Spongebob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake: PS5 Review

Developed by Purple Lamp Studios

Published by THQ Nordic

Platform: PS5

At its heart Spongebob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake is simple and simplistic platform game that does what it needs to do - and nothing more.

But that's no bad thing if you're a fan of the Bikini Bottom dweller and the colourful world he inhabits.

Along with Patrick, the player must journey across several alternate realities called "Wish Worlds" to save their friends and the town of Bikini Bottom while collecting Cosmic Jelly for the mermaid fortune teller Madame Kassandra - if it sounds a bit unhinged and somewhat psychedelic in its synopsis, it certainly is in its execution.

A very colourful platformer that's perhaps a little too simple in its controls and gaming ambitions, Spongebob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake sees you spinning attacks (like Crash Bandicoot), racing through areas on the backs of creatures (like Crash Bandicoot) and battling bosses (like, well, you get the picture).

If you're into platform games, then its ease of execution, linear levels and colourful edges will appeal - though the wider the levels become the more at times you realise just how sparse and bare they are.

But the game's more interested in a series of mini quests and making Spongebob reality moments than being bothered with redefining the genre and its nature. 

Ultimately, Spongebob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake is a game that will appeal to the younger age bracket, but will be an easier play for those older who are looking for a somewhat retro experience. But thanks to its faithfulness to both characters and the world it's from, it emerges as a solid winner that's playable enough for the time you're down under in Bikini Bottom.