Game review: Ghostbusters: The Video Game

Published on Wednesday 24 June 2009 14:53

(PS3, £39.99)

WHEN Ghostbusters: The Video Game was first unveiled, fans that had grown up with the films were concerned that their favourite paranormal exterminators would be given the lazy cash cow treatment. Thankfully, developer Terminal Reality has created something very special.

Placed as a true sequel to the movies set in 1991, the game has you play as a new recruit to the team, hired to help Ray, Egon, Winston and the dry-witted Venkman cope with the rising waves of paranormal activity. All of the original actors return and the script, written in part by Dan Aykroyd, is full of memorable one-liners and charm.

What should be standard shoot-em-up fodder is made fresh by the superb ghost-capturing mechanic. Ghosts must be weakened by your proton gun, then snared and coaxed over your trap. It works well and is great fun.

Players will appreciate a familiar hotel dining room scene from the first movie that sees your team destroying a bar mitzvah, or a showdown with Marshmallow Man. Everything, from Ray Parker Jr's iconic theme song and a soundtrack straight from the films to the familiar mannerisms of the team, is worth the price of admission. Just remember not to cross the streams.