Drawn to Life: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition

 DS
  • Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Sep 15, 2008
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 2 out of 10
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  1. TheQuietGamer
    Dec 26, 2021
    9
    I have no prior attachment to the SpongeBob property, but was nonetheless highly entertained with this crossover game. That's because the Drawn to Life franchise encourages player creation in a way I haven't seen anywhere outside of the LittleBigPlanet series before. What's more is that unlike those PlayStation exclusives it doesn't limit one's creative flourishes to an entirely separateI have no prior attachment to the SpongeBob property, but was nonetheless highly entertained with this crossover game. That's because the Drawn to Life franchise encourages player creation in a way I haven't seen anywhere outside of the LittleBigPlanet series before. What's more is that unlike those PlayStation exclusives it doesn't limit one's creative flourishes to an entirely separate mode, but instead grants regular opportunities to put your own stamp on "Bikini Bottom" throughout its story levels.

    Drawing on the touchscreen with the stylus is as awkward and sloppy as it sounds, but there are systems in place that allow you to do things like place colors down to the smallest possible pixel to help you make your art as pretty as possible. On top of crafting your own avatar from scratch you'll also be consistently tasked with coming up for necessary objects to aid progression or redesigning defeated foes. While the game offers helpful suggestions for what to put down in these moments, you're really only limited by your own imagination when it comes to what you can bring into the world and seeing your hard work come to life before your eyes is incredibly satisfying.

    To make things better it's also a very solid platformer to boot. There are plenty of secrets and stuff to find so it will take people a while to reach 100% completion. Some of the level design is kind of bogus due to sections where it seems like taking damage (and potentially losing lives as a result) is unavoidable, which is strange given that you would think the target audience is children. Still, it's hard to fault the title mechanically however even if there are youngsters who will likely struggle to make it through this. Jumping and combat feels good in spite of how tough it can get, and the occasional vehicle stage breaks up the flow nicely.

    Yet, what it truly succeeds at being is a canvas for players can put their own ideas and inventions onto in order to make them a reality. It's a feature that allows this to appeal to more than just the kids the show it shares a universe with was designed for. The lack of supporting content is a slight disappointment as outside of the core offering all you get are a vs. mode and coloring book pages, but the main attraction is enough to justify the purchase because of the freedom it grants you to let your artistic side run wild.

    9.2/10    … Expand
  2. Zilcell
    Nov 9, 2011
    7
    The use of the Spongebob universe with Drawn to Life elements is well executed, even if it has been done before. You draw your own character and help Spongebob and his friends stop an evil drawn version of Spongebob from taking over Bikini Bottom.
  3. how_are_u
    Apr 19, 2015
    3
    This game was not very great. It was on the DS and honestly I think SpongeBob should stick to his awesome TV show, as his games never seem to be too good. (With the exception of "SpongeBob Squarepants movie on PS2/Gamecube)
  4. DolphinReviews
    Aug 21, 2022
    7
    I have never been a fan of sponge bob but this game is surprisingly good. The platforming is very generic and bare bones, the drawn to life portion of the game is really fun. The inclusion of Doodle Bob was also nice.
  5. FireBroFilms
    Aug 15, 2022
    4
    ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
  6. Therealspingleb
    Jul 14, 2023
    8
    The game is honestly now my 3rd favorite ds game, right behind mario64ds and new super mario bros. It controls decently and the drawing mechanic is great (it is a bit buggy tho) and the idea of creating your own graphics was a very good idea, it deserves more recognition, good job THQ.
  7. Scottfootlicker
    Aug 11, 2023
    10
    After 30 long years of my grueling life I came home to find this on my kitchen counter I don't know where it came from but it made my life anew it help married and have kids and I named my kids after this game 98/100

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best DS Game of 2008
33
#33 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
34
#34 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. IGN
    75
    Whether it's out of respect for the original team or because it's a better game, I'd rather play the original Drawn to Life over this cash-in. But hey, even I can see that the Spongebob Edition isn't a bad kid-focused title -- it's built off a great foundation.
    Read full review
  2. Nintendo Power
    70
    The game's 20 levels (including vehicle chases) give you plenty of play, but the reason to pick it up is to flex your creative muscles. [Nov 2008, p.104]
  3. GameZone
    70
    A solid buy for Drawn to Life fans, kids who love SpongeBob, and anyone who likes to draw.
    Read full review
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