The player takes the role of a rookie Ghostbuster, who is immediately made into a proton pack testing guinea pig. A huge Psycho-Kinetic Energy (PKE) pulse rocks New York City, causing Slimer to escape, and it is the rookie's job to catch him. This task really isn't much more than a tutorial session, and the player will learn how to shoot, wrangle, and trap a ghost. The way the proton pack handles is well-done in a third-person shooter style, allowing the player a more cinematic view of the action. 

Ghostbusters: The Video Game doesn't feature a Heads-Up Display, or HUD, in the traditional sense. Everything the player needs to know, from health indicators to the proton pack's heat level, is displayed on the proton pack in the form of different colored flashing lights. It’s all well-integrated, and it's nice to see a developer try to integrate the HUD into an actual game device rather than some informational widgets on the screen corners. Students in online video game design schools should take note of these types of details.

Once the basic tutorial is completed, the player advances to the Sedgewick Hotel, where they get to more or less re-enact the capture of Slimer from the first film. The film crossover is more than welcome, as it adds nostalgic familiarity to start, but then the level slowly evolves and the story begins to vary greatly from that of the movies. The spirit world is encroaching on the world of the living, causing some extreme paranormal disturbances. The rest of the story revolves around the Ghostbuster's investigation of certain paranormal hot-spots, leading to the discovery of the cause of the PKE pulse that kicked off the events.  Familiar faces of friends and foes of the Ghostbusters will pop up throughout the game's roughly 10 hour campaign.

The player earns money by completing various investigations by scanning certain items or areas while in the game's first-person PKE-Scanner Mode, or by completing missons and capturing ghosts. The money can be used to purchase upgrades to the proton-pack's different variations and abilities, all of which aid the player at specific portions of the game. Players shouldn't have a hard time obtaining all of these upgrades, as the amount of money earned for catching ghosts and completing the missions is sufficient, and the proper upgrades will unlock at the times that they'll be relied upon most. The fact that upgrades become available at nearly the exact times you can use them to your benefit brings the difficulty down a lot. Even on Ghostbusters: The Video Game's hardest mode, casual shooter fans should run into trouble at only a few spots, and even then, the player is able to be revived by the NPC* Ghostbuster team. 

The graphics aren't going to win Terminal Reality any awards, but the design for the various enemies and ghost worlds are very well done. The effect of shooting the proton stream is flashy, and the damage the player can inflict upon the various set pieces is impressive. The only noticeable gripe is that the game's lip-sync is off most of the time. The soundtrack from the first movie returns, and the voice-over work provided by the all-star cast is enough to make any fan giddy. There are times in the game where certain sounds and surroundings are actually scary!  It was shocking to realize that there are periods when Ghostbusters: The Video Game accomplishes horror better than some entries in the Resident Evil franchise.

The online multiplayer is surprisingly robust. Typically revolving around co-op gameplay, players can participate in time attack, survival, or defend modes across a range of stages. There are even some special ghosts which are worth more cash and can wreak havoc upon a team. All online gametypes are enjoyable, however, one might end up screaming at their fellow players' stupidity.  Rather than cooperatively capturing a ghost, players will greedily try to pull ghosts into specific traps—to the benefit of nobody—and some will refuse to revive fallen comrades.  The frustration that follows is intense, and it sometimes makes the online aspect of Ghostbusters: The Video Game nearly unplayable through no fault of its own. It's recommended that this game be played with friends, and friends only.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game will please fans of the series, and newcomers alike. The solid design is enhanced by the license, and the experience is memorable thanks to the great story and amazing cast.  Only those who don't like the Ghostbusters should stay away.

Purchase the Game from Amazon.

Bottom Line:  8.0 out of 10

All in all:  A fan's dream.  Ever wanted to feel like a Ghostbuster?  This is your chance.

Pro-Tip:  Don't cross the streams.


*NPC: Non-Player Character; a player controlled by the computer.