'Ghostbusters: The Video Game' game review

(Credit: Atari)

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Developer: Terminal Reality (PS3, 360, PC; “BloodRayne”), Red Fly Studios (Wii, PS2, DS; “Mushroom Men”)
Publisher: Atari
Available on: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2, DS, PC
Reviewed on: Wii

A few months ago, Dan Aykroyd said he considered this game to be “the third ‘Ghostbusters’ movie.” Some people (read: game haters, film snobs, ghosts…) scoffed at the idea. Sure, Aykroyd and Harold Ramis had written the game’s script, and they were reprising their roles along with costars Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, Brian Doyle-Murray and William Atherton. But the third movie? That’s sacrilege!

Well, no, no it isn’t, especially since the game is actually a lot more enjoyable than 1989’s “Ghostbusters II.” There are some very funny lines expertly delivered by the original actors, a cinematic storyline that would’ve worked as a film, and even snippets of the classic theme song. In short, “Ghostbusters: The Video Game” has everything fans would want to see in a new movie, with the added bonus of being able to play one of the lead roles yourself.

If the rumors are true, this game sets up the new “Ghostbusters” movie currently in development, which will probably see the guys welcoming a whole new squad of ’busters. Set two years after the second movie, the game invites you to sign on as a new recruit, with all the on-the-job training you can handle. Of course, things don’t always go as planned with these guys (and it would be a rather boring game if they did).

In terms of how you bust said ghosts, the game is a third-person action shooter. Instead of shooting something until it dies (these are ghosts, duh), you shoot until it gives up and you can capture it. You can wear a ghost down by shaking the stream, which sends the spirits slamming into walls, the floor, or any solid object that happens to be nearby. Of course it’s easier said than done when the ghosts won’t just stand there and take it—they run away, or run around like a chicken with its head cut off, or run at you, leaving you slimed. They’ll also toss things your way, which—if not avoided or deflected by a well-aimed stream—can hurt like the dickens.

All of this is especially fun on the Wii, which lets you swing the Wiimote around like a proton pack, and wiggle it to shake off any slime that might be slowing you down. The Wii also has the added benefit of more cartoony graphics than the 360 and PS3 versions, matching the game’s lighthearted tone. Though opting for the lack of tactile controls and cartoon visuals in those versions is more of a personal choice—the game works just as well on the 360 and PS3 as it does on the Wii. [Check out our gallery of screen shots to compare the different looks.]

Ultimately, “Ghostbusters: The Game” succeeds in the same way 2007’s “Simpsons” game did: it’s more funny than fun, but it’s a whole lot of fun, especially for fans. It’s proof that, yes, bustin’ makes you feel good. Professionally speaking, of course.

Bottom line: For “Ghostbusters” fans, ignoring this game would be a disaster on par with dogs and cats living together.