Ghostbusters Updated Impressions

When it was announced that developer, Terminal Reality, had been working on a video game installment of the 80s sensation, Ghostbusters, longtime fans of the series, rejoiced.  Not only, would the title be a continuation of the popular movie franchise, but the script would be penned by none other than series creators Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis.  And while details of the story have been scarce, game time with the latest build has proven that Terminal Reality may very well have a hit on its hands.

The developers over at Terminal Reality have really outdone themselves in terms of presentation.  Graphically speaking, Ghostbusters looks sensational.  It is everyway you would imagine a Ghostbusters title to look and better. The environments are visually breathtaking and the transition between the indoor and outdoor environments is nearly seamless.  New York has never been rendered so vibrantly and so dynamically in the videogame realm before. The character models are spot on and boast an incredible level of detail. 



Gameplay-wise, Ghostbusters is challenging and fun.  The developers have managed to capture the very essence of being a Ghostbuster, and you will feel the tension and patience that goes into trapping a haunted spirit.   First off, your proton pack is every bit as powerful as you expected it to be.  Environments and objects will bend and twist and explode as the mighty beam of the Ghostbusters' iconic weapon of choice absolutely obliterates anything that gets in its way.  The proton pack also acts as a HUD with everything from your health (which regenerates over time) to your energy output indicated by the gauges on the back of the pack itself. Ghost catching requires a bit of attention on the player's part.  You are going to have to stand at a reasonable distance from the ghost; not too close but not too far away. As the ghost struggles in fits of rage and panic, players can slam the undead fiend into the ground or into objects to help wear them down and move it towards the trap. 

The classic roster of Peter Venkman, Raymond Stantz, and Egon Spengler are there to lend a helping hand.  The original Ghostbusters will never run ahead of the player or guide them to a necessary point of interest, but rather contribute to the ghost catching fun since you can often be overwhelmed by a group of enemies.  They can also assist in capturing an individual ghost, making the process a lot easier than doing it on your own.



Ghostbusters continued to impress time and time again.  One moment in particular had me dealing with a handful of ghosts while inside of a building.  In an instant, everyone's favorite oversized sugary treat, The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, came crashing into the side of the structure, causing all sorts of destruction.  You are given a real portrayal of Terminal Reality's attention to detail because Stay Puft's body will singe and cook as he is continuously blasted with energy beams.  Globs of marshmallow will cover our brave ghost-catching team as the massive entity tears through New York City.  It is nostalgic yet fresh at the same time and undoubtedly an amazing sight to behold.

Ghostbusters will be out in June to coincide with the franchise's cinematic anniversary.  It is an incredibly fun title to play and gamers owe it themselves to add this title to their wish lists.  It is full of humor, immense detail, and addictive gameplay. In the meantime, be sure to check out our interview with Terminal Reality's Glen Gamble for more details on this highly anticipated title.