Are ya’ ready, kids? There could be a new SpongeBob SquarePants video game coming out next year, and Flying Dutchman fans should be excited.
Following the success of SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated and its spiritual successor, The Cosmic Shake, THQ Nordic has hinted during a new seasonal trailer released to celebrate Halloween that it could be going all in on a third SpongeBob SquarePants game.
Released on October 31st, the quick-hitting preview shows off some of the best spooky gameplay from both Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated and The Cosmic Shake. It’s mostly a montage SpongeBob and Patrick getting their barnacles scared off, but as things wrap up, we’re left with with the duo jumping about under text that reads “an all-new adventure awaits,” along with a 2025 release date, whilst The Flying Dutchman laughs menacingly in the off-screen.
Whilst “an all-new adventure awaits” doesn't confirm that a new SpongeBob game is in the pipeline - it could be DLC for an existing game - if it is a new game, we can make some educated guesses based on the conspicuous timing of the teaser what it could be about, and if correct, longtime fans of the games could be in for a real treat.
Whilst the promo featured scenes from Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated and The Cosmic Shake, it’s entirely possible that THQ Nordic was simply leaving a trail of Krabby Patty crumbs for fans to follow. Here’s why:
Number one, The Flying Dutchman has a clear focus in the trailer. Longtime fans of the SpongeBob games will remember why that’s significant. SpongeBob SquarePants: Revenge of the Flying Dutchman is perhaps the second-most beloved game in the franchise, and with the Rehydrated series going strong, it’s an obvious choice for a fancified remake or follow-up.
Number two, add in the spooky theme (and Halloween release date) of the teaser, and it’s hard to think of anything else that fits the billing. If it’s not a direct remake or spiritual successor then what else could all of this be for? Well, there is one more answer.
Mark Hamill was recently cast as the voice of The Flying Dutchman in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, taking over the role from Brian Doyle-Murray, who voices the ghostly figure in the series. Details are still few and far between about that film, but the official IMDb description reads “Follow SpongeBob as he travels to the depths of the ocean to face the ghost of the Flying Dutchman.” Search for SquarePants is currently slated for release on December 19, 2025.
Sounds about right, doesn’t it? Maybe this is just a quick hitting movie tie-in that’s unrelated to the previous games, but with THQ’s clear love for the older properties, that would feel a little out of place.
Revenge of the Flying Dutchman sees SpongeBob on a quest to save his pet sea snail, Gary, from the clutches of the pirate captain after accidentally disturbing his slumber. It’s an action-platformer just like Battle for Bikini Bottom. You travel across seven unique locations, collecting The Dutchman’s treasure, and prepping the sponge for a big showdown against his spectral nemesis. Most of the series regulars – Plankton, Mr. Krabs, Squidward, Sandy, etc. – make appearances along the way, giving SpongeBob tasks to complete which push him closer to his ultimate goal. From fixing TV antennas to winning karate matches against Larry the Lobster, it’s packed to the gills with SpongeBob-themed mayhem.
First released in 2002, a reimagined version of the game could certainly bring the action up to speed, just like THQ Nordic did with Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated. That game retained all of the charm of the original, with ComicBook.com calling it “a rewarding and genuinely fun restoration of a cult classic” in our review.
At this point in time, take it with a grain of salt, but it certainly seems like players will suffer The Dutchman’s wrath next year when this untitled project finally makes it to shelves—or more likely, digital storefronts. Wow, it really isn’t 2002 anymore.
Watch the SpongeBob SquarePants Universe, including Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years and The Patrick Star Show on Nickelodeon and Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com.
Shop SpongeBob: https://www.paramountshop.com/pages/spongebobsquarepants
Listen to The SpongeBob Musical here!
CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!
CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!
Originally published: November 02, 2024.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Have your say by leaving a comment below! NickALive! welcomes friendly and respectful comments. Please familiarize with the blog's Comment Policy before commenting. All new comments are moderated and won't appear straight away.