the while, you have to knock out security guards or jellyfish or other people in order to get the best shot. The items that you really need to get pictures of have an indicator above them, while other hidden items will net you some bonus points. The rhythm games, on the other hand, were by far not my favorite - but then again, there is a reason why I have very few rhythm game reviews in my portfolio. The story itself is very Spongebob-esque in that he and Patrick have stumbled upon the missing parts of an Atlantis Medallion that gives them passage to the lost city. Along the way, Plankton, Sandy, Mr. Krabs and Squidward will make their way into the city and you will play through the various types of levels with each of the characters, making the levels basically the same, but since each character has a slightly different skill set, the maze levels feel a little different each time. I have to say, the approach of taking four different types of games and mixing them up in this fashion was pretty interesting. I can't think of that many other games that have done this and it was nice to see that Spongebob: Atlantis Squarepantis wasn't just another platformer like most of the games with this license.
Difficulty: Since Spongebob: Atlantis Squarepantis is several types of games in one, the difficulty of the game is based more on how well you handle those types. For instance, if you like puzzle games and you tend to find them fairly straightforward, then those levels will be fun and easy. But if you, like me, don't do well in rhythm settings, then you will find those levels to be a pain (I know I did). Other levels like the rail-shooter/Pokemon Snap levels, are pretty easy no matter who you are since all you have to worry about is controlling the camera and shooting/refilling your ammo. As for the driving levels, they too are pretty straightforward and once you get the hang of their slightly off controls, tend to be really easy. Each level is broken into multiple parts, and at the end of each part, you get a score (though you don't get to see it until the end). That score is based on what the clock says when you get to the end, or how many points you have or how well you were in your button-timing. At the end of the level, your scores/times are tallied up and you are given a medal. If you are the type that needs all golds, then the game might be a bit more of a challenge, but if you just want to get through the levels as fast as possible, there shouldn't be that much of a problem. Just be aware that, typically, each section in a level is harder or more complicated than the previous one, so while you might breeze through the first maze level's section, the third or fourth one will take more time.
Game Mechanics: Each of the level types in Spongebob: Atlantis Squarepantis has a very different control scheme. While the rhythm games will have you simply pushing the required buttons in the order that they are displayed, the rail-shooter will use an analog stick to move the camera around, with (R1) being used to take the photo (or grab treasure or fire ping pong balls) and (X) throws your patty. When driving, you have to use the (X) as gas and the Square to go in reverse and the (R1) button to fire your gun. Of all the levels, though, the platforming/maze ones seemed to have the simplest controls - at least they felt that way to me. You just move your character around and press (X) to perform its special ability, and if you need to control the other character, tapping (R1) does that. Spongebob: Atlantis Squarepantis is definitely not for everyone; in fact, because of its odd mix of genres, it might not really fit anyone perfectly. If you are a fan of three of these genres and typically do well in them, then this game might be worth the purchase, but two or less? I wouldn't recommend it. For most people, I would say this game is worth a rental and getting past at least the first four levels before you actually buy it.
-J.R. Nip, GameVortex Communications AKA Chris Meyer
Spongebob: Atlantis Squarepantis The Eye of Judgment