Ghostbusters: The Game - Insert Movie Reference

Review written by Jay on 6/30/09
Last edited on 6/30/09

Who didn’t assume this game would blow hard? Let’s be honest, the relationship between films and their video game spin-offs have often been checkered at best. Usually, with the release of a big budget film franchise, substandard video game tie-ins ensue. These are largely blatant exercises in corporate greed, milking the life out of beloved screen icons. Ghostbusters: The Video Game breaks this previously true stereotype by avoiding the biggest pitfall movie tie-in games fall in to, being attached to a forthcoming motion picture. There is no third addition to the Ghostbusters film franchise on the horizon, therefore the game is not shoehorned into following and incorporating plot points, design and characters from an upcoming Hollywood film. The result is one of the most successful film-to-console translations in recent gaming memory.

Who doesn’t like Ghostbusters? The franchise is far from the most popular out there, but realistically very few people can honestly say they hate Ghostbusters. I am sure someone will comment and say they hate Ghostbusters, but that is neither here nor there. What I am trying to say is that the good people at Atari and Terminal Reality have picked a safe and instantly endearing film franchise to spin-off a successful and entertaining video game. Legions of fanboys, growing up in the 80’s, will flock to Ghostbusters: The Video Game, if not to buy then to certainly rent. This built in recognition and attachment many gamers will undoubtedly feel helps smooth over the few bumps encountered while playing this game. I’ve done my best to weed out my own warm and fuzzy feelings towards the franchise when objectively trying to evaluate this game.

However, let’s get down to brass tacks. The aim of the game is to essentially be Ghostbusters 3. Set in 1991, two years after the film franchise’s second installment, the original cast is back and they are looking to hire. No, you are not filling the shoes of the irascible Ernie Hudson; he is still included in the cast and thankfully is not treated as a comedic punching bag as he was in Ghostbusters 2.You play the unnamed and faceless “rookie”, who is brought on board to do bitch work for the boys in grey. Through a series of increasingly bizarre ghostly outbreaks, you are swept up in the fast paced world of paranormal investigation and elimination. All four cast members have returned to lend their voice talent and the inevitable techno babble, mixed with snappy one-liners ensue. It would have been nice for your character to have a personality of its own, rather than just be mute witness to the antics of Venkman, Stantz, Spengler and Zeddemore.

The game is presented far more effectively when it is played as a straight to console movie rather than as a simple video game. Cutscreens and the original soundtrack spice up the proceedings. Intro videos are beautiful and entertaining, unlike many intros for games which are just as easily skipped, however there are some issues with clipping and out of sync voice work. Visuals are impressive once the ghosts start swooping and Proton Packs get firing. Lighting effects are nice and scorch marks left behind on scenery and the iconic Stay Puft Marshmallow Man adds small, but noticeable touches. Graphics, overall at least, are solid.

One of my biggest fears was the very repetitive nature of gameplay inherent in paranormal investigation and elimination, snag a ghost and pull him over to a trap ad nauseam. That fear was unfounded however. Each ghost type was entertaining and well rendered. Remember in Ghostbusters when they captured Slimer in the ballroom and all the destruction that resulted? Well, get ready to do that again and be prepared to enjoy every minute of it. With the unique set-up of each type of ghost and the gratuitous amount of firepower available (four different styles of Proton Pack goodness) gameplay rarely is stale and boring.

Finally, Ghostbusters: The Video Game has a well stocked multiplayer suite. The standard fare is a strange fusion of capitalism meets the supernatural where players face off by trying to earn the most cash by bagging the most spirits. Alternatives include a multi-player mission campaign, Protection and Destruction missions and finally a Ghostbusters spin on Barkley Shut Up and Jam called Slime Dunk. Leader boards and rankings keep multiplayer lively by competition for the best Ghostbuster.

On the whole, Ghostbusters: The Video Game is a well constructed game that often plays more like a movie than a game. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does make the game far from groundbreaking and genre defining. Excellent voice acting, lush visuals and spot on humor are balanced by occasional cutscreen fuck-ups, a manikin of an avatar and a so-so plot involving Gozer the Gozerian. I’m not going to end this review with any cliché movie references or pertinent quotes, just know that for those clamoring for a third Ghostbusters film, this game fills that requirement.

Review Summary

Unique and innovative HUD involving your Proton Pack makes for a clean and uncluttered screen.

Nice CG cutscreens and colorful energies and environments are rendered well, but are occasionally plagued by slowdowns and cut-ups.

Featuring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson the original cast is reunited to great effect.

Inspired level creation and whimsical elements keeps gameplay fresh, if not a bit irritating on certain levels.

Quick run through but collectable items and a solid multiplayer keeps this game in the front of the stack.

80/100

$60

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Ghostbusters: The Game - Insert Movie Reference

Review Summary

80/100

$60

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