We already knew Spongebob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom was getting remastered - er, "Rehydrated" - but we didn't know when to expect it. Now we know. The remaster of Spongebob's finest hour arrives in just a few weeks on June 23 to all major platforms, PC, Xbox One, PS4, and Switch.
In addition to standard physical and digital editions of the game, THQ Nordic is continuing its tradition of high-priced collector's editions for Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated. In addition to the game itself, the Shiny Edition includes:
- An 8"/20cm SpongeBob Figurine with Golden Spatula and flexible tongue
- Wallstickers
- 6 Lithographs
- SpongeBob SquarePants tennis socks
The Shiny Edition will run you $149.99. For the biggest fans of the porous burger-flipper, the F.U.N. Edition includes all of the above plus a set of tiki keyrings, a 7" Patrick figurine, and an 8" Sandy figurine. That whale edition goes for $299.99.
Battle for Bikini Bottom has enjoyed cult status since its debut in 2003 on PS2, Xbox, GameCube, and other platforms. The licensed game isn't adherent to any specific Spongebob movie and has always been revered as an unexpected classic and a favorite in the speedrunning community.
For the remaster, the game is getting more than a facelift. Previously cut content, like a Robo-Squidward boss fight, will be added back to the game, in addition to a new co-op horde mode for two-players playable in local or online play.
Though it long predates OpenCritic, the original Battle for Bikini Bottom received mixed to positive reviews elsewhere around the web during its 2003 launch, including a 7.3 from IGN and an 8 from Official Xbox Magazine.
