Ghostbusters review (PS3, Xbox 360) By Sayed Islam Published: 07/06/09 PrintEmail
Was there ever a child growing up who did not pretend to be a Ghostbuster? People would be reluctant to admit that they actually did indeed act as if they owned a proton pack, but they know they wanted to be a member of the Ghostbusters. With the release of the new Ghostbusters video game, those people can relive their fantasy once more. The storyline revolves around an anonymous silent protagonist known as Rookie and the four Ghostbusters: Dr. Raymond Stantz, Dr. Egon Spengler, Dr. Peter Venkman, and Winston Zeddemore. This tale transpires a couple of year after Ghostbusters II, and the Rookie’s job is to act as a guinea pig for the new Ghostbusters equipment that is being used. As the Ghostbusters begin to exchange pleasantries with the Rookie, Slimer is back to wreak havoc in New York City once again. Albeit there are some gaffs in the narrative, it still feels nice just to see these Ghostbusters back in action.
The gameplay is a treat for the quintessential Ghostbusters enthusiast. The bulk of the combat entails depleting a ghost’s health until it is in its weakened state. When the ghosts are feeble, you can set a trap and lure the ghosts into a trap. Along with the traditional proton pack and ghost traps, there is a slime gun (which is primarily utilized to mollify puzzles) and a crowd control clearing shotgun weapon. There are even some weapons that seemed to be pilfered straight from the Ratchet &Clank franchise like what appears to be an automatic machinegun. However, you will be easily tempted to stick with the proton pack due to its usefulness. The PKE meter is executed flawlessly. When the PKE meter is equipped, the screen turns green making it easier to discern certain adversaries. If you can locate something in the environment that is noteworthy, then there will be a red circle and a beeping sound. In regards to the multiplayer, it can be very engrossing. Up to three players can collaborate to capture ghosts in ghost traps online; nevertheless, the omission of a split screen multiplayer is a disappointment. Competitive multiplayer involves trapping as many ghosts as possible without assistance from your allies.
The graphics are presented fairly well. Proton packs are stunning, and the entire cast looks exactly as they would in the films. Moreover, the foes such as the ghosts and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man are astounding. Everything from the Ghostbusters headquarters to the Ghostbusters vehicle is eerily reminiscent of their real life film counterparts. Even the equipment such as the PKE meter, the aforementioned proton pack, and ghost traps all make their presence felt. Lighting effects are intriguing too.
The audio captures the look and feel of Ghostbusters that will appease fans of the series, and the entire cast from the Ghostbusters films reprised their roles as the main characters. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the voice acting is immaculate. Dan Aykroyd is Dr. Raymond Stantz, Harold Ramis is Dr. Egon Spengler, Bill Murray is Dr. Peter Venkman, and Ernie Hudson is Winston Zeddemore (it makes people wonder what exactly Ernie has been doing for the last two decades or so). The music does manage to mimic the same Ghostbusters charm because it plays the Ghostbusters theme song relentlessly, yet there is still something somewhat strange about having little variety to the music. Sound effects are the real shining point about the audio. Explosions are crisp, and the noise you hear when ghosts are trapped is definitely gratifying. Overall, Ghostbusters is not some sort of inadequate watch and play the movie experience. The game pays homage to the movies, and it does it in a grandiose manner.
Audio 9 The audio captures the look and feel of Ghostbusters that will appease fans of the series, and the entire cast from the Ghostbusters films reprised their roles as the main characters. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the voice acting is immaculate. Dan Aykroyd is Dr. Raymond Stantz, Harold Ramis is Dr. Egon Spengler, Bill Murray is Dr. Peter Venkman, and Ernie Hudson is Winston Zeddemore (it makes people wonder what exactly Ernie has been doing for the last two decades or so). The music does manage to mimic the same Ghostbusters charm because it plays the Ghostbusters theme song relentlessly, yet there is still something somewhat strange about having little variety to the music. Sound effects are the real shining point about the audio. Explosions are crisp, and the noise you hear when ghosts are trapped is definitely gratifying. Art Direction 9 The graphics are presented fairly well. Proton packs are stunning, and the entire cast looks exactly as they would in the films. Moreover, the foes such as the ghosts and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man are astounding. Everything from the Ghostbusters headquarters to the Ghostbusters vehicle is eerily reminiscent of their real life film counterparts. Even the equipment such as the PKE meter, the aforementioned proton pack, and ghost traps all make their presence felt. Lighting effects are intriguing too. Gameplay 8 The gameplay is a treat for the quintessential Ghostbusters enthusiast. Ghostbusters is not some sort of inadequate watch and play the movie experience. The game pays homage to the movies, and it does it in a grandiose manner. Presentation 7 Albeit there are some gaffs in the narrative, it still feels nice just to see these Ghostbusters back in action. Replay Value 7 In regards to the multiplayer, it can be very engrossing. Up to three players can collaborate to capture ghosts in ghost traps online; nevertheless, the omission of a split screen multiplayer is a disappointment. Final verdict 8 out of 10
