THQ and Tantalus Interactive's DS debut of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Yellow Avenger was a sleeper gem that really snuck up on me with its gorgeous presentation, fun and authentic story and clever touch-screen mechanics. After reviewing the DS version, I came away intrigued to see what Tantalus had up its sleeve for the PSP, especially considering how much of a role the touch-screen functionality played into the original's overall entertainment value. Unfortunately, in the move to the PSP, The Yellow Avenger has lost just a touch of its original charm due to the more conventional playing style.

The storyline hasn't changed a bit, and that's certainly a good thing - you play as good ol' SpongeBob as he turns into his new superhero persona, the Yellow Avenger, with the help of Mermaidman's utility belt. As the Yellow Avenger, SpongeBob takes over the duties of saving Bikini Bottom from the retired duo of Mermaidman and Barnacleboy, and his first challenge comes in the form of The Dirty Bubble, who has been transformed into hundreds of Little Dirty Bubbles that are now plaguing the citizens of Bikini Bottom. Can SpongeBob rid his home of the Little Dirty Bubbles and return Bikini Bottom to its once peaceful state? Play the game and find out…

This story perfectly captures the charm and hilarity of the cartoon series, and Tantalus has done a superb job presenting the game using the more robust technical specs of the PSP. The DS version was already gorgeous; however, on the widescreen display of the PSP the storyboard cut scenes simply shine, as do all of the menu screens and artwork, while the in-game 3D graphics engine powers out crisper and brighter colors, characters and environments that only the PSP platform can muster in a portable game. These improved visuals do, unfortunately, take their toll on the load times, which is a common PSP issue that we've all been suffering with since it launched. No single load time is painfully long in and of itself, but the high frequency of the load times, coupled with their noticeable length, does slow the experience down at times. Another disappointment, this time one that carries over from the DS, is the lack of voice acting - the game does fine without it, but with the larger capacity of a UMD, it would've been nice to see (or hear I guess I should say) voiceovers added to the mix.

The core gameplay is the same on the PSP, consisting of the 2D/3D side-scrolling platformer basics in outdoor environments, such as double jumping, pole swinging, hopping on enemies and some cool boss fights, as well as the puzzle-based interactivity found within the indoor areas. However, in the fundamental difference in design and control layouts between the DS and PSP, the game doesn't have the same inventive feel that the DS version delighted me with; instead of using the stylus to activate special powers, milk jellyfish and interact indoors like a point-and-click adventure, the PSP version has you entering in different button combinations for each special power, alternating left and right shoulder presses rhythmically to squeeze jelly out of jellyfish and simply pressing a button to solve puzzles and interact with indoor objects. In fairness, those coming into playing this game on the PSP most likely won't have any experience with the DS version anyway, so you won't get the feeling that there's just a little something missing like I did.

For these losses in the conversion, however, Tantalus has added a few new things for PSP owners to enjoy. Leading the way is new wireless multiplayer, which offers three mini-games (Drag Net, Mermarang and Aqua Bat) supporting two-player high score battles and tournaments in Ad Hoc mode. It's not a major attraction, but there is some good mini-game fun to be had if you can hook up with a buddy. Although not a new feature like the multiplayer mode, the PSP version also has more fluid and responsive 3D platforming controls, which lends a better feel to the core platform jumping and action elements.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Yellow Avenger once again turns in an entertaining platforming adventure, this time for the PSP. Although it doesn't feel as inventive as the DS installment (unavoidable thanks to the DS version's excellent usage of the touch screen), the core gameplay and story, spruced up presentation, multiplayer addition and subtle control improvements all mesh together as a portable romp well worth taking a gander at, especially if you're in search of a worthwhile platform action game for your PSP. There's no denying that the DS version is the best way to go if you have the choice, but quite frankly, it doesn't matter which handheld you play it on; you should have a fun hop-and-bop time with The Yellow Avenger either way.

Reviewed by Matt Litten for AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).