Ghostbusters: The Videogame Review

By Ellie Gibson Published 11 June, 2009

Crossing the revenue streams.

Version tested: PlayStation 3

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov and Ray Parker Jr. have more in common than you might think. True, one is a Nobel prize-winning Soviet physiologist and psychologist, while the other is an African-American singer-songwriter whose albums include Sex and the Single Man. One is best known for authoring Conditioned Reflexes: An Investigation of the Physiological Activity of the Cerebral Cortex; the other produced Sweat (Till You Get Wet). Pavlov has never been openly accused of nicking ideas off Huey Lewis, and Ray Parker Jr. has never had a ballerina or a pudding named after him.

But they both based their most famous work around one simple principle: you can create reactions in individuals by teaching them to associate specific stimuli with certain experiences. Pavlov discovered he could ring a bell to herald Winalot time and his doggies would start slobbering. Parker Jr. learned he could make people excited and happy just by getting a computer to go, "Nerny ner-ner ner-ner, nerny-nerny ner-ner-ner."

Even now, 25 years on, it's impossible for anyone over 30 to hear the nerny-ners without feeling nostalgic. Terminal Reality, the studio behind Ghostbusters: The Videogame, knows this, as does Vivendi / Activision / Atari / Sony / Oxford University Press or whoever is publishing it by the time you read this. They understand the power of memory, which is why the theme song features heavily in the trailers and throughout the game. It also explains why the opening cut-scene begins with the classic 1980s Columbia Pictures ident. Ahh, everything's going to be all right. Count Duckula pasta shapes on Mighty White for tea, washed down with a can of Quatro, let's hope the Soviets don't unleash global nuclear holocaust before Terrahawks starts.

See how easy it is to get carried away? And of all Ye Olde Intellectual Propertyes of Yesteryear, Ghostbusters is one of the most powerful. It was a funny, exciting, original movie with cross-generational appeal, starring Sigourney Weaver in a dress that slithered off her shoulders like molten bronze and Bill Murray as Bill Murray. Plus it had a theme tune that went "Nerny ner-ner ner-ner, nerny-nerny ner-ner-ner."

'Ghostbusters: The Videogame' Screenshot 1

Derek Acorah can only dream of such luxuriant, volumised locks.

The second film was mediocre bordering on rubbish, but Ghostbusters remains a recognisable and much-loved brand today. The new videogame was originally touted as "the third Ghostbusters movie", until Dan Aykroyd took the shine off by announcing he was making an actual third movie. There was also much talk about how Aykroyd had written the entire script, until he revealed Terminal Reality did two-thirds of it.

They've done a good job, though. There are some great jokes in Ghostbusters: The Videogame, delivered with impeccable timing by the proper actors. The script is generally in-keeping with the style of the movies; Winston Zeddemore has less to do than the other characters, for example, and fewer one-liners. (Odd, considering Bill Murray is said to have only agreed to do a voiceover if Zeddemore's character got full status. Or perhaps not so much, considering Aykroyd recently said the film's success was half down to Murray and half down to himself, Weaver, Ivan Reitman, Rick Moranis and Harold Ramis. What about Ernie?)

The plot is a familiar mishmash of scientific nonsense, mythological hokum and hot chicks pretending they don't want a go on Bill Murray. It's set two years after the events of Ghostbusters 2, when spooks are running riot in Manhattan once again. You play as a new recruit hired to help out the fab four and test their latest equipment. There are new baddies to take on along with old friends such as Slimer, the library ghost and the marshmallow man. Recognisable locations include the New York Public Library and the Sedgewick Hotel.

'Ghostbusters: The Videogame' Screenshot 2

Definitely wouldn't.

There's an impressive amount of detail to the environments; you can go up to the noticeboard in the Fire Station and read individual documents, for example, or check out the display notes in the museum. The textures are realistic and the lighting is generally excellent - though some dark corridors are a bit too dark, to the point where it's easy to get disorientated. There's an impressive number of curling wires and blinking lights on the Ghostbusters' proton packs and characters look just like their real-life counterparts; you can see those tiny scars on Venkman's cheeks and Egon's hair is perfectly bouffed (not blonde, Real Ghostbusters haters will be pleased to hear). It's a shame the illusion is broken when characters start talking. This is the kind of lip-synching our grandchildren will laugh at, in the same way we snigger at laser discs and stamps.

It's also a shame the level layouts are so painfully linear and scripted. The Ghostbusters may look real enough and deliver some decent wisecracks, but they also spend a great deal of time standing round as silent, aimless automatons. You realise they're waiting for you to do something, either lead the way towards the next part of the level or trip some invisible environmental switch to trigger the next event. The game tricks you into feeling you have freedom to make choices and go exploring, when really you're just following a strictly preset path.

For instance, there's a point in the first Sedgewick Hotel level when Egon announces he and Ray are heading upstairs. He instructs you to follow Venkman. If you ignore this and pursue Egon and Ray you'll find them standing silent and motionless by a lift, like robots whose batteries have run out. They'll happily stay there all day. Give up and go after Venkman and you'll find him waiting patiently and silently too. Try to ignore the lot of them and follow your own path, and you'll just come up against dead ends and locked doors.

There's an even more tedious section later on in the level where you're on your own, stalking a fisherman ghost through hotel corridors. The corridors are too dark and all look the same, and there are no clues as to where you're supposed to go next. You end up trudging aimlessly around, hoping the next turn you take will be the one that triggers the ghost's reappearance.

Throughout the game there's an awful lot of standing around while you wait for your fellow Ghostbusters to finish conversations, catch up with you, open doors and so on. Why can't you open all the doors yourself, anyway? Why some and not others? How come you have to wait for Ray to traipse over and twist the handle of a door that isn't even locked, as if your character's hands are covered in margarine?

In short, Ghostbusters adheres to some of gaming's worst clichés and inconsistencies. But it's still Ghostbusters. It has the look, sound and feel of the original movie, and it goes some way to fulfilling a dream many of us have had since the age of six: it makes you feel like you're a Ghostbuster.

This is partly down to the way levels play out. You're rarely on your own, and often accompanied by three of the other characters. There's a lot of teamwork as you fire your proton streams at the same ghosts and revive each other, medic-style, when knocked out. The other Ghostbusters issue warnings about enemies behind you and projectiles heading your way with an impressive degree of consistency. But most of all, there's nothing quite like firing your very own proton gun to help Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson wrangle a transparent valkyrie into a box.

The wrangling mechanic will be familiar if you've ever played a fishing game. Your first job is to weaken enemies by firing at them with your proton stream, pressing L2 to slam them satisfyingly into walls and floors. Then you drag them into the cone of light emerging from the trap. The tricky bit is ensuring they don't escape - fiddling with the sensitive left and right sticks to keep them within the cone until the trap snaps shut, the pink light comes on and the thin plume of smoke emerges.

'Ghostbusters: The Videogame' Screenshot 3

Your PKE meter comes in handy for spectral analysis. And makes a funny noise.

It's a good job trapping ghosts is so gratifying as there's not a lot else to do. There's no exploration, unless you count wandering round rooms and corridors until you find the single doorway you're supposed to go through next. There's no proper puzzle-solving and not much variation in combat. As the game progresses you do get different guns and equipment to play with, such as the Slime Tether - a sticky rope used to pull objects towards each other. There's a limited selection of upgrades to earn and none of them are particularly interesting. You can get through almost the entire game with your standard proton gun and Boson darts, switching to the other weapons only occasionally.

There are some decent boss battles, notably with the marshmallow man - during which you get to dangle off a skyscraper and shoot him in the face. There are also some rubbish ones, such as the battle with the sexy tarantula-riding spider-lady - during which you wander endlessly round identical tunnels, followed by useless puppydog Egon, trying to stumble on the next invisible event trigger before the spider-lady regenerates, and mostly failing.

There are no driving levels so you don't get to try out the Ecto-1. You don't get to "be" any of the big name Ghostbusters, but this doesn't matter - it's more enjoyable to watch them in action anyway. If you're that bothered you can play as all four in the online multiplayer mode. We weren't able to test this as the game hadn't been released at the time of writing, and no other players were online. The options look standard though: quick and unranked matches, customisable options, stats overviews and so on. There's no offline multiplayer and it does seem they've missed a trick here - co-op could have been great fun.

However, multiplayer was never going to be the main attraction of Ghostbusters: The Videogame. It's about the single-player experience and whether it makes you feel like you're one of the gang, living in the world of the movie. In this regard, Terminal Reality has succeeded. Unlike so many movie tie-ins, Ghostbusters doesn't feel phoney, cheap or hastily put together. The developers have taken their time, respected the source material and paid attention to what fans of the film want.

'Ghostbusters: The Videogame' Screenshot 4

Have you seen the porn version? Yes, Ghostbukakke.

Ignoring the blockbuster licence, you'd probably describe this as a nice looking but pretty average action-adventure. The game mechanics work fine, it's entertaining enough to play, but there's no real innovation and a fair few frustrating niggles. The thing is, you can't ignore the licence - not when it's so fundamental to the game's entertainment value, and when Terminal Reality has worked so hard to do it justice.

That's why Ghostbusters: The Videogame works. You get to play with a proton gun. You get to fire Boson darts. You get to explore the Fire Station, battle Slimer, fight the marshmallow man, destroy the library and hear Bill Murray do jokes. It's all wrapped up in a package authentic enough to make you forgive the linearity and inconsistencies, tied with a big bow made of pretty graphics. And when you open the package the first thing you hear is, "Nerny ner-ner ner-ner, nerny-nerny ner-ner-ner."

If you love the film it's impossible not to like this game, despite its faults. That would be like hating a puppy just because it's got a wonky leg. This might not be the best videogame ever made but it's one of the better movie tie-ins out there, and it's the closest to being a Ghostbuster most of us will ever get.

7 / 10

Read the Eurogamer.net scoring policy
Picture of Ellie.

About Ellie Gibson

Since joining Eurogamer in the mid 2000s, Ellie has written about subjects as diverse as the fall of Gizmondo, the rise of Hollyoaks actresses in Red Alert games and the noise a bear makes under NSFW circumstances.

Read more articles from Ellie by visiting the Ellie Gibson archive page.

You may also like...

Comments (148) Latest comment 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Les #1 3 years ago

    Another 7/10, how predictable...

    Just kidding of course ;)

  • Oh-Bollox #2 3 years ago

    Terrahawks. Jesus Christ.

  • bad09 #3 3 years ago

    "That's why Ghostbusters: The Videogame works. You get to play with a proton gun. You get to fire Boson darts. You get to explore the Fire Station, battle Slimer, fight the marshmallow man, destroy the library and hear Bill Murray do jokes."

    \o/ Good enough for me!

    The double dealings with Sony on this was one of the 3 things that stopped me paying money to the industry nearly two months ago. However a cracking E3 (apart from waggle) and FFVII have cheered me up no end so I'm not so mad now, probably silly to boycott the industry just before E3 in hindsight :)

    Because I'm in a better mood I'm actually tempted to get this with the Blu (which is gonna be awesome!).

    (still not buying any DLC tho so they're not off the hook!)

  • Super_Zee #4 3 years ago

    Sold sold sold! I love "linear and scripted", especially when the source material is so closely tied to a movie structure.

    Really looking forward to this now. Nice review.
    Edited by 1 at 12/06/09 @ 07:32

  • Widge #5 3 years ago

    Well.... it looks like tis doing better than 24:The Game!
    Want a demo, but its on 'the list'.

  • the_mtfr #6 3 years ago

    You pedantic bastards.

  • JonFE #7 3 years ago

    EG:
    Are you going to review the - reportedly region-free - x360 version as well?

    Edit: "Have you seen the porn version? Yes, Ghostbukakke." Priceless :-D
    Edited by 1 at 12/06/09 @ 07:48

  • fjharps #8 3 years ago

    Can't wait for this one a must buy for me it looks great and it's getting decent reviews everywhere even edge gave it a 7 so good enough for me. WHO YOU GONNA CALL?? lol

  • mcbi4kh2 #9 3 years ago

    "Have you seen the porn version? Yes, Ghostbukakke." Priceless :-D

    I don't get it :(

  • Razz #10 3 years ago

    Defo worth a rent then

  • Widge #11 3 years ago

    360 review tips:

    Copy text into Word
    Ctrl H
    Find "PS3"
    Replace with "360"

    fin.

  • bad09 #12 3 years ago

    "WHO YOU GONNA CALL??"

    118 118?

  • #13 3 years ago

    Its like im psychic...I can guess almost every review from EG now.

    /off to read.

    Edited by 1 at 12/06/09 @ 08:11

  • HuggyAtHome #14 3 years ago

    Best two paragraphs of a review I have read in ages.

    Terrahawks was rubbish though.

  • bad09 #15 3 years ago

    "Terrahawks was rubbish though."

    I'm tempted to knock your Kamra down for that, but I'm bigger than that ;)

    <a href="http://www .youtube.com/watch?v=QNRzgB8PNtM">How is this rubbish?
    </a>

  • Kazzahdrane #16 3 years ago

    Anyone annoyed with Sony about the 360/Wii/DS versions not hitting Europe immediately hasn't given the situation much thought at all...

    Sony SAVED this game for European PS3/PS2 owners. Atari would have waited 6 months before bringing it here, if at all!

    /doesn't own a PS3 and is annoyed at Atari that he can't get Ghostbusters for 360 without importing :(

  • chasejamie #17 3 years ago

    "WHO YOU GONNA CALL??"

    He-Man

  • JohnnyWashnGo #18 3 years ago

    I would be lying if I said that a low or average score would put me off of this game. Its Ghostbusters and I have enjoyed nearly all ghostbusters games from the C64 version onwards.
    Edited by 1 at 12/06/09 @ 08:34

  • space_ace #19 3 years ago

    jstar, it's the cynical youth, never mind

  • chudders #20 3 years ago

    Fire and brimstone coming down from the skies! Rivers and seas boiling!

  • spekkeh #21 3 years ago

    I sure hope she wasn't surreptitiously dissing my Count Duckula pasta..

    Too bad this game doesn't score so well, pretending to be a Ghostbuster was in fact my childhood's wettest dream (well that and riding a laser-touting dinosaur, obviously). Might pick this up when I find it cheap.
    Edited by 1 at 12/06/09 @ 10:17

  • spekkeh #22 3 years ago

    the second film was rubbish? How can we take anything you say after that seriously?

    I agree. Although obviously not as good as the first one, I found Vigo to be a much more interesting and evil villain than Gozer (which, incidentally, means 'Dude' in Dutch).

  • kiroquai #23 3 years ago

    So, there's no co-op at all? Even online?

    (it's early, don't function well until at least midday).

  • penhalion #24 3 years ago

    When is this supposed to be out?

  • Aretak #25 3 years ago

    I Googled 'Ghostbukkake' and was disappointed to find that this review was the only result. :(

  • r3xmund1 #26 3 years ago

    Lady, you are reinstating my faith in videogame journalism. With one of the best intros ever, I think that its writing like yours that makes the endless drudgery of posturing and fanboyism bearable.

    Cheers Ellie, and keep 'em coming.


  • midnight_walker #27 3 years ago

    Thieving bastards!

    You can't steal the best comment ever (tm) and use it as your subheading! Well, you can actually, since it's your site, but still...

  • Kenshin001 #28 3 years ago

    So, there's no co-op at all? Even online?

    Think there is, there appears to be a co-op video on EG. Not very clear in the review though. Will likely pick this up just for that.

  • AphoticCosmos #29 3 years ago

    That was one of the best intros to a review I've ever seen.

    And lulz @ ghostbukkake

    Nice review, Ellie!

  • phycus #30 3 years ago

    Interesting how Eurogamer Spain gave this game 9/10

    [link url=http://www.eurogamer.es/articles /los-cazafantasmas-el-videojuego-analisis?page=4
    ]http://ww w.eurogamer.es/articles/los-caz...[/link]

  • Triggerhappytel #31 3 years ago

    Sounds good, I think I'll purchase when the price drops.

  • spliffhead #32 3 years ago

    GoatseBusters!

  • #33 3 years ago

    I rate Ellie's writing style 5/10. Talk about talking garbage. Just write a review ffs.
    Edited by 1 at 12/06/09 @ 09:11

  • DDevil #34 3 years ago

    I love Ellie's reviews!

    God, I want this game. Can I be bothered to import it though?

  • bluem4gic #35 3 years ago

    Sounds like to me that the orginal guys who did a tech demo for the game. Would of done it more justice oh well

  • Dizzy #36 3 years ago

    "Interesting how Eurogamer Spain gave this game 9/10

    http://ww w.eurogamer.es/articles/los-caz...

    Based on the sales charts of Spain I don't think they know a lot about good games TBH. Good food though.

  • Fwing #37 3 years ago

    7/10 minus ghostbusters license equals 5/10?

  • makeamazing #38 3 years ago

    Sounds like to me that the orginal guys who did a tech demo for the game. Would of done it more justice oh well

    It did get 7/10, is that not good ? From the reviews that have come in so far, it sounds like its a solid game, and more so if you are a ghostbusters fan (why get it if your not :)

    Getting this next week, and no 7 out of 10 review is going to stop me :D

  • Beano #39 3 years ago

    "Interesting how Eurogamer Spain gave this game 9/10"

    Different people have different tastes... surprise :)

  • p00ntang #40 3 years ago

    That would be like hating a puppy just because it's got a wonky leg.
    Priceless

  • lewiep #41 3 years ago

    Ghostbusters: The Video Game, Xbox 360 - £28.11 delivered

  • Tzetrik #42 3 years ago

    FFS why bother reviewing the game before the multiplayer component is available?

  • muscleblade #43 3 years ago

    Taken from the IGN review:

    "For all the fanboys out there who want to beat their chests about which system got it right, there are some differences between the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of this game. The PS3 features an eight-minute, 4 GB install that apparently doesn't do much seeing as how it takes both games about 30 seconds to load after a death or load a mission from the main screen. Although the PS3 has exclusive videos about refurbishing Ecto-1 and the Blu-ray trailer, the graphics seem to be a touch dumbed down on Sony's system. When you proton stream burns a wall on the 360, there's a black gouge in the wall that features smoldering embers and bits of fire. On the PS3, you get the fire and black gouge, but the little embers embedded in the cut don't make it. Similarly, when you attack Stay Puft on Microsoft's console, you're making dramatic changes to his puffy exterior. On the PS3, these changes aren't as severe -- it's almost like a bruise rather than a fiery cut."

  • JonFE #44 3 years ago

    @mcbi4kh2:
    The quote is from the last screenshot's caption, which is covered in white ghost slime. It's a clever word play by Ellie, where she replaces "busters" with "bukakke".

    Assuming that you are an adult, if you are unfamiliar with the term "bukakke" I'd suggest you google it, but please be aware that it is definitely ***Not.Safe.For.Work***.

    @muscleblade:
    Thanks for the IGN quote; will probably import it at some point...
    Edited by 2 at 12/06/09 @ 09:34

  • UncleLou #45 3 years ago

    I wish they'd kept the PC version out of their little exlusivity skirmish. Don't want this nearly enough to even consider importing it, but I might have picked it up on a whim if I saw it in a shop. Also doubt it's clever to release the other versions in autumn. Hardly the game you'd cherrypick out of the pre-Christmas release madness.

  • Pac #46 3 years ago

    @JonFE

    I am very impressed with the way that you explained Ghost bukakke without getting banned from the site!

  • Branoic #47 3 years ago

    Jesus H. Christ, how are there still people who think that a Eurogamer 7 is a "bad" score, even after they just went to the bother of dumbing their scale down to one or two words for you morons?

  • KujiGhost #48 3 years ago

    I bet the X's win again on Terrahawks.

  • mcbi4kh2 #49 3 years ago

    Cheers JonFE, that is actually quite funny. My porn knowledge isnt what it could be.

  • El-Dev #50 3 years ago

    The game or

    [link url=http://cgi.ebay.co.u k/Ghostbusters-proton-pack-and-trap_W0QQitemZ150349930923QQc mdZViewItemQQptZUK_ToysGames_ActionFigures_ActionFigures_JN? hash=item23018de1ab&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7 C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1688%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A 1%7C294%3A50
    ]http://cg i.ebay.co.uk/Ghostbusters-proto...[/link]

    Decisions...

  • kangarootoo #51 3 years ago

    "Count Duckula pasta shapes on Mighty White for tea, washed down with a can of Quatro, let's hope the Soviets don't unleash global nuclear holocaust before Terrahawks starts."

    Christ, I think Ellie and I might be exactly the same age.

  • rob230 #52 3 years ago

    Is this out today?

  • JonFE #53 3 years ago

    @Pac:
    Thanks!

    @mcbi4kh2:
    It's never too late to catch up on porn, you know. Remember, internet is your friend :-)

  • cyacomini #54 3 years ago

    "Ghostbusters: The Video Game, Xbox 360 - £28.11 delivered"

    Buying games from a WordPress blog = FAIL

  • lewiep #55 3 years ago

    It's not buying from the blog, the blog post has a link to the import retailer.

    I am the author.

  • peteb #56 3 years ago

    Sweet! I'm picking the Xbox 360 version up from a local import shop on Wednesday. Take THAT Sony! I have a PS3 but won't buy that version, ner ner.

  • Hypercube #57 3 years ago

    The second Ghostbusters film was a cold, gelid turd floating in a puddle of fetid piss and rusty nails.

    Anyone who liked it needs their heads checking for parasites. And that's not an opinion, that's 110% FACTITUS!!!


    @EarlBassett - I know that's just your subjective view, but you're still a 'tard.

  • Darren #58 3 years ago

    Does anyone know where you can import the PC version from the U.S.? It's not something I've ever done before since they normally release simultaneously worldwide (more or less) but despite the game only being £18 at Gameplay, I'm not sure I want to wait until 30th October to play it. I might have to though...

  • Weezer #59 3 years ago

    Played this last night on PS3. Great characters and set-up, great cut-scenes, great texturing and lighting, but pretty jerky/screen tearing and a teensy bit dull, IMHO. Maybe I'll give it another go...

  • #60 3 years ago

    Seriously, that is the worst review I have ever read on this site.
    Written by someone with attention problems flitting around from one lame joke or pop culture reference to the next.

    Just write a fucking review - leave the bullshit for a blog.


    +1

  • spenner #61 3 years ago

    I think I am going to wait till Terrahawks The Game comes out on the 360

  • thomas_fogh #62 3 years ago

    Do you give other than 7/10

  • Spekingur #63 3 years ago

    I rather enjoyed reading this review, I don't understand what some people are complaining about. You complain about reviewing a game too early, you complain about reviewing a game too late, you complain about high scores, you complain about low scores, you complain about above average scores. Which is what this game is 7/10 is rather good - just read the scoring policy.
    I'm not sure what kind of fanboys are crying about the score now, Ghostbusters fanboys or PS3 fanboys? Or maybe just general bridge trolls?

  • Britesparc Verified Creative, ITV #64 3 years ago

    Well I thought it was a cracking review and the game is pretty much all I hoped for. Will wait for the 360 release, of course, as I don't have a PS3 and can't be arsed importing (and I'm skint till Xmas).

    However, one minor quibble - only people over 30 get excited by Ghostbusters, do they, Ellie? Really? OH REALLY? Well I'm 27 and after Transformers, Ghostbusters was probably the biggest and most exciting thing in my young life. Oh, and GB2 wasn't too bad either, though I haven't seen it in years.

  • StarchildHypocrethes #65 3 years ago

    Yeah, sod giving us anything entertaining to read. You think I read things for fun?

    I just want facts. Dull, boring, facts dammit!

  • Gradius #66 3 years ago

    What perspective do you actually play this game from? I'm guessing it's 3rd person like Gears of War but in the screenshots I can only see the ghostbusters we know of, not this new recruit that we get to play as so I'm not sure now? Also the lack of offline co-op is a real shame, I'll still buy it though I guess.

  • SEVQA #67 3 years ago

    I'm buying this even though it does feel like Ellie curled one out into the mouth of my childhood! Now where's Back to the fuXking future - get on it Rockstar!!!

  • Gradius #68 3 years ago

    "Agree with Britesparc, btw. I'm 25, about to hit 26, and had all the merchandise as a kid."

    Eh? Ghostbusters came out in 84, you were like what? one year old, if that?

  • Britesparc Verified Creative, ITV #69 3 years ago

    @ Gradius

    I benefitted from having a mum who worked from home and used to watch all the cartoons with me from a very young age, so I ended up really getting into things like GB and Transformers pretty much as soon as they came out (I've got Transformer comics from 1984, when I was two). Plus, I don't think the cartoon started till about 1986.

    It's not like I went to the cinema to see the film, but we had a video, I had older cousins talking about it, I remember the cartoon starting, the comics, the toys... and being, generally, a very intelligent little chap I was capable of understanding things above my age range :-)

    Maybe not the classic refrain "I want you inside me," - "I think there are too many people in there already", however.

  • MrE26 #70 3 years ago

    Definite buy for me & i might spring for the Blu Ray as well. Dunno if it's gonna be worth the hassle importing the 360 version & possibly getting stung by customs when the PS3 version is only 32.99 on Shopto. Decisions, decisions...

  • TitusCrow #71 3 years ago

    is eurogamer trying to re-define the scorings system? making a 7/10 once more a decent respectable score, rather than have anything below 9/10 be instantly mocked and disguarded.

    *ponders*

  • Gradius #72 3 years ago

    Fair enough, I suppose I was born in the same year as Starwars and I still remember that as a film of my time..

  • Wyrm #73 3 years ago

    '"Interesting how Eurogamer Spain gave this game 9/10"

    Different people have different tastes... surprise :) '


    Hence why the concept of a review is relatively pointless.

  • El-Dev #74 3 years ago

    "Agree with Britesparc, btw. I'm 25, about to hit 26, and had all the merchandise as a kid."

    Eh? Ghostbusters came out in 84, you were like what? one year old, if that?"

    I'm 21 and remember having a lot of the toys as a kid. Still have Ecto-1 up in the roof space! They tend to make merchandise long after the films came out, though I think my stuff came mostly from the cartoons, but I do remember watching the films on TV when I was pretty young. The guy on the flying bike coming to take Oscar in the 2nd film scared the shit out of me.

    The general feeling amongst reviews is it wouldn't be a good game without the Ghostbusters tie in.
    Edited by 1 at 12/06/09 @ 10:57

  • muscleblade #75 3 years ago

    @Widge wrote:
    360 review tips:
    Copy text into Word
    Ctrl H
    Find "PS3"
    Replace with "360"

    Not a good tip there Widge as the 360 version has considerably better graphics as usual. PS3 exclusives often look great though, nothing to compare them with i guess. LOL.

  • RexRunti #76 3 years ago

    To be fair Ellie didn't say no-one under 30 will know this. She said anyone over 30 will have nostalgia for the franchise. After all Star Wars was a big part of my childhood and I was born 3 years after it's release.

  • UncleLou #77 3 years ago

    certainly don't mind humour in a review, but find skipping paragraph after paragraph because it has nothing to say about the product in question rather tedious

    Maybe you should stick to factsheets and just check the Metacritic score.

  • Widge #78 3 years ago

    Ctrl + H

    Find "Considerably"
    Replace with "barely"

  • levitate #79 3 years ago

    I hate all puppies with wonky legs!!!111oneone

  • muscleblade #80 3 years ago

    @Widge

    "when you attack Stay Puft on Microsoft's console, you're making dramatic changes to his puffy exterior. On the PS3, these changes aren't as severe -- it's almost like a bruise rather than a fiery cut."

    Sounds "considerably" too me.

    edit: Looking forward to the inevitable face off.
    Edited by 1 at 12/06/09 @ 11:37

  • Widge #81 3 years ago

    Its missing embers!

  • Darren #82 3 years ago

    @muscleblade - The 360 version has "considerably" better graphics... considerably?!? :?

    The IGN review mentions that the PS3 version is missing some minor effects here and there, I don't see any mention of that version being significantly worst looking than the 360 version at all. Besides, I doubt anyone would be able to tell one version apart from the other in a comparison video if it wasn't for the on-screen button mappings. I'm sure Digital Foundry will do such a comparison video for their Head-to-Head.

    Unless Stay Puft is onscreen for the majority of the game then I'm pretty confident that both versions with look nigh on identical 99% of the time. How is that 'considerably'? ;)

  • Darren #83 3 years ago

    Seems like the boxed 360 version has a nasty bug and some framerate woes according to the TeamXbox review:

    "What will get in the way are some outright bugs I discovered and some tragically underperforming framerates, unfortunately seen on a final shrink-wrapped retail copy of the game. One time the game crashed on me during the cut-scene following a boss fight, even flashing a cryptic message about failing to load the next level. I’m used to seeing this kind of thing in pre-release builds, but not in final boxed product. Upon re-booting, I had to fight the boss all over again, and thankfully the load was successful the second time around."

  • peteb #84 3 years ago

    @Darren

    I don't have much faith in IGN actually to do a decent comparison. My guess is if they noticed a difference in those effects, then there must be quite a few other things missing here and there.

    Looking forward to the Eurogamer comparison, although I guess we'd have to wait for the 360 version to be released over here anyway. I'm buying the 360 version next week anyway in protest. And because it sounds marginally better at least!
    Edited by 1 at 12/06/09 @ 11:58

  • miiiguel #85 3 years ago

    Where''s the best place(s) to import ?
    Edited by 1 at 12/06/09 @ 12:00

  • lewiep #86 3 years ago

    @miiiguel

    Ghostbusters: The Video Game, Xbox 360 - £28.11 delivered

  • miiiguel #87 3 years ago

    Thanks.

  • Darren #88 3 years ago

    @peterb - IGN were the ones that claimed GTA IV looked better on the PS3 and that it had better AA than the 360 (it has NO AA!!!) so I don't trust them to do ANY comparison really. I do trust Digital Foundry however, even if I know the differences will only be apparent in static screenshots and one-quarter speed zoomed in video comparisons! ;)

  • muscleblade #89 3 years ago

    @Darren

    Okay. I just find it funny that the PS3 version lack something compared to the 360 version.
    Considerable or not i still find it strange and it shouldnt be that way.

  • peteb #90 3 years ago

    @Darren

    Yea, if you have both consoles it doesn't matter how slight the differences are, for me it would eat at me if I know I have the ever so slightly inferior version. Sad as it sounds! Most of the time I do notice it too actually. Or maybe I just think I do? :)

    @muscleblade

    Have you read many of the head to heads on here? Its usually always that way!
    Edited by 1 at 12/06/09 @ 12:12

  • DDevil #91 3 years ago

    Embers are the real next gen!

  • SEVQA #92 3 years ago

    No it certainly should not be that way as the PS3 is a better number cruncher than the 360 so particle effects and physics should be better if a game has been created from the ground up! The stay puff burn on the other hand may be bump mapping which the Xbox can do easier than the PS3 if the developers are lazy and crap!

  • UncleLou #93 3 years ago

    An introductory paragraph in journalism is accepted ("on my way to the interview..." etc)
    But 5 of them? She doesn't actually talk about the game until the 6th paragraph.

    This is a big release, and I trust EG for the most balanced, well-written review.
    Someone else should have done this one. It is too big a release to be given the flippant 'wii' treatment

    I thought the review is excellent. It explains throughly what is flawed, and why it works when it works.

    Frankly, I really have no idea what you mean.

  • influenceuk #94 3 years ago

    @ squarejawhero - The PS3 does this too!

    I have the PS3 version, and i have to say it's bloody awesome! It's like being 7 again, running around pretending to be a ghostbuster :D

  • zisssou #95 3 years ago

    its sad that this generation worries more about graphics than most things about games.

  • miiiguel #96 3 years ago

    hugh!!! I have to say the review is very good, who's complaining must dig the tv-guide style, or are simply too boring a person. imo.

  • sneetch #97 3 years ago

    @Darren
    @peterb - IGN were the ones that claimed GTA IV looked better on the PS3 and that it had better AA than the 360 (it has NO AA!!!) so I don't trust them to do ANY comparison really.

    Perhaps they cling to the old adage that no AA/news is good AA/news? ;)

    Generally speaking the differences tend to be minor and so not worth worrying about. Then again, I don't have a PS3 so it's less important for me but I get what peteb says; if I had both consoles then I'd want to know and get which version was "better". If the differences really were insignificantly minor then I'd go with the version on the console with the "better" controller (where YMMV obviously).
    Edited by 1 at 12/06/09 @ 12:40

  • Darren #98 3 years ago

    @peteb - Hey it's not sad at all. I'm the same, it's why I've now decided I'm happy to wait for the cheaper and, no doubt, "superior" PC version. ;)

  • IneptPercy #99 3 years ago

    Whens the PC version out? I have got to use to 1080p games now.

  • gmmonkey #100 3 years ago

    Still want this even though it's generally mediocre. I can't remember the last time i got a game that was 7/10.

  • Retroid #101 3 years ago

    "zisssou: its sad that this generation worries more about graphics than most things about games."

    I think you'll find that's been happening with *every* generation :)

    "gmmonkey: Still want this even though it's generally mediocre. I can't remember the last time i got a game that was 7/10."

    Mediocre? 7/10? You never did stats at school, did you? ;)
    Edited by 1 at 12/06/09 @ 13:20

  • mingster #102 3 years ago

    Is it better than the ghostbusters game on the C64?

  • gareth886 #103 3 years ago

    EG is fond of dishing out the 7's lately.

  • Sonic_D #104 3 years ago

    I have very fond memories of the Ghostbusters game on the Speccy. The digitised voice shouting Ghostbusters and the evil laugh. Driving round town capturing ghosts. Taking the elevator up for the last battle. Aaah.

  • LetsGo #105 3 years ago

    Great review, fun read.
    Sounds like a 5 or 6/10 but with the Ghostbusters skinned onto it, its a 7/10?

    That sound about right?
    Edited by 1 at 12/06/09 @ 13:47

  • geeza2020 #106 3 years ago

    gareth886 - "EG is fond of dishing out the 7's lately."

    I think you'll find its the industry thats fond of dishing out 7/10 quality games lately.

  • IronCladChicken #107 3 years ago

    So... Ghostbusters PC or XBox? (based on the PC being plugged into the TV with an XBox controler being used as required?)

  • prettyboytim #108 3 years ago

    "...and hot chicks pretending they don't want a go on Bill Murray."

    lol.

    20p in a supermarket car park?

  • FmCUK #109 3 years ago

    @phycus cheers the EG Spain link. I recommend the translated version to anyone after a laugh, for example:

    It's nothing unusual to see our colleagues and ourselves bathed in mucus, which is marking the house and whose effect is actually achieved.

    [link url=http://www.eurogamer.es%2Farticles%2Flos-cazafantasmas-e l-videojuego-analisis%3Fpage%3D4&sl=es&tl=en&history_state0= ]http://www.eurogamer.es% 2Farticles%2Flos...[/link]

  • muscleblade #110 3 years ago

    @Darren
    "I'm happy to wait for the cheaper and, no doubt, "superior" PC version. ;) "

    I use a PC all day at work. No way i will spend a minute in front of one at home. I enjoy playing games with my wireless controller from my sofa on my new Samsung LED TV thank you. I know i can do that with a PC but i dont bother. I also dont think Console games for a PC is superior. I rather have the lackluster PS3 version than playing console games on a PC.

  • BillyBrush #111 3 years ago

    @Darren

    TeamXbox don't do cross platform comparisons of games, just review Xbox versions.

  • HolyJebus #112 3 years ago

    +1 for this excellent review. Especially the intro.

    Those who disagree, how hard is it for you to stop coming to this site?

  • muscleblade #113 3 years ago

    @peteb

    I have read them all. Luckily i have two 360s and no PS3. Its sad for the PS3 owners that believed in Sonys hype. "Next gen starts when we say so" LOL. Sad stuff.

    "Yea, if you have both consoles it doesn't matter how slight the differences are, for me it would eat at me if I know I have the ever so slightly inferior version. Sad as it sounds! Most of the time I do notice it too actually. Or maybe I just think I do? :) "

    I agree with you completely.

  • ThemisB #114 3 years ago

    Aaargh, another 7! What to buy out of Prototype, Red Faction, inFamous or Ghostbusters?

    Good review though, will probably end up going for this!

  • El-Dev #115 3 years ago

    Darren,

    A lot of people aren't that bothered with performance at the highest level, look how many people bought the sub HD Halo3. If the game is decent it's decent despite maybe not being technically amazing.

    Was considering get this day one but I have a lot of games to get through at the minute so I might wait a while.

  • muscleblade #116 3 years ago

    I enjoyed Darrens comments a lot more when they werent biased towards PC gaming all the fuc#¤%* time.

  • Britesparc Verified Creative, ITV #117 3 years ago

    @ GhenghisNaan

    It's meant to be the Ghostbusters theme, yeah?

  • Machetazo #118 3 years ago

    @ThemisB: Yes, quite the dilemna! :) I will probably go with this, on PS3, and then get Prototype for whichever one of that or the 360 takes my fancy at the time.

    Infamous didn't show in any way badly, in the demo - I recommend you give it a shot, as there's a fair bit to do and should help you make your decision - but it still feels less than essential somehow, and Alex Mercer (despite having read a flurry of reviews suggesting that the story of his game's of no real importance or substance, the mechanic still seems worthy) comes across to me as a stronger character, and concept, than Cole presents.

    I think it might be a general feeling of disinterest I have, about them using electricity as his power. I don't know how fully they'll flesh out the skill list - but then again, Prototype's said to have the polar opposite issue, lol! Red Faction? Didn't ask for it, couldn't care it is being released. I'm completely ignoring it.

  • Britesparc Verified Creative, ITV #119 3 years ago

    Has it been announced who will finally be publishing the 360, etc, versions?

  • Darren #120 3 years ago

    @muscleblade - "I enjoyed Darrens comments a lot more when they werent biased towards PC gaming all the fuc#¤%* time."

    My apologies, muscleblade.

    My new PC is my latest "toy" so I just get a bit carried away that's all. I still enjoy games on the PS3 and Xbox 360 - I'm loving inFamous and can't wait to play Uncharted 2 and Forza 3 for example - they're just no longer "number one" 'tis all.

    It's nice that PC games are so cheap too - PS3 Ghostbusters is £40 at GAME vs. £20 on the PC - it makes up for the cost of the hardware, especially with the number of games I tend to buy.

  • swisstony #121 3 years ago

    The review intro was tortured, the rest was fine, but I suppose this isn't the NYRB or TLS. A few of the guys been playing it in work, and Ellie's right, the nostalgia just overwhelms. 5 guys with stupid grins lapping it up :)

  • IneptPercy #122 3 years ago

    Having my PC plugged into the same TV and speakers (and same wireless controller) as my consoles its a no brainer to get PC versions.

    To me its not always about textures and pixels but frame rates. GRID is a very good example, I think it used the same textures, it looks a bit better at 1080p with 8x aa. The frame rate makes it so much smoother and better to play, going back and playing the 360 versions feels unplayable now.

  • Darren #123 3 years ago

    @IneptPercy - Same here. Loaded up Fallout 3 on the 360 a couple of days ago after completing it some months back and the game now feels really jerky and stuttery (VATS) compared with the PC version I'm currently playing though. I value framerate and image quality above everything else and will happily play games like Prototype if everything runs smoothly.

    The great thing about all these multiformat games coming to the PC is that they tend to run brilliantly on high-end systems because the main market is the consoles these days and they're nowhere near as powerful. That means that there's less need to upgrade like there was before because you can be sure if it runs on the Xbox 360 or PS3 then it'll run perfectly fine on your PC, even at higher resolutions such as 1080p. Add in standard support for the Xbox 360 controller for most games and the cheaper prices and it means that PC gaming for me is fun again.

    *EDIT - Omitted the word 'controller' from the last line. Ooops!
    Edited by 1 at 15/06/09 @ 12:45

  • merc2k7 #124 3 years ago

    Its on pre order with Play Asia for me! Great review and seriously, it's freakin' Ghostbusters and I get to fight Mr Stay Puft!

  • Waldo #125 3 years ago

    Dropping pop culture references everywhere doesn't make you cool.

  • tinyspark #126 3 years ago

    Best ghostbusting game ever? Luigi's Mansion...without a doubt.

  • peteb #127 3 years ago

    @Darren

    Whats your PC's spec?

    I'm thinking about building a new PC :)

  • smelly #128 3 years ago

    I've heard mummurings that the wii version might actually be better - so i'm holding off for the reviews of that to come in before i decide which version to import - 360 or wii.

    hell if they're both good and different games i'll get both!

  • Azazel #129 3 years ago


    Stop trying so hard to be a cock at the expense of being a nice guy.


    haha! told

    Also: +1

  • RobotRocker #130 3 years ago

    7/10? Its true, Ellie Gibson has no dick.







    Wait a second...

  • kingofbergamo #131 3 years ago

    Ellie Gibson you must be one sad gig that knows nothing about movies! The second film was rubbish? How can we take anything you say after that seriously?

    Its a classic!

    I would punch you if I knew who you are! ;)

  • kingofbergamo #132 3 years ago

    @ notmyrealname

    "7 is pretty high for a movie game, even if movie was released 3 decades ago. Buttttt buttt, This Ellie character, she keeps talking like a guy, it's creepy, and funny:p"

    Its creepy that is!

    + 10 for that!

    lol Bloody brilliant.

  • bad09 #133 3 years ago

    Now now people all this Ghostbusters 2 was good crap has to stop. Sure it's watchable in a Terminator 3 kinda way but come on.....please....

    Anyway, those who don't know....3 IS happening \o/

    / buys game and blu just for the Ghostbuster love, flings on speccy version \o/

  • Silent-Hal #134 3 years ago

    You mean this actually ended up good? I was convinced it was going to suck like the majority of licensed games, it just seemed like a rather cynical way to cash in on Ghostbusters nostalgia. It'll be interesting to read a review by someone who isn't a Ghostbusters fan.

  • Harmonica #135 3 years ago

    bad09: Ghostbusters is a bonafide classic comedy, there's pretty much no debate over that.

    I'd like to hear anyone's opinion on where to import from the US, as most sites are hiking the price on this and nobody has posted actual trip reports of ordering from any sites in the past.

    (I'd use play-asia but they are also quite expensive - UK retail price, which I'd rather not pay)

    @ GhengisNaan
    "Stop saying nerny-ner. What the hell is a nerny-ner? Stop trying so hard to be funny at the expense of professionalism. "

    I can only assume she is talking about the Slimer packaging? Or the theme tune? One of them.
    Edited by 1 at 13/06/09 @ 00:15

  • smelly #136 3 years ago

    erm read the "ners" in the tune of the theme tune... the big hint was when she was talking about Ray Parker Jnr (the guy who wrote the music) in relationship to the "ners"

    sheesh.. and they say gaming is making kids stupid....

  • GamesConnoisseur #137 3 years ago

    @Darren
    "I'm happy to wait for the cheaper and, no doubt, "superior" PC version. ;) "

    muscleblade: "I use a PC all day at work. No way i will spend a minute in front of one at home. I enjoy playing games with my wireless controller from my sofa on my new Samsung LED TV thank you. I know i can do that with a PC but i dont bother. I also dont think Console games for a PC is superior. I rather have the lackluster PS3 version than playing console games on a PC."

    That perfectly sums up my position, I got a stonking reasonably ninja PC set up but all the expenses ARE wasted as I should know better that I would still not play PC games... just websurfing, email, photo edit or other stuff. I might as well have got an Apple Mac to do the same!

    Gaming for me has been long disassociated from PC and pity really, just the idea of crounching in front of PC after doing so all day at work... no thanks!

    Know I can set up PC to be linked to hd but heck how do I do the other stuff I normally do associated with PC? Banging away on keyboard and such?

    Still if you do your gaming from PC that all and good for you. Just always not preferable or possible for everyone.

  • TriggerHippie #138 3 years ago

    In your review you allude to the theme tune going "Nerny ner-ner ner-ner, nerny-nerny ner-ner-ner" when its obvious to anyone that has heard it that it actually goes "Nerny ner-ner-ner ner-ner, Nerny ner-ner-ner ner-ner". One then has to wonder just how accurate the rest of the review is!

  • IronCladChicken #139 3 years ago

    @GamesConnoisseur
    How does that stop it from being superior?

    > Know I can set up PC to be linked to hd but heck how do I do the other stuff I normally do associated with PC? Banging away on
    > keyboard and such?

    I use a laptop - most have HDMI ports - just plug the laptop into the TV & windows does the rest.
    If you set the TV as a second screen -you can play games on the TV (I use a 360 controller) whilst the missus continues to use the laptop to do browsing and wordprocessing and suchlike.

    Empire: Total War looks very cool at 1080p btw (though I use the 360 as my primary gaming station)

  • RandomTerrain #140 3 years ago

    The second film is ace. Whatever you do, never review films. Trust me.
    I'm guessing after that mistake, the game is obviously better than what you say as well.

    Most sites seem to think so.

  • Darren #141 3 years ago

    @peteb - My PC specs are:

    Core i7 920, clocked at 3.36 GHz (with the Cooler Master V8 CPU cooler)
    Cooler Master Centurion 590 case
    ASUS P6T Deluxe motherboard
    6 GB DDR3 1600 MHz memory
    GeForce GTX 280 graphics
    Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer audio
    Hitachi DVD Rewriter
    2 x 500 MB Seagate 7,200rpm 32 MB buffered SATAII hard drives
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 850 W PSU
    Windows Vista SP2 (64-bit) (with Windows 7 RC installed on the second HDD, dual-booting)

    I use a 22" Dell widescreen monitor with a resolution of 1680x1050 and have good-quality Logitech speakers. I also have the wireless Xbox 360 controller adaptor as about 85% of the games I play on my PC are played with the Xbox 360 controller.

    It runs everything I've thrown at it with ease, including Crysis on Very High settings, and there's plenty of room for expansion: upto 24 GB of RAM, 6 x SATAII drives and 3 x SLI graphics if I wanted for example.

  • jade2001 #142 3 years ago

    I can't wait....I love Ghostbusters and this will be amazing. I'm not bothered at all about game play, the cut scenes will do me just fine.

    Also, Ghostbusters 2 was NOT rubbish. It was hilariously funny and had better ghosts than the first one - keep that opinion to yourself, you're a game critic not a movie critic.

  • Gearskin #143 3 years ago

    Doesn't the PC version lack multiplayer?

    I'm going to import this for 360. Screw waiting.

  • Darren #144 3 years ago

    Yep, there's no multiplayer for the PC version but that doesn't bother me, especially as the game is only £18, not the £38+ of the console versions. At those prices, the console version damn well need multiplayer!!! ;)

  • paketep #145 3 years ago

    No multi for the PC => Fuck Activision!

    Man, don't release the game for the PC if you hate it that much!

  • JasonB81 #146 3 years ago

    It's actually true. The 360 version is the better version to get. I can't wait for EG to do their comparison. Theirs is a little bit more high tech then lensofTruths....

    But here's some links if you all don't believe me.

    [link url=http://www.lensof truth.com/?p=10974
    ]http://www.lensof truth.com/?p=10974
    [/link]

    [link url=http://www.lensof truth.com/?p=11033
    ]http://www.lensof truth.com/?p=11033
    [/link]

    [link url=http://www.justin.tv /lensoftruth
    ]http://www.justin.tv /lensoftruth
    [/link]

    http://ar stechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/...

  • muscleblade #147 3 years ago


    Ghostbusters looks way better on 360!

    http://www. oxm.co.uk/article.php?id=11464

  • SEVQA #148 3 years ago

    I have now completed ‘Ghosttbusters’ and would like to share my experience with everyone.

    I’m a massive GB fan and therefore a purchase was inevitable but I ‘m also a senior QA lead (not on this)of which I’m astounded this title made past certification as it seems to contravene Sony’s own TCR (Technical Certification Requirements). The long load between dyeing is inexplicable and shame on Sony for that!

    During my play through I encountered many minor bugs and a couple that could be deemed as fails or detracting enough from gameplay as to impact on the overall experience.

    Two examples:

    Entering the basement of the library for the first time caused a frame rate issue where it dropped to about 1 frame every 2 seconds only rectifying itself when the next real time FMV was triggered.

    Booting GB the second time resulted in all my save data being omitted even though it was still present in the PS3 browser and not damaged in any way. After another reboot the save magically re appeared but all my artifacts and scanned ghost’s were gone?

    The minor bugs were predominantly to do with scenes being badly cut, getting stuck and general functionality issues. All of which a little more time and care would have insured they became transparent.

    On the flip side if you can overlook the bugs of which I recommend you do I had a romp playing through this game and it’s level of personal input from the likes of real Ghostbusters that is evident and really makes it a special title indeed.

    It’s just testing is my job and when I spent £30 + of my money earned testing this just seems like a bit of a piss take.