THQ and Nickelodeon announce five for '05

THQ today revealed seven games that will comprise Nickelodeon's 2005 lineup. In addition to the previously announced Nicktoons and Fairly OddParents games, the roster includes five new additions. The lineup includes a new title featuring the popular Nickelodeon character SpongeBob SquarePants and the first game dedicated to Danny Phantom. Others included are a game based on the animated film The Barnyard and one based on the lifestyle and clothing brand everGirl.

The following is a brief description of each of the newly announced titles:

SpongeBob SquarePants (working title) will be a party-style game with 30 minigames that feature the giddly bottom-dweller and his aquatic friends as they try to land roles on an episode of The Adventures of Mermaidman and Barnacleboy. The game supports four players in competitive and cooperative modes. SpongeBob SquarePants will be available on the Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, DS, PSP, and PC later this year.

Tak 3 (working title) is the third chapter in the platform adventure franchise. Tak is a shaman who uses a magic called juju to fell enemies. This latest version will feature a two-player cooperative mode that sees gamers solving puzzles together. The title will be released in the fall on the PS2, GameCube, Xbox, GBA, and DS.

Danny Phantom (working title) is an action game based on the antics of the ghost-hunting ninth grader. Gamers will play as Danny and use his spectral powers to defeat the evil Clockwork, a ghost with the power to control time. Danny Phantom will be available for the GBA this fall.

The Barnyard is an adventure game based on the animated movie of the same name that's set to hit screens this year. The Barnyard will offer gamers a look at the lives of livestock on a farm when humans aren't around. The film is being written and directed by The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius creator Steve Oedekerk, and it features the voice talent of Kevin James, Courtney Cox, and Danny Glover. The Barnyard will be available for the PS2, GameCube, GBA, and PC sometime this year.

everGirl (working title) is an action adventure title that lets gamers choose adventures based on their personality types. The everGirl brand focuses on four girls, each with her own style and hobbies (think 14-year-old Spice Girls), and it features a Web site and clothing line. In the game, gamers will be able to design their own characters and can set them about designing clothes, making music, or playing sports. everGirl will be available for the PC and GBA later this year.

GameSpot will have more on all these titles soon.