It’s been a while since we’ve seen a new platforming adventure really stick the landing, but SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide brings that spark back with confidence. This underwater journey blends modern platforming design with SpongeBob’s timeless humor, delivering an experience that feels both fresh and familiar in all the right ways. Let’s dive in.
Gameplay & Story
Titans of the Tide kicks off with Davey Jones going on an envious rampage, unleashing chaos in the Krusty Krab after being denied the same treatment as King Neptune. In the process, SpongeBob gets turned into a ghost, which could have been a disaster… until we learn that SpongeBob and Patrick’s BFF rings allow them to swap forms. This mechanic is the heart of the gameplay, and honestly, it works extremely well.
You’ll use Patrick’s strength and burrowing abilities to carry important objects, dig under obstacles, and bulldoze through trouble. Meanwhile, SpongeBob relies on his karate chops, bubble-blowing techniques, and lighter movement to navigate trickier sections. Many levels require quick timing, and I was genuinely impressed by how some platforming segments demanded real focus without ever feeling punishing. It's challenging enough to stay engaging, yet accessible enough for players of all skill levels.
The story stays true to SpongeBob’s signature blend of silly and heartfelt. You chase down Davey Jones and King Neptune through a series of whimsical locations, eventually ending in a final showdown that wraps everything up with classic SpongeBob humor—sending the villains off to “think about what they’ve done.”
Completionists, get ready: this game is loaded with collectibles. And I mean a lot. Some of them are tucked into extremely sneaky spots, so prepare to comb each level with a fine-toothed comb.
Graphics & Design
Visually, Titans of the Tide leans into that modern SpongeBob look we’ve become familiar with from recent games and specials. It’s instantly recognizable and full of vibrant character. Animation-wise, the game looks great—but it’s not flawless.
During intense moments, especially when there’s a lot happening on screen, I noticed the game hitching a bit. Occasional freezes or choppy transitions do become frustrating after long play sessions here and there. It’s nothing game-breaking, but it’s noticeable, and hopefully something that can be smoothed out with patches.
Feedback
While I had an overwhelmingly good time, there are a couple things I wish were different.
There are too many race quests. They’re not bad, but they start to feel repetitive. A bit more variety in challenge types would have gone a long way.
The collectibles need a hint system. With this many hidden items, players should have some form of assistance—even if it unlocks only after completing the main story. Otherwise, some secrets feel almost too well-hidden.
Final Verdict
SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide is genuinely one of the strongest modern SpongeBob games and a great showing for platformers in general. Its mix of fun mechanics, solid challenge, recognizable visuals, and lighthearted storytelling make it an easy recommendation for SpongeBob fans and platformer lovers alike. A few performance hiccups and repetitive race quests hold it back from perfection, but overall, this is a standout adventure under the sea.
If you’re curious about how long this game actually is before buying it, check out our how long to beat article!
