Windows

Ghostbusters: The Video Game

Sure, this might not be the “perfect” Ghostbusters experience, but think of it this way: an old franchise, rebuilt from the ground up as a video game, for multiple platforms. See? You were expecting something awful, but this is a genuinely fun game to play. Go ahead, breathe a sigh of relief, and enjoy this outstanding revival of an old favorite.

When the smoke has cleared and the proton packs have been depowered, at the end of the day, Ghostbusters: The Video Game got the job done, though at times that job is about as tidy as the Sedgewick Hotel dinning room after an extermination. There are some flaws, including the lack of a local co-op mode, however there is just so much that was done right that you can't help but have a blast. It may not be everything you ever wanted out of a Ghostbusters game, but it's as close as you're going to get to perfection at this point. [And just be happy it was finally released. ~Ed.] So, what are you waiting for? Call them.

What can I say - Ghostbusters: The Video Game succeeds in being a proper Ghostbusters game with a good storyline and gameplay that fits the setting and gets a thumbs up for that. On the other hand, it is embarrassingly linear with almost zero replayability and the PC version omits multiplayer modes found on the consoles. At least it is priced accordingly, offering reasonable value.

Despite these gripes, Ghostbusters is an outstanding and thoughtfully assembled title. It is all the more impressive when one considers the fact that this is a multiplatform release, and essentially a new addition to the storyline of a franchise. It might not be the crown jewel of a summer gaming experience, but it’s certainly worth playing – especially if you’re a fan of the films.

Like any game, getting the basic gameplay mechanics right means you can have a fun and unique experience every time you play. Ghostbusters succeeds here, right where it counts most. A great variety of ghosts to tangle with, coupled with the great pacing of investigative tracking missions, makes Ghostbusters one hell of a romp. The fact that it is essentially a “movie” game built for a multiplatform release makes this feat even more impressive, in my book. Sure, the game has its faults, and a co-op mode would have been amazing, but this is still an outstanding little package. Ghostbusters old and new, rejoice. Your time has come.

Ghostbusters is een aardige game die gelukkig niet te lijden heeft onder het "we maken snel een spel voor de film"-syndroom.

On peut légitimement penser que cette adaptation parlera un peu plus aux fans des films qu'à ceux qui n'y portent pas d'intérêt ou ne les connaissent pas. Loin d'être parfait avec ses problèmes de rythme, ses combats un poil brouillons et une certaine redondance, SOS Fantômes a pourtant réussi à faire fructifier son capital sympathie en nous mettant un pack à protons dans les mains et en se montrant fidèle à l'esprit des films. Un produit idéal pour les admirateurs de Peter Venkman, Raymond Stantz, Egon Spengler et Winston Zeddemore. En revanche, on déplore la qualité en dents de scie de ce portage PC à l'optimisation peu convaincante et qui voit le mode multijoueur s'envoler.

There's a gaping crevasse that PC enthusiasts will be staring into should they choose this version of the game, however: while Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 players get a fascinating online experience that extends this relatively short seven-hour jaunt, PC players don't get so much as a glimpse. The discount price helps alleviate this issue, but be prepared to stare down some noticeable signs of console porting, such as minimal graphics options and keyboard-centric menus. Yet these sour notes can't spoil a game that, by and large, tickles the funny bone and hits the notes a Ghostbusters game should, a few exceptions aside. If you're a fan of the films, or just like a little bit of supernatural fun, there's no need to glance about furtively when picking up your copy of Ghostbusters The Video Game. Instead, hold your head high, confident that you've spent your money on a fun game mostly worthy of its beloved license.

"Ghostbusters: The Videogame" é um grande trabalho, feito com muito cuidado para agradar aos fãs da já antiga série cinematográfica. Já que o terceiro filme nunca chegou a sair do papel, esta é a melhor oportunidade para revisitar o quarteto de caçadores de fantasmas, com incrível grau de envolvimento e fidelidade. Com produção caprichada, diálogos inspirados e muita ação, é com certeza um dos mais marcantes lançamentos de 2009.