This Kinect game stars SpongeBob, Patrick and all their friends, and asks players to pretend they’re skating or surfing down roads and rivers.

Players will stand perpendicular to the Kinect sensor, and step their front foot either forward or backward to help steer down the path.  It’s pretty easy to control, but there are times when the sensor doesn’t quite recognize the movements of players based on the twisting of the body while still trying to watch the TV.  Also, as with many other Kinect games, kids especially have a tendency to move around too much within the game space.  The game handles this really well, though.

The game looks very crisp and clean, and it almost feels at times as if you’re playing the cartoon.  This is a big plus for fans of the show.  It also contains the show’s humor and distinctive character traits (like SpongeBob’s laugh, for example).

Each level lasts four or five minutes, which can begin to seem like kind of a long time, especially if others are waiting.

As you progress down each level, you’ll collect coins and jump over ramps.  These all lead to the collection of “Awesome Points” which helps players do special things like get a Speed Boost.

There’s a 2-player mode where collecting “Awesome Points” is even more important, as these are what will help players earn the most points.  What’s cool is that the player with the most points wins, not necessarily the one who crosses the finish line first.

SpongeBob’s Surf & Skate Road trip is a fun Kinect game that at times is a bit difficult to control.  The awkward sideways stance and tendency to move around make it tough to precisely your character, but luckily the game is very forgiving, and will keep players hurtling downward.  Kids and tweens, especially those who are fans of SpongeBob, can enjoy this one.