Ghostbusters: The Video Game  (2009)

Watch out for slime and avoid crossing the streams in this surprise continuation of Sony Pictures' Ghostbusters franchise. Written by stars Harold Ramis and Dan Ackroyd, who scripted both blockbuster films, Ghostbusters: The Video Game features a storyline set two years after the events depicted in Ghostbusters 2. Hailed by New York City residents as heroes, the Ghostbusters are hoping to turn their thriving business into a franchise, much to the chagrin of ex-EPA agent Walter Peck. After the Ghostbusters hire a new crewmember, the city is overwhelmed with a surge of paranormal activity. There's something even stranger in the neighborhood, and you're getting the call.

Since the game is all about hunting down and capturing ghosts, the perspective is set behind your character's shoulder to offer a clear view of the rooms and spectral anomalies ahead. The third-person viewpoint also displays one of the most important tools you'll have in confronting the ghosts: the Proton Pack. You must monitor the Proton Pack's power consumption to avoid overheating the device, and the backpack's flashing display also indicates health and weapon charge. Your character will be in constant radio communication with other members of the Ghostbusters team, including Peter Venkman, Raymond Stantz, Egon Spengler, and Winston Zeddmore, each voiced by the movie's original actors.

Each 3D area features a number of ghosts to bag and tag using a mix of familiar devices (ghost traps, ecto goggles, and PKE meters) and new technology (goo-slinging slime guns and freezing electron beams). As in the film series, apparitions can attack, disappear through walls, and will struggle when faced with the proton beam's harnessing power. Using the second analog stick, players can slam wrangled ghosts into environmental objects to subdue them, while nearby computer-controlled teammates assist in the capture process. Money earned from trapping the ectoplasmic enemies enables the purchase of various equipment upgrades and enhancements. A variety of collectibles can also be found while exploring the haunted buildings, unlocking bonus content in the form of artwork, interviews, and more. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Developer:

Terminal Reality

Publisher:

Atari, Inc.

ESRB Rating:

T   (Mild Language, Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence)

Categories:

Action & Adventure