SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is a colorful and lighthearted 3D platformer developed by Purple Lamp Studios and published by THQ Nordic. Released on January 31, 2023, the game is available on various platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC, catering to players aged 10 and above. Serving as a spiritual successor to the 2020 Battle for Bikini Bottom remake, diving back into the nostalgia of the remake from two years prior might give players a good understanding of the game mechanics.

The game's premise revolves around SpongeBob and Patrick stumbling upon a mermaid named Kassandra who sells antique and mysterious items. SpongeBob purchases bubble soap that supposedly grants wishes, leading to a chaotic chain of events where reality is torn apart, and the citizens of Bikini Bottom are scattered across the multiverse. Left with the task of collecting cosmic jelly and restoring order in the various Wishworlds, SpongeBob, and Patrick embark on a humorous and wacky adventure filled with inside jokes and references from the beloved SpongeBob SquarePants series. The charming banter between SpongeBob and Patrick, voiced by their original voice actors, adds an authentic touch to the gameplay experience.

From a gameplay perspective, The Cosmic Shake follows a traditional 3D platformer design, allowing players to explore diverse environments, battle quirky enemies, and collect many items along the way. Unlike its predecessor, players primarily control SpongeBob, who gradually acquire new abilities as the game progresses. These abilities range from grappling hooks to glide and ground pound maneuvers, adding depth and variety to the platforming challenges. Each Wishworld introduces unique gameplay mechanics and challenges, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Visually, The Cosmic Shake is a significant improvement over its predecessor, featuring vibrant colors, detailed character animations, and expansive worlds that capture the essence of the SpongeBob universe. The character designs and level environments are distinct and well-crafted, blending iconic elements from the show with creative new additions. However, the game does suffer from occasional performance issues, such as frame rate drops during intense moments and graphical hiccups that slightly detract from the overall experience.

Regarding collectibles and rewards, The Cosmic Shake offers players cosmic jelly and doubloons as the main currencies for purchasing outfits and unlocking costume tiers. While the cosmetic options draw from the series' history and add a fun element to the game, they lack any significant impact on gameplay, resulting in a somewhat superficial aspect of the collection. The combat mechanics, although engaging initially, can become repetitive and tedious, especially during extended battles with certain enemy types.

Overall, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake successfully captures the essence of the beloved franchise, delivering a whimsical and nostalgic gaming experience for fans of the series. Despite some minor flaws in gameplay and performance, the game's humor, colorful visuals, and charming characters make it a worthwhile addition to the SpongeBob gaming legacy. Whether you're a long-time fan of the show or a newcomer to the franchise, The Cosmic Shake offers a delightful journey through the quirky and imaginative world of Bikini Bottom.  

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