SpongeBob: Sponge on the Run
Average runner game retread has lots of in-app purchases.
SpongeBob: Sponge on the Run
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that SpongeBob: Sponge on the Run is an endless-runner game designed to promote The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water. There's mild violence, but it's nothing compared to what's shown on the TV series. SpongeBob occasionally gets hit by a car and flies toward the screen, but it's meant to be funny. The game does prominently feature in-app purchases and promotes the film fairly heavily, so parents will want to be on guard for these commercial aspects.
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What’s It About?
As with most endless-runner games, there's a threadbare plot to SPONGEBOB: SPONGE ON THE RUN. You run, trying to dodge obstacles and collect coins, swiping up to jump or down to slide. Swiping side to side lets you switch lanes. And, after picking up enough cotton-candy icons, SpongeBob will transform into Super SpongeBob, who can knock through any obstacle in his path.
Is It Any Good?
SpongeBob: Sponge on the Run may have a familiar set of characters, but it has an even more familiar style of gameplay -- and the app does nothing to make it unique. Young kids may enjoy the endless runner and occasional power-ups, but any tween, teen, or adult who isn't obsessed with the character will quickly get a "been there, done that" feeling. The heavy use of in-app purchases combined with a much-too-high price tag make this not worth the buy. There are better choices for kids who love SpongeBob.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how varied types of media handle the same content in different ways. How is SpongeBob: Sponge on the Run different from the movie?
Ask your kids why they want to play: Was it the game itself or SpongeBob that made you want to play? Would you like the game if SpongeBob weren't in it?
Explore what your kids know about the ocean and its creatures. Are any of the characters in the game realistic?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Release date: January 22, 2015
- Category: Arcade Games
- Topics: Ocean Creatures
- Publisher: Nickelodeon
- Version: 1.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 7.0 or later
- Last updated: July 29, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
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Fun and varied physics puzzler set in Bikini Bottom.
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SpongeBob Frozen Face Off
Interactive story based on the popular cartoon, with gaming.
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SpongeBob Diner Dash
Aggressive push to purchase drags down dull clone in series.
For kids who love endless-runner and animal apps
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