THQ Inc. and Nickelodeon today announced that SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom for Microsoft's Xbox game console is now available at retailers throughout North America.

Similar to Nickelodeon's chart-topping animated television show on which they are based, the titles appeal to gamers of all ages and have received high critical praise.

"SpongeBob-branded videogames have achieved sales in excess of 3 million units at retail," stated Tiffany Ternan, Senior Vice President, North American Sales and Distribution, THQ. "We feel this year's titles are poised to perform strongly at retail, as we have delivered an engaging platformer with fantastic game play that truly appeals to mature gamers as well as the large dedicated audience of the incredibly popular Nickelodeon show."

"SpongeBob SquarePants continues to grow its audience and capture new viewers with its quirky humor," stated Steve Youngwood, Senior Vice President, Nickelodeon Media Products Group. "SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom perfectly replicates and expands upon that humor, translating it into interactive comedy for every major gaming system."

In SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom, the evil Plankton has set in motion his most diabolical plot ever to take over the world. The fate of Bikini Bottom has been put in the hands (or small tentacles) of three unsuspecting heroes - SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks -- all playable characters with their own special moves. Players can pull off insane new maneuvers like "tongue boarding," "underwear bungee jumping," and "lasso coptering," and enjoy power-ups like the "guided cruise bubble." They will encounter familiar friends as they explore 50 levels in 10 huge 3D worlds, looking for hidden items to unlock, secret rewards, soaking up SpongeBob humor, and finally putting an end to Plankton's rotten scheme.

The release of SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom is backed by a comprehensive, multi-million dollar marketing campaign targeting both the younger and twenty-something demographics. The campaign includes national broadcast exposure, print and online advertising, and promotional tie-ins.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom is also currently available for PC. For more information on SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom, or the rest of THQ's upcoming adventures, please visit www.thq.com.