Player’s Club: Ghostbusters: The Video Game

By Garrett Martin Tuesday June 16, 2009 07:45 PM EDT

Ghostbusters: The Video Game

Rated T for Teen

Released June 16

Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, PC

Published by Atari

What it is: Ghostbusters: The Video Game isn’t just a game. It’s an unofficial sequel to the 80’s classics. Like the movies, the third-person, Gears of War-style action game has a script by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, and many actors from the movies reprise their roles. Aykroyd, Ramis, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, and even William Atherton (the dude who played Walter Peck) show up. Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis passed, unfortunately, so Alyssa Milano voices a new love interest for Murray. You can bet the cut-scenes will be long with all these folks on board.

Bustin’ makes you feel good when: Aykroyd, Ramis, and Murray start talking in the very first cut-scene. Fans of the movies will love hearing these characters again, especially with this script, which is packed full of Ghostbusters trivia and references. Those just looking for a good game will enjoy the generally solid action.

Although it looks like a shooter, Ghostbusters: The Video Game doesn’t quite play like one. Sure, you shoot ghosts with your proton stream, but the goal usually isn’t to destroy them but to wear them down and drag them into a trap. That can take some time, but it distinguishes the game from other shooters, treats the subject matter with respect, and also just feels good. The four-person multiplayer is also a nice change of pace for your Left 4 Dead foursome.