You know THQ has released a lot of SpongeBob games when they start putting “New game for 2009” stickers on the front of the box. And who can blame them – with several available for PS2 and Wii (most of them with similar box art), it’d be very easy for the average parent to walk by the game aisle at Target, assume their kid already owns it, and move on.

But the newest sequel, SpongeBob SquarePants Featuring Nicktoons: Globs of Doom, is not as much a part of the SpongeBob series as it is an unofficial sequel to last year’s Nicktoons game, Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots. However, as many of you are likely aware, that game failed by containing levels that were boring and frustrating, preventing the player from experiencing the fun Nicktoons characters are supposed to be about. Luckily, those mistakes are redeemed in Globs of Doom, creating a decent button-masher for kids that will remind older gamers of the arcade button-mashers we used to play when we were young.

Aside from a few minor puzzles (pull a lever, push button, etc.), players will have only one significant goal: to destroy every enemy in sight while making their way to the end of each stage. The way you accomplish this task is not unexpected: get to know the B button and all its button-bashing glory and you’ll have no trouble taking out these foes. The shaking mechanics that come with most Wii games are not utilized for basic attacking, though you will get to do a little waving when unleashing special attacks.

SpongeBob’s journey becomes a Nicktoons affair when the Morphoid Globs of Doom threaten to destroy more than a Bikini Bottom. They have also endangered the lands where Tak, Invader Zim, Danny Phantom and Jimmy Neutron reside. Then, like some comic book collaboration that will have people scratching their heads, The Evil Syndicate of Plankton arrives (along with Dib, Technus, Traloc, and Beautiful Gorgeous), volunteering his help. Too crazy to be true? On TV, perhaps. But not in this Nicktoons conglomerate.

As a result, players get to control both sides of the world: good and evil. Now fighting on the same side, these characters will tackle each stage as a team. Players can switch between the two playable characters at any time by tapping the minus button. Alternatively, you can have a second player jump in for co-op button-mashing action.

Each stage is designed with the Nicktoons in mind. The first stage, for example, takes on that pineapple-under-the-sea appearance all SpongeBob fans look for in a game. Expect to see a lot of industrial-looking areas with moving platforms, giant pits of goo, and elements that should be familiar to the Nickelodeon watcher (or Nicktoons game player, if you skip the shows but play the games as I do).

Though it isn’t anything new to gaming, kids will be urged to destroy more enemies because of the rewards that they’re given: blue, red and gold coins. When tallied up, these coins may be cashed in for strength, attack, and power meter upgrades.

Like the last Nicktoons adventure, Globs of Doom does offer much variety among the different characters. Most of them move and attack exactly the same. The basic button-mashing moves are identical (just tap the B button), and while their super powers differ among characters – SpongeBob turns enemies into bubbles to pop them easily, Jimmy Neutron uses a force beam that pulls enemies close for a quick elimination, etc. – the end result is almost always the same.

But if you look back on the X-Men or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle arcade games, they too were guilty of a lack of character variety. Kid gamers didn’t care much then and probably won’t care much now. Ultimately, the games with great variety lead to higher replay value and are more likely to be remembered. I still own TMNT 2 but never touch it – as a kid, however, you couldn’t pry it from my NES.

This game will likely be enjoyed in the same way. Kids will appreciate the simplicity of it, the lighthearted inclusion of multiple Nicktoons (heroic and villainous), and love the ability to have a friend drop in and out of the game. Locally of course – most Wii titles don’t even approach the idea of online gaming.

Gameplay: 7.0
Ten Nicktoons characters, familiar environments, simplistic button-mash gameplay, and none of the level problems found in the last Nicktoons adventure.

Graphics: 5.0
It seems that SpongeBob has pretty much maxed out the Wii/PS2/GameCube graphic capabilities. Either that or the developers need to adopt an engine that doesn't look like it was designed in 2001.

Sound: 5.5
Repetitive (yet sometimes amusing) one-liners and a bunch of quirky sound effects you've likely heard before.

Difficulty: Easy
Don't bet on this game's difficulty...unless you want to lose your shirt, shoes and a pair of SquarePants.

Concept: 5.0
By no means a new concept, Globs of Doom is a more polished version of the Nicktoons game released last year.

Multiplayer: 7.0
Drop in/out co-op makes it easy to play through Globs of Doom with a friend and continue the game when he goes home.

Overall: 7.0
A button-masher for gamers under 12. It won't rock anyone's world, but if you know a kid who loves these Nicktoons characters and enjoys simple, battle-filled games, Globs of Doom is one of SpongeBob's better adventures.