SpongeBob SquarePants Bowling (Mobile)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 3.0 stars Good
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 6.7 (3.0 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Mike Mearls
• Reviewed on: 08/02/2004
• Originally published on GameSpot: SpongeBob SquarePants Bowling (Mobile) Review

Bowling is all the rage in mobile gaming, thanks in no small part to the success of Jamdat's bowling games. Taking a cue from that successful series, SpongeBob Bowling combines the colorful characters of the Nickelodeon cartoon series with a game closely modeled on what makes Jamdat Bowling successful. However, SpongeBob Bowling lacks a few key gameplay elements that make other bowling games challenging.

SpongeBob Bowling has a story fit for a cartoon show. The residents of Bikini Bottom must defeat the robotic minions of the villainous Plankton by knocking them over with SpongeBob, who has conveniently rolled himself up into a bowling ball. You can choose from one of five characters, each of whom has different strengths. For example, Patrick the starfish has tremendous power but poor aim, while Gary the snail has great aim, mediocre power, and poor spin control.

The gameplay is similar to other mobile bowling titles. SpongeBob moves back and forth along the lane. You must hit the OK button at just the right moment to place him for a shot. A similar process sets the shot's power, aim, and spin, and a meter flashes from full to empty for power, or left to right for spin and aim. With good reflexes, you can select the exact aim, power, or spin that you want for a shot. The characters' ratings seem to cause the meters to move slower or faster, making some aspects of a shot easier and others more difficult. Characters with a weak power rating have a smaller meter than stronger characters.

SpongeBob Bowling's primary shortcomings rest in the interactions between these meters. Your power has no effect on your ability to aim. Increased power does decrease the effect of spin, but you rarely have to rely on spin to make up for an aiming error. The option of selecting a character makes up for some of these shortcomings, but SpongeBob still suffers in this area when compared to similar titles. However, since SpongeBob Bowling is easier than other bowling games, younger children or players who found Jamdat Bowling and similar titles too difficult may enjoy it.

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