SpongeBob SquarePants has long been one of the most popular cartoons on television, positioning its titular protagonist as a mascot for the entire Nickelodeon network. Following the death of creator Stephen Hillenberg in 2018, multiple spin-off shows were greenlit to further capitalize on that success, including the prequel Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years and a variety program called The Patrick Star Show. However, Nickelodeon has been capitalizing on the popularity of SpongeBob since the beginning via video games, and that continues with projects like SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake.
The Cosmic Shake is developer Purple Lamp Studios' follow-up to 2020's Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated, a remake of Heavy Iron Studios' acclaimed 3D platformer from 2003. It was announced during publisher THQ Nordic's 10th Anniversary livestream last September with a teaser that got many fans excited thanks to its old-school references, most notably using David Glen Eisley's song "Sweet Victory" from the popular SpongeBob episode "Band Geeks." Word on the game has been sparse ever since, but the potential gem shouldn't be forgotten amid current chaos in the video game industry.
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is Packed With Fanservice
That original teaser doesn't reveal much, but it lets fans know that The Cosmic Shake embraces the best moments of the cartoon with a cinematic referencing various episodes and memes. Its official website offers more details, like the game's plot revolving around SpongeBob and Patrick using wish-granting Mermaid's Tears as the "very fabric holding the very universe very together could come very undone." Portals open up to seven alternate Wishworlds that are apparently classic SpongeBob locations with a genre twist, such as "Wild West Jellyfish Fields" and "Halloween Rock Bottom."
Along the way players will help SpongeBob unlock classic and brand-new platforming skills, as well as over 30 alternate costumes while he banters with his companion Balloon-Patrick. Adding onto the appeal for fans, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake promises to bring in the original voice cast for its characters. It may be a big hit for Nickelodeon and THQ Nordic alike, but more news should come out soon to keep it relevant.
The Cosmic Shake May Be Worth Watching in Light of Microsoft Acquisitions
THQ Nordic is owned by Embracer Group, a Swedish holding company many are likely watching as one of the major remaining independent publishers/developers after Microsoft announced its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Embracer is also the parent company of Koch Media/Deep Silver (Saints Row), Gearbox Entertainment (Borderlands), Coffee Stain Studios (Goat Simulator), and more, so it's a seemingly prime candidate for platform owners looking to acquire more exclusive content. The branch of SpongeBob games may play a key part in its allure.
Though Rehydrated was not as widely beloved as the 2003 original, it was a sales success and Battle for Bikini Bottom is still seeing life at events like AGDQ 2022. SpongeBob-related content is also showing up in games like the platform fighter Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl, and earlier today developer Milestone (a subsidiary of Koch Media) announced the latest season of content in its racing game Hot Wheels Unleashed will be themed around the yellow sponge and his friends - lasting through March 29, 2022. With all this attention, it's odd that The Cosmic Shake's development is so quiet.
The new game's original concept affords Purple Lamp an opportunity to succeed where its Battle for Bikini Bottom remake may have failed by virtue of comparisons to the original. Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated was announced in June 2019 and released almost exactly a year later in June 2020, so it's fair to assume The Cosmic Shake may be slated for this year even if an official window has not been given. Between major acquisitions and AAA releases like Elden Ring, fans shouldn't let SpongeBob's next adventure fall between the cracks.
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is in development for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.