Trust me, this version is entirely different from the GC, Xbox and PS2 versions. The GBA version isn't that bad, really.
Cons: Somewhat easy to beat, not a lot of unlockables, no multiplayer support
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When I first, unwittingly, got this game, I thought I'd get bored of it easily since I also had the Gamecube version of Lights, Camera, Pants. Boy, was I wrong. This version of Spongebob Squarepants: Lights, Camera, Pants! offers a unique and new style of gameplay that will easily attract Spongebob fans. Let's get into detail of how the game did in a few areas:
Overall, the story is original and it strays away, somewhat, from the objectives in the Gamecube, Xbox and PS2 versions of LCP. In this version, you need to locate Mermaidman and Barnacleboy and then bring them back to the set so Gill can start filming the new episode of the TV Show. Journey across familiar locations like the Goo Lagoon, and by utilizing 4 characters each with their own moves, attacks and abilities. Mini-games abound in this version of LCP and it will have you becoming satisfied with the game for quite a while. The idea is there and the characters are well depicted but the game isn't too hard to beat. However, I have only tried Easy Mode and I have yet to try Normal and see if there are more modes and unlockables. On the topic of unlocakables, there are some levels and mini-games to unlock but other than that, from how long I've played, there isn't that much left to unlock in the game which may leave you short in the end.
The Game's soundtrack will easily remind you of both the show and the game, "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Movie", especially the S.S Rest Home theme which is based on the music from the first level in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Movie. Nevertheless, there is no problem with the sound nor the soundtrack and you'll find yourself enjoying it. However, the Mermalair theme is quite a turn-off especially at the beginning of the game. Other than this small detriment, the game is almost perfect when it comes to sound.
If you are hoping for a SpongeBob game with quite a number of cameos, your search ends here. This game contains many cameos of characters from the show but there is still quite a bit of places where cameo appearances could have been placed to enhance the overall feel and appeal of the game. Otherwise, you'll easily recognize some of the characters in the game from the show, what little this game has.
As for Replay Value, as I said earlier, the game can be easily beaten but I can't be accurate on that since I haven't gotten everything and found all there is to find within the game. However, from what I've seen I can conclude that the value for this game is decent but it's not excellent. If you mostly look for Replay Value in a game, I'd suggest a rental over a buy. Also, if there was multiplayer support (Gamespot is incorrect on this matter, it is a One-Player game!), the game would be much, much more enjoyable. Unfortunately, there isn't.
Overall, this version of SpongeBob SquarePants: Lights, Camera, Pants! is quite good but, admittedly, if you had to compare the two versions, here's what I'd say, in terms of:
Sound - 1
Gameplay - 1
Replay Value - 1
Graphics - 2 (Very impressive for a 2D Game)
Cameo Appearances - 2
Controls - Tie
Overall -1
*Version 1: GC/Xbox/Ps2 Version
*Version 2: GBA Version
So, although the game is quite excellent, it (not as much as other games) pales in comparison to the GC/Xbox/PS2 versions. Nevertheless, the game, overall, is quite enjoyable and it's something I'd spend 30$ on - not 40$. If you are sitll unsure if this game is good in any area, I'd suggest a rental, but in my opinion, I'd wait until it lowers down to at least 30 odd bucks or so before I'd buy it.