Spirited- Ghostbusters: The Video Game Reviewed
Ghostbusters: The Video Game for the 360/PS3. Developer: Terminal Reality. Publisher: Atari
While Ghostbusters: The Video Game dazzles with its proton pack pyrotechnics and sweeping environmental destruction, the title’s greatest feat is its ability to transcend time. The game convincingly transports the player to 1991, where a youthful Murray, Aykroyd, Ramis, and Hudson are still fighting malevolent paranormal forces throughout Manhattan. Comic banter between the ‘Busters is adeptly written and delivered by the original stars, giving the title a sense of authenticity that is absent from most movie-licensed diversions.
Players control an apprentice, a voiceless and bland-looking trainee, with the left analog stick. When the gamer isn’t using the PKE meter to triangulate spirits, the right stick allows a quartet of phantom purging weapon modes. From the standard-issue glowing proton stream, to the punch shot of the Boson Dart, the broad discharge of the Shock Blast, or the Stasis Stream used to freeze unwieldy antagonists, the game presents a variety of ways to dispatch rogue spirits. While lower-level minions can be defeated with a simple backpack burst, larger enemies require trapping. Skirmishing with pugnacious poltergeists is a gratifying experience, as the player must fatigue the ghosts, before wrangling them into a trap.
For better or worse, Ghostbusters: The Video Game has the linearity of a cinematic feature. While this means the player is treated to amusing contextual conversations with the team of paranormal scientists, it also means the title offers little in the way of replay value. While the player can unlock a multitude of weapon upgrades and power-ups, and explore the firehouse headquarters, each level walks the gamer down a preset path. While the narrative offers an exceedingly pleasing romp, I can’t help but imagine a sandbox style adventure similar to the original Ghostbusters computer game. Driving the Ecto-1 around an open world New York City could have potentially catapulted the title into game of the year status.
Despite a few missed opportunities, the game wonderfully captures the quintessence of the Ghostbusters' universe. Just as I was growing weary of navigating the corridors of one of the game’s environments, dozens of items levitated, creating a wonderfully eerie effect. The game has its share of ‘jump’ moments, adding intensity to the proceedings.
Although the game’s goal is the elimination of apparitions, Ghostbusters desperately struggles to add the player to the undead ranks- casualties will happen quickly. A single hit by an off-screen foe can render the player unconscious. When this happens, the player must wait for the A.I . cohorts to administer aid. If the CPU-controlled players also succumb to enemy attack, the game abruptly ends. Although the title has three difficulty levels, death often feels beyond the player’s control. Additionally, sudden spikes in difficulty can add to the sporadic feeling of frustration with Ghostbusters.
Graphically, the title creates a variety of Manhattan venues built for destruction. Individual elements within luxurious ballrooms and hotel lobbies are destroyed as the player’s proton stream chases defiant poltergeists around interiors. An initial level has us errantly splintering tables, bars, and chandeliers with our nuclear weaponry, leaving a satisfying trail of environmental obliteration. Unfortunately, the title’s framerate falters during moments of frenzied action- reducing the sense of immersion and often increasing the level of frustration, as the game’s controls become sluggish. While the incorporation of Elmer Bernstein’s original film soundtrack stoked the fires of nostalgia, the amount of source material was insufficient to drive an eight hour game, resulting in noticeable repetition.
Overall, Ghostbusters: The Video Game is paradigmatic fan service for fans of the two films. Players will feel they unearthed a lost relic of the 1990’s, as the game miraculously captures the look and feel of the two Ghostbusters movies. For many, that experience will triumph over the title’s weaknesses- a linear storyline, and a lack of diversity in the game’s mechanics. Still, these faults can nearly be overlooked when many aficionados will have smiles as big as the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man.
Ghostbusters: The Video Game was reviewed on retail Xbox 360 code.
While Ghostbusters: The Video Game dazzles with its proton pack pyrotechnics and sweeping environmental destruction, the title’s greatest feat is its ability to transcend time. The game convincingly transports the player to 1991, where a youthful Murray, Aykroyd, Ramis, and Hudson are still fighting malevolent paranormal forces throughout Manhattan. Comic banter between the ‘Busters is adeptly written and delivered by the original stars, giving the title a sense of authenticity that is absent from most movie-licensed diversions.
Players control an apprentice, a voiceless and bland-looking trainee, with the left analog stick. When the gamer isn’t using the PKE meter to triangulate spirits, the right stick allows a quartet of phantom purging weapon modes. From the standard-issue glowing proton stream, to the punch shot of the Boson Dart, the broad discharge of the Shock Blast, or the Stasis Stream used to freeze unwieldy antagonists, the game presents a variety of ways to dispatch rogue spirits. While lower-level minions can be defeated with a simple backpack burst, larger enemies require trapping. Skirmishing with pugnacious poltergeists is a gratifying experience, as the player must fatigue the ghosts, before wrangling them into a trap.
For better or worse, Ghostbusters: The Video Game has the linearity of a cinematic feature. While this means the player is treated to amusing contextual conversations with the team of paranormal scientists, it also means the title offers little in the way of replay value. While the player can unlock a multitude of weapon upgrades and power-ups, and explore the firehouse headquarters, each level walks the gamer down a preset path. While the narrative offers an exceedingly pleasing romp, I can’t help but imagine a sandbox style adventure similar to the original Ghostbusters computer game. Driving the Ecto-1 around an open world New York City could have potentially catapulted the title into game of the year status.
Despite a few missed opportunities, the game wonderfully captures the quintessence of the Ghostbusters' universe. Just as I was growing weary of navigating the corridors of one of the game’s environments, dozens of items levitated, creating a wonderfully eerie effect. The game has its share of ‘jump’ moments, adding intensity to the proceedings.
Although the game’s goal is the elimination of apparitions, Ghostbusters desperately struggles to add the player to the undead ranks- casualties will happen quickly. A single hit by an off-screen foe can render the player unconscious. When this happens, the player must wait for the A.I . cohorts to administer aid. If the CPU-controlled players also succumb to enemy attack, the game abruptly ends. Although the title has three difficulty levels, death often feels beyond the player’s control. Additionally, sudden spikes in difficulty can add to the sporadic feeling of frustration with Ghostbusters.
Graphically, the title creates a variety of Manhattan venues built for destruction. Individual elements within luxurious ballrooms and hotel lobbies are destroyed as the player’s proton stream chases defiant poltergeists around interiors. An initial level has us errantly splintering tables, bars, and chandeliers with our nuclear weaponry, leaving a satisfying trail of environmental obliteration. Unfortunately, the title’s framerate falters during moments of frenzied action- reducing the sense of immersion and often increasing the level of frustration, as the game’s controls become sluggish. While the incorporation of Elmer Bernstein’s original film soundtrack stoked the fires of nostalgia, the amount of source material was insufficient to drive an eight hour game, resulting in noticeable repetition.
Overall, Ghostbusters: The Video Game is paradigmatic fan service for fans of the two films. Players will feel they unearthed a lost relic of the 1990’s, as the game miraculously captures the look and feel of the two Ghostbusters movies. For many, that experience will triumph over the title’s weaknesses- a linear storyline, and a lack of diversity in the game’s mechanics. Still, these faults can nearly be overlooked when many aficionados will have smiles as big as the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man.
I'm surprised you guys didn't like it more.
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I expected a grade in that area.
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I can't wait till Wednesday.
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which is better PS3 or 360 version?
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360. You see embers on the wall, and marks of the Stay-Puft Man.
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I agree a open-ended game would have been completely cool.
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Wow, some of those characters look photorealistic.
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I'm trying to avoid paying full price for this. Probably won't happen.
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Will you guys review the Wii or DS version.
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It's upsetting when a linear storyline is viewed as a "weakness."
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Well, the games I still play are open-ended, like GTA and Saints Row. Linear games are only fun once.
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I lose interest in sandbox games very quickly. Running around performing tedious task after tedious task--few of which really contribute to the game's objectives--bore the hell out of me.
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You don't get to drive the Ghostbusters mobile?
FAIL!
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Other sites are saying the game is pretty buggy. Did you run into any major glitches?
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I never liked GB2, this is redemption for the first movie.
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so the crazy librarian lady is back?
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Nothing wrong with a story based game.
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Awesome, can't wait to play it.
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Did this get a "T" or "E" rating?
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Great, honest review. Thanks.
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I will pick this up for sure.
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Currently has an 80 on Metacritic, so a B- sounds right.
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As a Ghostbusters fan (I watched the cartoon religiously, not to mention the movies) I'm happy with that.
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I think many people are overrating this due to nostalgia. If it wasn't the Ghostbusters, but four guys with electricity guns, it would get getting C's and D's.
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Yeah, no shit, that's why it's called Ghostbusters: The Video Game.
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Seems to be worth about $40 or so...
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I hear the Wii version is the one to get.
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Cool review. I hope to pick this one up.
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The TRU deal this week is making me strongly consider purchasing this game instead of getting on Goozex.
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The game sucks bigtime. The action is tedious and repetative, and the dialogue is a joke. There's a fine line between give homage to and downright copying something, and this line is crossed to a great extent. We've seen it all before.
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What the dialogue isn't good? That's the first time I heard that?
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I am a Ghostbusters fan and love some good nostalgia. This sounds like it can actually be the good kind.
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I've been looking forward to this game for a long time. Thanks for the review!
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Busting better make me feel good!
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Hey TRU is throwing on a $20 gift card with the game, for those interested.
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The guys on Giant Bomb are saying the Wii version is the one to get.
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B- sounds about right.
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My buddy paid $65 to get a copy early. I have to say it looks nice sometimes, but like the reviewer said it can be VERY frustrating at times.
And it is buggy- we had the game freeze 3 times in 6 hours of play.
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Is it in 1080P on 360?
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Better than I expected it to be.
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Ahab doesn't know what he's talking about.
Take everything he wrote, reverse it and then you have what the game really is.
As for the game freezing?
That's all on you. I haven't heard anything about that and it hasn't happened to me, don't think it will either.
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Thanks, that had me worried.
From what you've played, how do you like the game? The action isn't tedious? Other sites said it was.
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Yeah, Ive heard the opposite too.
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There seems to be a lot of people divided over this one.
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I saw this at an indie store today.
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Wii version is better that 360/PS2.
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I can't wait for this. I loved the ghostbusters as a kid. I was even one for Halloween one year.
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Not a big fan of the movies, but this might we worth a rental as it sounds fun.
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Seems like a decent game.
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Maybe the makers of this game have finally found the key to making a decent movie based game. Make it a decade or two after the movie is made...
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Nice review. I may just rent it and try out.
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exactly what i was thinking , i watched some gameplay of the game and it seems like fun , but then again I've read it gets repetitive. Renting it can't hurt right?
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I can't wait for this game to get hear tomma from gamefly!!..Nice review and I know teh game won't be a AAA but it'll still be awesome
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Grabbed it today and I'm more than a little disappointed. B- seems way too nice. I'm already bored of busting 2 hours in.
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Sad that this game didn't turn out so well. I had high hopes.
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I've heard a lot of positives from most of my friends, probably because they were Ghostbusters fans. ;P
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Congrats on being first in line at the show. LOL!
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Seems more like a rental.
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I'd pick this up at bargain-bin price a half a year from now. The really shocking thing to me is the PS3/360 comparison screens that have been floating around these past couple days. The PS3 texture quality is inexcusably bad.
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Which seems particularly odd given that the title is a Sony license (and you get reminded of its Sony affiliation several times during game start-up). I bought the 360 version with a little bit of trepidation, fearing that it might be crippled in the opposite way to make the PS3 version stand out more, but from what I've seen of those comparison screens, it seems like I made the right choice.
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Yep. A $10 sale somewhere seems like the way to go.
Like someone else said the 360 version there are embers when you blast the walls and burn marks on the bosses.
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I've been enjoying the game, but I have to agree that it's maybe a bit too linear. I like the idea of having a defined plot, but being able to diverge from it and explore a bit would be nice.
I also don't care for the way that your character is nearly always stuck to the same spot on the screen, as opposed to being able to move freely around the screen -- I'm not even all *that* far into the game yet, and I've already run into a few points where the placement of the character has significantly blocked my view of things like attacking enemies. It feels like a big throwback (just because the game is set in 1991 doesn't mean that I want it to play like a game from 1991!), and also adds a small degree of additional difficulty to the game in a way that is frustrating, not challenging.
Finally, my third complaint is the repetition of scenes and events from the movies. (warning: potential spoilers ahoy!) Given that this is supposed to be the "third movie" (though supposedly there is an actual third movie in production for 2012?), it seems like it borrows way too many elements from past films. Chasing down Slimer in the hotel is fun, but ultimately just feels like a rehash. And granted, I haven't gotten far enough to come across the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man yet (I've only seen him in screen shots like the one in the article), so I don't know exactly how he's handled, but why wouldn't they put in something new instead? Do they want to recreate the experience of the original movie, or give us a new Ghostbusters story? It feels like they couldn't quite decide.
All of those complaints aside, I am enjoying the game a great deal. It's probably as much from my long-standing love of Ghostbusters and the thrill of getting to actively participate in a Ghostbusters story, though, as it is from it being a particularly good game. If you grew up with Ghostbusters like I did, you'll probably love it. If you're new or indifferent to the franchise, you might like another game better.
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Matt,
You must have just started the Marshmallow man is on the first level.
Let me know if you find the combat repetitive. Not a lot a site have mentioned it, but I'm pretty bored with it. Yep, you get new weapons, but you're still wrangling ghosts.
They do have more bosses for you....
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Yeah, I haven't had a lot of time to play yet since getting the game on Tuesday evening (damn work, keeping me from my games!
I can definitely see how the combat could get repetitive, though it's not bothering me yet at least. Hopefully the plot makes up for it?
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I just rented the game last night and I've already defeated the Stay Puff man, so far i'm having fun with the title. Very well put together with the whole fan service going. Great review, I'm surprised you ain't writing for a gaming magazine or at least one of these online major sites. Any event, GHOSTBUSTERS!!!! WHO YOU GONNA CALL!!!!
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Desert's stubbornly turned down an offer- which still stands
I spent the better part of last playing the game with coworkers. I'd have to say I'm a 'wii' bit disappointed.
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Shoe, is that you?
You should really consider accepted. This site is very cool, but you'd be working with some of the best writers in the industry.
Ok, I'm done kissing butt.
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I expected it to be somewhat open-ended. Thanks for the heads-up. It still looks like a fun experience. As with X-Men: Wolverine, this game also should be a fun rental when I pick it up at my local BB.
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hello to all. i just beat GB took me like about 4hrs.this game is a made for fan game for sure. i dont feel the game was repeteing, buti did fell the Ecto-1b relly had to real purpus in the game other then the fact that it was he Ecto-1.my words to all that paly the game get past mr Stay puff. only then can you say the game gets repeating.this online for the game was a great thing to putt into it. i would eve go as far as saying if the whole game could be played like online then it wourld relly add something more to the game. soo to end, i fell the game held up could have been longer and relly makes you feel like saying after traping ur 1st ghost "we be fast, and they be slow" GO GhostButers!!
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Looks good, just wish it had real story mode 4 player co-op. Any idea if they've mentioned DLC?
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Yeah I was told it has co-o I was super excited,but found out it doesn't
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Great review thanks!
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I wonder if a movie remake is in the works now.
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This was a great game, definitely worth a rental!
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I wish there was a sandbox version of Ghostbusters -- maybe that sort of thing would come if Ghostbusters 3 is a success?
I think this wasn't a bad outing for Aykroyd and Ramis's first game. They'll need the practice if they want to do something more elaborate like a sandbox game.
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Must get!
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would have liked to see a full campaign in co-op instead of just jobs
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I was really hoping that this game would be incredible, but B- is still pretty good. I expect I'll probably get it eventually once the price goes down.
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