Cartoons-based video games have a reputation for being gaming travesties that are simply released for monetary purposes. We’ve seen these types of titles popping up everywhere as of late, with a large majority coming from everyone’s favorite cartoon channel – Nickelodeon. From The Avatar to SpongeBob SquarePants, the child-oriented network loves handing out its series’ licenses to developers eager to represent.

Nicktoons: Battle for Volcano Island isn’t based on any one show, rather three: Danny Phantom, SpongeBob SquarePants, and The Fairly Odd Parents, with a half-dozen cameo appearances from the likes of Jimmy Neutron and Sandy Cheeks. There are a total of five levels to participate in, and the gameplay can be described as platforming with docile elements of puzzle solving. The story is as generic as it gets. You’ve been summoned by Mr. Hermit Crab to save Volcano Island from the wicked Mawgu. This madcap scoundrel has been causing trouble in paradise and it’s your mission to put his nonsense to an end. 

There are a total of five levels available, each with a particular theme, from a tropical jungle to a riverbank. Each level is divided up into four sections – field, action, boss, and post-level mini-game area. In the field zone, you will have to collect three crystals to unlock the gate that leads to the subsequent stage. Crystals are found on what appears to be a dog’s snout coming forth from the earth. Tapping on this specimen with your stylus will release said crystal. Simple enough, but a dose of strategy comes into play here. The game is controlled with the d-pad and face buttons, but as mentioned, you will have to utilize the stylus in order to get to the vital crystals. The game is presented akin to Sonic Rush, in where you will jump from one screen to another to progress through the level. Common sense tells you that these “dog snouts” will need to be visible on the bottom screen of the DS if you want to unchain the crystals therein. However, oftentimes your character will come across one of these landmarks while on the top screen, thus forcing you to find a way to get above it so you can tap it from below. This adds a good chunk of gameplay into the otherwise routine formula.

The other three sectors are rather simplistic ordeals and are probably self-explanatory. Action is basically an opportunity for you to run through the stage as fast as you can without any hassle of collecting crystals. Bosses are fun and experimental, although a little straightforward. The mini-games at the end of the levels consist of collecting falling fruit with SpongeBob. There are two different rules to this game. The first rule will have you attempt to obtain as much fruit as possible, and the other has you trying to see how many consecutive pieces you can catch. This particular aspect of the game can be controlled via the d-pad or stylus.

Switching between characters is done by simply pressing the Y button. Every character possesses their own unique ability that will come into use during key platforming segments. Once in the air, SpongeBob SquarePants can slowly float down if the player holds or taps the jump button. If you need to get to a below ledge that’s a large distance away, SpongeBob is the way to go as he can glide across to it with ease. Timmy Turner is able to double-jump, so he’s an obvious pick to reach high platforms. Danny Phantom is more than likely the least imperative of the crew, as he doesn’t really have anything that sets him apart aside from his fast attacks.

Battle for Volcano Island’s level design is extremely similar to Sonic the Hedgehog, so if you’re accustomed with any titles from the series on the Sega Genesis, you’ll know what you to anticipate. From a visual standpoint, everything appears a tad dated. There are virtually no awe-inspiring effects, and the textures could be improved upon. Audio, however, is a completely different story. The music is truthfully some of the best I’ve heard on the DS in recent memory, and there’s even a hair of voice acting thrown in for good measure.

All positive elements aside, Nicktoons: Battle for Volcano Island is a missed opportunity for a few substantial reasons. While nothing is essentially too off beam with its gameplay, the campaign is exceedingly dull and mundane. I guarantee most gamers will get a “been there, done that” notion when playing. Additionally, the single player only contains five levels, each taking 30 minutes at most to complete. I don’t know about you, but that’s not enough to warrant a purchase for me even if the gameplay was near-flawless. The multiplayer won’t keep you coming back, either, as it’s as cooker-cutter as can be.

Gameplay: 6.5
Battle for Volcano Island sports a basic platforming setup with a few puzzle facets. Seasoned gamers will get bored rather abruptly.

Graphics: 6.2
The fact that it borrows its level design format from games that were released 10+ years ago should speak volumes.

Sound: 8.2
The soundtrack is catchy and the sound effects are solid. The voice work is good, but there are admittedly only a few lines in the entire title.

Difficulty: Medium
For most, this title will be a breeze. However, save points may be a bit too far in-between. You do have unlimited lives though, so there shouldn’t be any problems – even for younger players. 

Multiplayer: 6.4
Don’t bank on much replay value here. The multiplayer is barebones and unimaginative.

Concept: 6.0
Another day, another Nickelodeon spin-off.

Overall: 6.3
Apart from the music, this is a snore fest that’s best to be avoided.