Play SpongeBob SquarePants and Friends Unite! Online

I picked up SpongeBob SquarePants and Friends Unite! for the Game Boy Advance back in 2005, a time when licensed platformers were a dime a dozen. THQ published it, and it fit right in with that era's handheld offerings, a colorful side-scroller built for quick sessions between classes or on a car ride. It wasn't trying to reinvent the wheel, just deliver a solid dose of Bikini Bottom charm.

You control SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy, switching between them to use their unique skills; SpongeBob blows bubbles to trap enemies, Patrick throws heavy objects, and Sandy swings with her lasso to cross wide gaps. The main goal is to stop Plankton, which means navigating through themed levels, smashing boxes for collectibles, and beating a boss at the end of each world. The pacing is brisk, and the challenge is fair, never too punishing for its target audience. It feels like a straightforward, cheerful adventure that captures the show's silly spirit perfectly.