SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide launched on November 18, 2025, and the reviews are painting a picture of a game that knows exactly what it is. Developer Purple Lamp Studios followed up 2023’s The Cosmic Shake with another 3D platformer that captures the show’s energy while refining mechanics that already worked. Critics are praising the character-swapping gameplay and faithful recreation of Bikini Bottom, though some note it plays things a bit too safe.
The game currently sits at around 75 on OpenCritic based on 27 reviews, with Metacritic scores ranging from 71 on PS5 to 78 on PC. That puts it roughly on par with The Cosmic Shake, which averaged around 70 across platforms. For a licensed game based on a cartoon that’s been running for over 25 years, those are respectable numbers that suggest Purple Lamp continues to understand what makes SpongeBob work in video game form.
The Ghost Story Setup
Titans of the Tide throws SpongeBob and Patrick into a supernatural adventure when a clash between King Neptune and the Flying Dutchman unleashes ghostly mayhem across Bikini Bottom. The two underwater icons have egos as big as the ocean itself, and their conflict transforms citizens into ghosts, including SpongeBob. Patrick, being conveniently away from the chaos, remains unaffected and teams up with his cursed best friend.
The twist is that SpongeBob and Patrick can swap who carries the ghost curse, which becomes the core gameplay mechanic. You can switch between the two characters at any time, and doing so is essential to progress. Each character has unique abilities that complement the other, forcing players to think strategically about which character should be active for any given challenge.
SpongeBob remains the nimbler, faster character with his karate kick and bubble-blowing abilities. Patrick is slower but compensates with a ghost grappling hook, ground pound attacks, the ability to burrow underground, and the strength to lift heavy objects. The game constantly requires swapping between them to solve environmental puzzles and navigate platforming sequences.
What Critics Are Saying
GameSpew gave Titans of the Tide a 9 out of 10, calling it “an excellent platforming adventure, featuring a great mix of character skills, fantastic level design and plenty of side quests.” They emphasized that even non-SpongeBob fans would find a lot to love, highlighting the quality of the platforming mechanics independent of the license.
GamingBible awarded it an 8 out of 10, praising the instantaneous character-switching system as brilliant. They noted that Purple Lamp “cooked up an entertaining story, whisking players through several fun new locations.” The main criticisms were that it could be longer and had some harmless bugs present at launch.
Push Square was more measured with a 7 out of 10, saying it “isn’t going to blow anyone away, but it’s a perfectly decent 3D platformer that mostly captures the energy of the show.” They appreciated the swapping mechanic and varied levels but noted rough edges and soft writing that might not win over SpongeBob detractors.
The most critical review came from Final Weapon with a 6 out of 10, recommending it primarily for younger audiences and diehard SpongeBob fans rather than platforming enthusiasts looking for something elaborate. They suggested fans of The Cosmic Shake seeking more innovation might be disappointed.
Level Design and Exploration
Where Titans of the Tide apparently excels is in its level design. The game features five main locations, including Jellyfish Fields, King Neptune’s Palace, and Atlantis City, each with distinct visual identities and gameplay challenges. Reviews consistently praise how these areas utilize both characters’ abilities, creating puzzles that require switching between SpongeBob and Patrick on the fly.
Beyond the main story path, each level contains side quests, races, and collectibles like jellyfish to catch. This gives the locations depth beyond simply running to the end and fighting a boss. One reviewer mentioned the Jellyfish Fields area, noting that while fun to explore, it brought the narrative to a halt for about an hour, suggesting some pacing issues in how the story unfolds.
The biggest difference between this game and The Cosmic Shake is apparently how the story integrates with level design. The Cosmic Shake felt like random locations loosely connected by narrative threads. Titans of the Tide uses its five locations to tell a more cohesive story, with gameplay segments feeling like they exist between scenes of an actual SpongeBob movie.
Presentation and Voice Acting
Visually, Titans of the Tide nails the SpongeBob aesthetic with bright, colorful, cartoony graphics that match the source material. The game includes those weird, awkward, realistic close-up shots that the show occasionally uses for comedic effect, showing that actual SpongeBob fans are making these games and understand what makes the humor work.
Perhaps most importantly for authenticity, the entire voice cast from the show returns to voice their characters. This extends beyond just SpongeBob and Patrick to include even minor Bikini Bottom citizens, all voiced by recognizable talent from the series. Some reviews noted that certain lines repeat too often during gameplay, but the overall voice work helps sell the feeling that you’re playing through an interactive episode.
The humor apparently lands well for fans. Reviews mention moments that had them chuckling, like when SpongeBob and Patrick first discover they can swap ghost forms. There are also references to The Cosmic Shake, including a cameo from a character named Kassandra who makes jokes about the previous adventure, rewarding players who went through both games.
Length and Replayability
Titans of the Tide seems to clock in at a standard length for 3D platformers, with reviewers suggesting it falls somewhere between 8-12 hours for a first playthrough depending on how much side content you pursue. That’s slightly shorter than some hoped, but the inclusion of collectibles, side missions, and races provides reasons to explore beyond the critical path.
The game includes a day-one DLC called Plankton’s Portal Challenge, though reviews haven’t extensively covered that content yet. For players who enjoy the core gameplay, that expansion offers additional challenges and presumably more time with the mechanics.
One aspect that helps replayability is that the character-swapping mechanic remains fun throughout. Unlike games where switching between characters feels like a chore, reviewers consistently mention that swapping between SpongeBob and Patrick stays engaging from beginning to end. The abilities complement each other well enough that you’re constantly thinking about which character suits the current challenge.
The Safe Sequel Problem
The most common criticism across reviews is that Titans of the Tide plays things safe. It borrows heavily from The Cosmic Shake at almost every step, refining rough edges rather than introducing revolutionary new ideas. For fans who loved the previous game, that’s probably fine. For players hoping Purple Lamp would take bigger creative risks, it might feel like a missed opportunity.
Game Reactor specifically compared it to games like Mafia: The Old Country or Dying Light: The Beast, calling them fine but reserved compared to previous installments in their series. They noted that what begins as a great platformer steadily slips into good territory, occasionally dipping slightly below that.
The question is whether that matters. Not every sequel needs to reinvent the formula, especially when the formula already works. If Purple Lamp had dramatically changed the gameplay, they might have alienated fans who enjoyed The Cosmic Shake’s approach. By playing it safe and refining what worked, they’ve delivered a reliable experience that fans can count on, even if it doesn’t surprise anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide about?
Titans of the Tide is a 3D platformer where SpongeBob and Patrick must stop a conflict between King Neptune and the Flying Dutchman that has unleashed ghostly chaos across Bikini Bottom. Players swap between controlling both characters, using their unique abilities to navigate platforming challenges while trying to break the ghost curse affecting SpongeBob.
What scores is Titans of the Tide getting from reviewers?
The game currently has an OpenCritic average of 75 based on 27 reviews. Metacritic scores vary by platform: 71 for PS5, 78 for PC, and 76 for Xbox Series X/S. Individual review scores range from 6 out of 10 to 9 out of 10, with most falling in the 7-8 range, indicating a solid but not groundbreaking platformer.
How does Titans of the Tide compare to The Cosmic Shake?
Critics say Titans of the Tide feels very similar to The Cosmic Shake, refining existing mechanics rather than introducing major innovations. The main improvements are a more cohesive story that integrates better with level design and an improved camera system for platforming. It scores roughly the same on review aggregators, sitting around 75 compared to The Cosmic Shake’s 70.
Can you play as both SpongeBob and Patrick?
Yes, players can swap between SpongeBob and Patrick at any time. Each character has unique abilities: SpongeBob is faster and nimbler with karate kicks and bubble-blowing, while Patrick can burrow underground, use a ghost grappling hook, and lift heavy objects. Switching between them is essential to solving puzzles and progressing through levels.
How long does it take to beat Titans of the Tide?
Based on reviewer impressions, the main story takes approximately 8-12 hours to complete depending on how much side content you pursue. The game includes five main locations with side quests, races, and collectibles like jellyfish that extend playtime beyond just rushing through the critical path.
Does the original SpongeBob voice cast return?
Yes, the entire voice cast from the TV show returns, including not just SpongeBob and Patrick but also supporting characters and even minor Bikini Bottom citizens. This authentic voice work helps make the game feel like playing through an actual episode of the show, though some reviews noted certain lines repeat frequently during gameplay.
Is Titans of the Tide good for kids?
Absolutely. Reviews consistently mention it’s a great all-ages game that’s accessible to younger players while still offering enough challenge to keep adults engaged. The difficulty is described as not too easy that you can play with your eyes closed, but minimal enough stress that kids won’t get frustrated. It’s family-friendly entertainment that captures the show’s spirit.
What platforms is Titans of the Tide available on?
The game launched on November 18, 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. It’s available across all major current-generation platforms, making it accessible regardless of which gaming ecosystem you’re invested in.
Who Should Buy This Game?
If you’re a SpongeBob fan, this seems like an easy recommendation based on the reviews. Purple Lamp clearly understands the show’s humor, characters, and aesthetic, delivering an experience that feels authentic to the source material. The inclusion of the original voice cast and attention to detail in recreating iconic locations shows respect for what makes SpongeBob work.
For platforming enthusiasts who aren’t necessarily SpongeBob fans, the answer is more complicated. If you loved The Cosmic Shake, you’ll probably enjoy this too since it’s essentially more of the same with refinements. If you’re looking for innovation or something that pushes the 3D platformer genre forward, you might be disappointed by how safe it plays things.
Parents looking for quality games to play with their kids should definitely consider it. The all-ages appeal, appropriate difficulty level, and cooperative-feeling character-swapping mechanic make it great for family gaming sessions. It’s the kind of licensed game that doesn’t feel like a cash grab but rather a genuine attempt to do justice to beloved characters.
The bottom line from reviews is that SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide is a competent, enjoyable 3D platformer that succeeds at what it sets out to do. It won’t redefine the genre or win over people who actively dislike SpongeBob, but it delivers exactly what fans want: a fun adventure through Bikini Bottom with tight controls, varied levels, and humor that captures the show’s spirit. Sometimes that’s enough.