Level Up: Ghostbusters the Video Game

I have a tradition each October: at some point during the month, I watch both Ghostbusters movies. This year, I might have to make a new addition to the tradition: make a purpose to play Ghostbusters: The Video Game.

Coming out last June, this game was a must have for any Ghostbusters fan who is also a gamer. Sure, there have been games released based on the series before, but this one is special for one big reason: it stars the original cast! Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Bill Murray reprise their roles as Egon Spangler, Ray Stantz, Winston Zeddemore and Peter Venkman respectively. We also got Annie Potts doing Janine Melnitz again. However, Signourney Weaver and Rick Moranis (who played Dana and Louis) didn’t want to be in the movie, so instead we have Alyssa Milano playing a new character, Dr. Ilyssa Selwyn. Beyond just starring in the movie, Aykroyd and Ramis also wrote a good part of the game, as they did with the movie, so for most fans, this wasn’t just a video game: this had the potential of being the third movie we never got!

The game starts in 1991 (two years after Ghostbusters 2). In the opening scene, we learn that the Ghostbusters have lived pretty hassle free and have been living well, with the mayor supporting them all the way. With their new success, they decide to hire you as an Experimental Equipment Technician to test out new equipment (Voice clip from the game: “That could potentially blow you into New Jersey). Soon after showing up for your first shift, they city seems to get hit with a burst of PKE energy. This leads to a sharp increase of ghosts originating from mysterious sources. And... That’s all I want to say: I really don’t want to give too much away, you really have to play it and experience the story for the first time.

The best thing about the story and the cut scenes is defiantly the fact that you are a Ghostbuster and all the famous characters are actually talking to you. It feels amazing, I mean, just listen to your introduction to the team. (Voice clip: Introductory scene). Even while you’re playing, the others will be talking about something around you. You could go on and ignore it, but its fun to stay and listen to the clever dialog. It’s just excellent fan service. On the subject of fan service, the first few ghosts in the game are some familiar faces: Slimer, Stay Puft (or Gozer) and the Gray Lady (a.k.a. the librarian ghost). This was probably made to make any fan of the series happy that they appeared in a game written by the original writers of the game, but quickly goes to its original content and it feels just as natural.

There are technically three versions of this game that came out: one for the PS3, X-Box 360 and Windows, one for the Wii, PS2 and PSP and a third for the DS. Naturally, the game play changes during each version. I have the Wii copy, so I’ll be talking about that one. I honestly have to suggest this version because of the Wii-mote action. When you’re blasting a ghost, because you actually have to point at him and shoot, it partially feels like you’re actually blasting a ghost like a real Ghostbuster! You’ll also have to solve puzzles and fight bosses, giving the over all game a Legend of Zelda crossed with first person shooters feel.

This game is just fun on so many levels: its fun to play, its fun to watch, its fun to figure out. It honestly captures the true feeling of being a Ghostbuster. People who say that it’s the third movie aren’t exaggerating: it has the same cast, was written by the same people and is just as enjoyable, if not more. If you are a Ghostbusters fan, this game is a must have. Even if you’re not, this is still a great game, and I strongly recommend you play it: you might turn into a fan afterwards.