Drawn to Life sequel to star SpongeBob
THQ cross pollinates its franchises
THQ has confirmed both a sequel to last year's Drawn to Life and a new SpongeBob SquarePants game all in just one announcement. And it hasn't done it by magic but rather by combining both franchises into one übergame.
As in Drawn to Life, the new DS exclusive game Drawn to Life: SpongeBob SquarePants makes it possible to sketch your own character in the game and also populate the gameworld with your own hand-drawn items. It just so happens that this time around the gameworld itself is Bikini Bottom, where SpongeBob and starfish pal Patrick live.
Turns out the two have found a magical pencil that brings whatever it draws to life but unfortunately evil SpongeBob drawing Doodlebob gets his own pencil which he then uses to cause havoc across the land. Your own character is tasked with defeating the evil drawings and rescuing SpongeBob and his friends.
You might remember Drawn to Life had a safe, central hub that you could explore and chat to characters in, as well as draw things for. It sounds like the new game's hub will be your Bikini Bottom home, which you'll be able to draw, customise and furnish.
Over 20 levels are promised in total, as well as a new two-player Versus mode.
The game is in development with Japan studio Altron, which has previously made DS games Tak: The Great Juju Challenge and Alex Rider: Stormbreaker.
Much as SpongeBob games normally don't stand out on our radar (mainly because we're not really young enough to be enchanted by a big, grinning sponge), we were able to appreciate Drawn to Life was a unique game well suited to younger players, if a bit repetitive for the older crowd.
Combining the two franchises could make for quite an interesting game and their commercial power should certainly ensure THQ shifts a few copies. The game is scheduled for an autumn release in the US.
