The Cosmic Shake is a 3D platformer.[1] As SpongeBob, the player navigates through several distinctly themed worlds, known as "Wish Worlds" within the game, with the aid of Patrick, who has been transformed into a balloon.[2][3] Throughout the game, SpongeBob learns a variety of combat and traversal abilities, including: Spin Attack, Glide, Karate Kick, and Fishhook Swing. Players obtain a variety of collectables throughout the game, such as: cosmic jelly, gold doubloons, golden underwear, golden spatulas, Plankton's pet Spot, and level-specific collectables for side-missions. None of the collectables are required to progress through the game's linear story, as the cosmic jelly and gold doubloons are only used to unlock costumes.[4][5]