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Reviewed by Jimmy | 05.18.06

Introduction:SpongeBob has turned into a popular icon for people of all ages and it wouldn't be much of a surprise if adults where playing The Yellow Avenger just as much as the kids. This SpongeBob offering from THQ isn't much to go crazy over, but if you're a SpongeBob maniac you'll be happily in sponge blitz. Does it make sense? Well, not really, but either does a sponge name bob with square pants.

The Game:From developer Tantalus and THQ we have Spongebob Squarepants in The Yellow Avenger! From the get go this little yellow sponge character Bob gets you, as soon as I fired up this game I was laughing. Crazy ol' Spongy is up to his cooky self, in your face, and prepared to get a few laughs. The loading screen will even get the most manic depressed soul to crack a smile. It's good to have some light humor in the game and it's definitely one of the sponge's strong points. After a few laughs you will be into the game starting your platforming jumping duties fighting against bubbles. Ah yes, what a plot. Spongebob is overly generic, average, and uninspiring. but who cares it has the sponge.

Need to know?! Really need the plot? Ok, then here it is. The evil Dirty Bubble kidnaps Mermaidman and Barnacleboy for the festivities of the Super Villain reunion. Spongebob is Mermaidman's #1 fan so he obtains Mermaidman's powers and goes to fight Dirty Bubble and he legion of evilness. That's it. Is it cheese filled? Yes. Does it matter? No.

DVD or PSP?
The Yellow Avenger doesn't really have too much to hold the gamers attention besides the characters television reputation. If you're not a fan of the show, or don't know who Spongebob is then this isn't the game for you. You're money would be better spent on a Spongebob DVD, if you wanted to get to know the character. He's cute, he's wacky, he's a sponge. Unfortunately the game is lacking cut-scenes or any other cartoon inspired work.

Good Looking - Bad Text
The graphics in Spongebob Squarepants: The Yellow Avenger are average, but admittedly they accomplish the job well enough. Although the experienced PSP gamer will notice it's a little behind times. I really have to hold any negative judgment because we know they aren't going to spend ultra hours developing Spongebob like some of their other franchise players. It's a "kids" game so they would say, and we all know the production values are usually lowered for those type of games. For details they have it pretty much nailed, the main characters look close to their TV counterparts and the world seems to be matched equally.

Spongebob on the audio falls a little short. The biggest complaint is that they canned the voice overs. With a classic voice like Spongebob it's a shame that you have to read text in its place. The same goes for the other colourful characters, no one wants to read and it's unfortunate that they had to skip out on this option.

More then bubbles?
What else does portable bob hold for us sweat palmed gamers besides cleaning up the bubbles from Bikini Bottom? Not too much, The Yellow Avenger role is funny but it could of used a few gaming diversions. Mermaid Man. such a crazy idea, he has some powers that Spongebob gets to use, but what else do you need? The tilt slides towards a younger audience which is fine, but like I said up top, I know some over 30 adults who are going to be playing this one and it might be too routine.

Lowdown:I wish The Yellow Avenger had more, but sadly it doesn't. This one got old fast. I'm not the biggest Spongebob fan, but I've watched the show, and really enjoyed the movie. This Spongebob Squarepants game might be most enjoyed by younger gamers who don't have any expectations and just want to have fun with their yellow friend. In that nod, it's a hit. It's really hard to judge Spongebob on a full scale, but the hammer must fall. Buy if you must, Sponge fans.. other's wait for another version.

The Good:It's Spongebob, Good cast of Characters, Non-Linear
The Bad: Weak Storyline, Old Gameplay, No Voiceovers

Gameplay: 5, Graphics/Sound: 6, Innovation: 3, Mojo: 6. Final: 5 / 10

FEATURES:

  • SpongeBob gains superpowers! Utilize Mermaidman's superhero belt as you fight The Dirty Bubble and become the hero of Bikini Bottom.
  • Utilize all the special powers of Mermaidman's belt: Water Ball, Raging Whirlwind, Summon Sea Creatures, Super Speed and Super Strength Explore the massive world of SpongeBob SquarePants in a dense and richly-detailed 3D environment.
  • Non-linear gameplay allows players multiple paths in order to complete main objectives.



Spongebob Squarepants
The Yellow
Avenger

 
Publisher
THQ
 
Developer
Tantalus
 
Genre
Action
 
Released
April 2006
 
ESRB
Everyone



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