For each course (track), the player will compete against five computer players to win a trophy by finishing first, second, or third to make three laps around the course. The player must also dodge obstacles, such as jellyfish and rocks, as well as ones laid down by the competitors (see below). When the player runs into an obstacle, their boatmobile receives some damage. If the boatmobile receives too much damage, they will forfeit the race.
There are also UltiMotion minigames in each course, requiring players to do what the activity on-screen says to do. Another minigame is optional for adding health to the boatmobile, similar to the UltiMotion events.
The game features motion controls that involve more movement than regular motion controls. Two instances where UltiMotion controls are used. The first instance is to replenish the player's health bar if the vehicle had taken damage during their most recent race. The player will need to follow the on-screen prompt to fix the vehicle. There is a bar next to the broken part of the vehicle. The player is given ten seconds to completely fill the bar. Here is a list of UltiMotions the player might receive:
Tighten the Screw (Tilt the controller side to side like a wrench)
Polish the Engine (Tilt the controller side to side like a wrench)
Drill Through the Hatch (Tilt the controller forward and backwards repeatedly like a hammer)
Pump the Tire (Tilt the controller forward and backwards repeatedly like a pump)
(Note that repairing the player's vehicle is optional. Although if another race is started without replenishing the boat, the amount of health remaining on the health bar during the last race will still remain on the current race.) (Player might not have full health if they do not fix their vehicle).
The second instance where UltiMotions are used is during a race. Every track requires the player to push, shake, or pull the controller for a possibility to gain coins. The game will prompt the player with a message saying: "Get Ready To..." the game will then show the required action with an animated controller demonstrating how to do it. The game will then prompt the message: "NOW!" to let the player know that they can now perform the action. Each area has a unique object to pass. All of the commands are listed below:
PULL (Player will need to yield/yank the controller toward them just when they are about to jump off the ramp to flip in the air to earn coins.)
BALANCE (Player will need to tilt the controller side to side in order to keep their balance. The middle section of the obstacle contains coins.)
PUSH (Player will need to push the controller towards the television to plow through the obstacle. Failing to do so will result in Health Bar energy loss. Unlike PULL & BALANCE, no coins can be earned.
SHAKE (Player will need to shake the controller to avoid the cracks. Unlike PULL & BALANCE, no coins can be earned.)
During each race, the Player and Computer players are given a health bar that lasts for the entire race. Once the race is over and another one is started, the player has the option to replenish their health by repairing their boat. Health can be lost during races if Players run into obstacles such as Jellyfish, rocks, or if another player throws a weapon or uses the Shield Bubble. The Checkered Flag acts as a speed boost to players, but it can hurt other player's health if the player runs into them. If the player's health bar completely runs out during a race, they will be disqualified with a message saying: "Oh no! Your boat is wrecked!" The player's health will be automatically refilled and the player will be returned to the course selection screen where they can retry the race.
Weapons
Weapons vary on which character the player is controlling. Bubbles containing weapons can be run over to get one of these weapons:
Player Weapons:
Shield Bubble - Adds a bouncy shield around the player, making him/her invincible to the other players (as well as damaging their boat) and obstacles for a limited time. Has a different color depending on which character the player is racing as.
Krabby Patty (SpongeBob Only)- Shoot this weapon at competitors to temporarily slow and give damage to them.
Bowling Ball (Patrick Star Only)- Shoot this weapon at competitors to temporarily slow and give damage to them.
Pie (Squidward Only)- Shoot this weapon at competitors to temporarily slow and give damage to them.
Puffer Fish (Mr. Krabs Only)- Shoot this weapon at competitors to temporarily slow and give damage to them.
Unknown (Sandy Only)- Shoot this weapon at competitors to temporarily slow and give damage to them.
Green Energy Beam (Plankton Only)- Shoot this weapon at competitors to temporarily slow and give damage to them.
Checkered Flag - Gives the player a speed boost for a short amount of time.
Computer Weapons:
Shield Bubble
Computer players drop character-specific weapons/obstacles randomly, which must be dodged or the player's vehicle will receive damage. The type of items that can be dropped by Computers and the type of character that can drop it are listed below:
Spongebob: Anchor
Patrick; Banana Peel
Squidward: Tin Gas Can
Mr. Krabs: Ice Cube
Sandy: Barbell
Plankton: Bucket of Fish
Trivia
Players can only play as SpongeBob when a new profile is created. In time, they are able to play as other characters.
This game's playing style and concept is similar to the online game 3D Powerkart Grand Prix.
Computer players sometimes Rubber Band during races to stay ahead of players.
Computers can also hold weapons behind their vehicle and throw them backwards while the player cannot.
Computers can also drive backwards while the player cannot (Usually to attack opponents with the Shield Bubble).
Computers can also use multiple items at the same time even though players can only use one item. If a player wishes to use another item, they will need to progress through the race until they come across another bubble set.
Unlike regular players, Computers cannot throw weapons forward or receive any Player Weapons like the Krabby Patty, and the Bowling Ball. They also cannot use the Checkered Flag.File:Snapshot 9 (7-4-2016 1-51 AM).pngThe grand reward for winning all 15 tracks.
The game's description or message after selecting a new character and a new file references the episode, The Fry Cook Games.
Should a player get 1st place on all 15 tracks, they will be presented with a trophy with a golden Jellyfish printed on it with a text saying: "Congratulations! You won gold in every race! You have mastered the Bikini Bottom 500!"
Although this is a trophy, it is not included with all the other trophies in the Garage/Menu.
Errors/Glitches
Upon the character select screen, Mr. Krabs' pants are mistakenly colored light brown when it should be colored Blue/Purple.
The flowers on Patrick's shorts are also mistakenly colored Turquoise upon the character screen when it should be colored Light Purple.
SpongeBob is shown to have a driver's license in this game, Although he had never actually earned his license permanently in the series.
Patrick is also shown to have a driver's license. Although Patrick did get his driver's license in the episode Driven to Tears. it was revoked due to reckless driving.File:Snapshot 1 (7-4-2016 12-23 AM).pngSpongeBob's Boat is entirely different from the one on the box art.
Sandy, Squidward, and Plankton also have licenses in this game, though they are never shown or seen in the actual series.
If a player chooses to repair a vehicle as Patrick, one can see that the Bass Blaster 3000 's color scheme is wrong. The boat is Bright Orange and the flame design is Purple when it should have a white design with Bright Orange flames.
If a player chooses to repair a vehicle as SpongeBob, not only is the color scheme of the boat wrong, but it is an entirely different boat than shown on the box art and the design shown when racing.