Ghostbusters The Video Game (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii)

After many years and bribes on the actors part, the third Ghostbusters movie was finally released in the form of a fully-functional 3rd-person shooter game.  Using the lastest physics engines, the destructional enviroment gives the player full access to all the movie favorites, plus some extras that Egon worked up in the lab.  The game allows single-player missions, with competitive co-op over XBL.

The game is set 2 years after the second movie in NYC.  The player is a rookie character joing the Ghostbusters as a equipment tech, testing new add-ons to the popular proton pack.  While the proton streams will be the primary weapon choice, the 3 additional add-ons help the player take down the ghosts easier for the trap.  The main story was written by Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd and further develops the plot from the first movie surrounding Gozer, the Destructor.  It seems Gozer was just a pawn in an even wilder plot to merge our realm with that of the ghost world.  The game takes the Ghostbusters to previous movie locations like the Public Library, a museum, Central Park, and fifth ave.  With plenty of ghosts to trap or vaporize, players will find each ghost difficult to trap or eliminate.  Of course, all the characters are back in their orginal roles, looking much younger then they do now, including Peck and a damsel in distress voice by Allysa Milano.  And of course, Stay Puff, Slimer, and the librarian are back as well with even more terrifying ghosts to manage with.  The campaign takes about 14 hours to run through.

The proton pack goes through many changes in the game.  Aside from the proton stream, a lime blower, Meson Collider, and Stasis stream have been added to assist the players on ghosts.  It is important to scan the ghosts throughout the game as well.  The player is equipped with a PKE meter and Ghost goggles to help locate the ghosts.  By scanning ghosts, the player can review the ghosts weaknesses as well as background on the ghosts.  This is needed as some ghosts can be vaporized with the Stasis Shock function.  As the player traps ghosts, money is added to by upgrades to the weapons making them very powerful.  Be mindful when upgrading certain functions, some are quite expensive.

Multiplayer is a mix of competitive co-op and just survival.  When a player is slimed by a ghost, it is important to revive him quickly, as the odds are extremely stacked against you.  Also, running solo is not a good idea as you may find yourself alone against several powerful ghosts.  Just like in the movies, crossing the streams is never a good idea, players will notice when this happens from the vibrations from the controller.  The best way to stop this is to stop firing and retarget the enemy.  If not, protonic reversal occurrs and everyone dies.  Competition rounds are in a 3 round format with 7 distinct play types to challeneg everyone.  Only the best teamwork survives each mission.  Instead of EXP awarded, money is given to players for ghosts trapped and for bonuses at the end of each round.  As the player advances to GhostBuster of the Year status, different uniforms are unlocked.

The game itself is very satisfying to anyone who wants to feel the power of a proton pack, however, their are some downsides to the game.  In the campaign, players may find themselves reviving their more experienced colleages more often.  Also, trap dunking is an add-on to the trap for a quick trap.  However, it must hit the trap correctly or it is a waste.  The proton pack does overheat after prolonged use, and the time it takes to recharge may hinder some critical shots.  With the PKE equipped, the player can not shoot and movement is limited.  Also their is no zoom function it.

In all, the game is worth it to those who have always wanted to be a Ghostbuster.  The cutscenes are very funny and enjoyable and gives a more action-comedic feeling then what the movies could provide.  Achievements are named from popular sayings from the movies and are more fun rather then challenging to get.  While the replay value may not be the same for everyone, the Professional difficulty is quite difficult and requires people who mastered the trap dunking.  If a third movie is to be made, this is a great start to things to come from the Ghostbusters.