The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (video game)/development

Development

General

A "Goofy Goober Dream Platforming" level was planned for the game and was supposed to be set before Sundae Driving. References to this level can be found in concept art, showcasing a Goofy Goober variant for the enemies. And in the game's code as there's text for five unused tasks related to this level. According to these unused tasks, the level would have resolve around saving Goofy Goober before chasing him in the next level.
- There is a removed Goofy Goober costume for SpongeBob and Patrick and was planned for the cut Goofy Goober level.
Earlier in development the bathtub in Rub a Dub Dub, Slip Slide in the Tub had a shower. This was changed to a faucet, but the showerhead is still in the bathtub's texture.
The texture for the Sea Needle sign from Battle for Bikini Bottom is in the game files, likely as a leftover.
An unused green variant of the starfish seen in Google-Eyes and Smelly Knick-Knacks can be found inside the texture.
A few collision and temporary models are present in the game files.
The cruise bubble's model from Battle for Bikini Bottom can also be found, likely as a leftover.
The game was codenamed as "SPONGEBOB2:PATRICK'SREVENGE" and "SpongeBob: Naught Four."_[sic]^[1]

According to an early trailer, the enemies weren't wearing bucket heads. Although it's possible that the models for the bucket heads weren't made yet.
Some levels used different textures.
According to prerelease screenshots, there was no return option visible in the Extras section.
The nitro was first called "Turbo."
Goofy Goober tokens were originally chip-like figures.
There were a total of 40 extras earlier in development. Two more were added for the final, and the extras box was redone a bit to accommodate this.
When health is missing, the empty bubbles from Battle for Bikini Bottom's health bar are still apparent.^[2]

According to concept art SpongeBob and Patrick had a few more costumes planned that were cut from the final game. Such as a DoodleBob costume for SpongeBob and a Barnacle Boy costume for Patrick.
The Patty Wagon had different handling and its damaged look was different.
Some vehicles and their colors had a different design.
SpongeBob's Goofy Goober Guitar design was different.

Early version of "No Cheese."

There were three buttons and a sliding platform. A Krabby Patty seemed to also be missing in action.
Mr. Krabs is absent.
Many vehicles are absent in prerelease footages.
The sky was bluer.
There was an extra coral tree behind the Krusty Krab.
The manliness move upgrade was originally 200 points.

Early version of "Sandwich Driving 101."

A picture showing the early bathtub design and the Plankton targets.

The old Plankton target can still be seen in the prerelease image, as well as a weird green and blue block below the tower. The Plankton sign texture is still in the game, albeit only used in Sundae Driving as a picture frame on the wall.
The bathtub design was different.

Early version of "Bubble Blowing Baby Hunt."

There was no lighting in an early version of the level.
A lot of the textures, mainly the "safe zone floor" texture, was repeated. The bar had a purple texture applied to it.
Also, the enemies placed in the level seem to be from the level Shell City, Dead Ahead, most likely for placeholder purposes.
Many breakables weren't present.
The button to activate the door was moved.
The bar had a purple checkered texture applied.
The level was also missing extra details and decals.
The floor in the bar area reused the metal texture.

Originally, the player was to defeat all Bucketheads first before the frogfish boss.

Concept art of "Now That We're Men."

In prerelease screenshots, Patrick can be seen without his kelp mustache.
According to a concept art:
- The tiki crates from Battle for Bikini Bottom can be seen. Likely as placeholders.
- Mindy was to appear in-person rather than using a clamshell.
- The lights were more brighter.