Ghostbusters The Video Game Review

Ghostbusters The Video Game:

Information:

Developers: Terminal Reality (Single Player), Threewave Software (Multiplayer), Red Fly Studio, Zen Studios, Rainmaker Entertainment.

Publishers: Atari, Sony.

Platforms: OnLive, PC (Windows), Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360.

Type: Stand-Alone, Adaptation
Modes: Single Player, Multiplayer
Genres/Perspective/Flow: Third Person Shooter, Action-Adventure.
Rating: ESRB: T,
Release Dates:
PS2/PS3
16-19/06/2009
Xbox 360, Wii, DS, PC
NA: 16/06/2009
EU: 06/11/2009
PSP
NA: 30/10/2009
EU: 6/11/2009
AUS: 12/11/2009
Series: None
Average Completion Time: 9 - 10 Hours
Trophies/Achievements: 51 in total
Other Editions: Special Edition, Slimer Edition
Additional: Review was done on PlayStation 3 version. The review of the multiplayer is not on this and I no longer own the game.
Alternate Recommendations: The Bureau: XCOM Declassified GhostBusters: Sanctum of Slime.
(Source: Wikipedia)

Synopsis:
Ghostbusters: The Video Game, based on the smash hit motion picture franchise and featuring a completely new story, is coming to six game systems in 2009. Coinciding with the 25th anniversary celebration of the film’s original theatrical release, the game reunites original cast members to recapture the unique blend of humour and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation. Remember, don't cross the streams. It could end all life as we know it! (Source: howlongtobeat.com)

Review:

To start this review I will discuss the story which follows a new recruit of the Ghostbusters crew as helps the original Ghostbusters fight against various types ghosts both old and new while uncovering a sinister plot; the plot itself is interesting and funny but isn't really that engaging or interesting as it only comes into play about mid-way through the game and is only noticeable properly on the last level making it easily forgettable.

But there are some elements in the story that are fun and enjoyable which overall makes it a great ride but boring at times.

The characters are made up of original members from the film franchise who help make the game feel like a true Ghostbusters game as well as having a nostalgic feeling to the atmosphere.

The gameplay is kind different to anything I've played as well as feeling familiar in a way like I've been there before, broken down gameplay can be summed up as TPS (Third Person Shooter) that instead of guns uses ray like weapon with 4 different fire modes the uses a cool down period instead of ammo pickups or weapon changes which has its advantages as you will worry about ammo during the course of the game but it makes combat and overall gameplay easy and becomes boring after the first few hours after the game start which will make new enemy encounters less exciting as all you have to do is blast with a ray then capture or sometimes not which was a waste of a potential challenging gameplay mechanic; which in turns even ruins good boss battles make them extremely easy even on the highest difficulty with the player just concentrating on dodging attacks and watching the cool down.

The game does feature some collectable mechanics that are interesting and fun with the player hunting down various haunted artefacts made of everyday life objects like toasters or painting but sadly these is ruined by the 'goggles' mechanic that is used to find collectables and ghosts in game ruing the hunting experience but on the other hand they do serve a good mechanic which is ghost scanning mechanic where you scan ghosts to learn their name, information, attacks and weaknesses which can make gameplay more fun as you try to change play tactics to deal with different ghosts.

The character models in game and overall animation is amazing with an overall performance and character lip syncing is done great making them feel like worthy video game adaptations.

Graphics in game do not feel up to standard as other 2008 games do but was also better looking than some games but did not have outstanding graphics like Dead Space or Assassin's Creed but felt more closer to GTA IV's graphics. But the environmental graphic were amazing later on in games with a wide a range of set pieces from ghostly graveyards to dark dirty sewers making you feel right at home in game expecting ghosts to come from anywhere.

The OST is amazing having a very 90s soundtrack making players feel like they are playing the films as well as helping set up the time period very well mixed in with some amazing voice work making characters feel very real. And don't forget the classic Ghostbusters theme played in credits making you feel great after finishing the game.

Verdict:

Characters & Story: 5.6

Gameplay: 7.3

Visuals: 6.3

Sound: 8.5

Final Score: 7.0/10 (Good)