Like many, we have fond memories of the Ghostbusters movies and to a degree the early Ghostbusters video games, which tried to capture the essence of the movies but due to hardware limitations, failed miserably - although it was hard to see that at the time. Well fast forward to 2009, and more specifically looking forwards to July 15th, as we're all going to be privy to a new Ghostbusters video game, and after how many years? The franchise has enjoyed plenty of success and spins offs, including the popular animated series, but no third movie was ever made despite this success. The enigmatic Dan Akroyd and Harold Ramis who penned the original story have returned to write the script for the videogame, which technically isn't a movie-tie in game per se, as its launch coincides with the Blu-Ray release and 25th anniversary of the movie. We were invited to an exclusive hands on play of the game in London's West End, and before we divulge our thoughts, let's take an overall look at what the game offers.
For starters, the game offers a brand new Ghostbusting experience with a solid and new story mode, plus the addition of a multiplayer for online play. The original cast return not only to provide their rather cool likenesses, but also their voices are featured throughout the story, you'll often hear remarks being uttered as you play. You'll assume the role of a new recruit to the Ghostbusters squad, the FNG so to speak. The new guys seems to be a more experimental device for testing out new ghost busting gadgets. Rather than allow gamers the choice to play as the well recognized characters through the story mode, Terminal Reality made a conscious design choice that would reflect being able to appreciate the strengths and personalities of the four main characters without intruding on it. Never fear though, because the game's multiplayer allows you to choose one of the four original characters. The game's story is set 2 years after the second movie, and once again, Manhattan is being overrun by the spooky apparitions. Your task is to undertake a series of jobs throughout the city whilst solving the mystery of the ghosts appearing in our realm.
Ghostbusters is a third person action game and plays in a very accessible manner. The first thing that is worth mentioning is the impressive use of prop physics. A major part of the humor the Ghostbusters exude is the fact that whilst purging various establishments of their horrors, the process is far from simple and clean, often resulting in a huge and humorous amount of collateral damage. Well the game seems to capture this essence perfectly as you're able to shoot up most objects and cause burns on the majority of surfaces. In other words, the pristine locations you are sent to, end up looking like a tornado has torn through them. The physics engine is not just for show either, as objects can be manipulated as a tool for additional attacks. What's more, those pesky ghosts can also use the physics engine to their advantage too. We were shown how the game's Golem Tech is used, which in laymans terms presents lumbering ghosts that use parts of the environment to create a physical form. In this case, a scene within a library had the ghost creating a being made out of the many books lying around.
Another example we were shown, was the use of some mirrors and a ghost using them as a means of tele-porting. Seven years bad luck aside, you are able to smash the mirrors in an attempt to limit the ghost's movements. The game's use of prop manipulation is an interesting mechanic and although not entirely original, for the subject matter is quite fitting indeed.
Ghostbusters offers a comprehensive multiplayer mode for up to 4 players, which unlike its peers, offers a more co-op based experience, although there is a somewhat competitive edge to it. As already mentioned, gamers will be able to choose the four original cast members or the FNG. They'll be able to rank up their chosen characters and gain unique power-ups such as the Ghost Shrinker and Ethereal shield. Unlike the single player, there's a limit on ammo in the multiplayer game, thus forcing the element of teamwork. What's more, the AI for the ghosts has been tweaked to offer a suitable challenge for would be ghost busting online partners. The online features two main modes of play, Instant Action and Campaign Mode. There are 12 different maps available across four themed environments such as Library, Streets, Cemetery and Museum. There are also 6 job types, Survival, Containment, Destruction, Protection, Thief and Slime Dunk. What is neat is the inclusion of a ranking system, and online leader-boards to showcase how well you fare against peers. Another interesting feature is the addition of Most Wanted Ghosts, which are special ghosts that appear based on the experience of the team. Your job is to capture them all - no doubt netting kudos and some other form of rewards.
The demo we played was not very long, but offered a glimpse of the game's story set within one of the upper regions of a building in Manhattan. You'll be able to toggle on the fly the infamous PKE scanner which uses the specialized vision to view ghosts signiture and locate them before they appear normally - it's the Ghostbusters own form of radar. You're able to continue moving in this mode, as it assumes a more first person viewpoint here. Most players are going to let rip with their Photon weaponry as soon as they assume control, why? Well, there's something rather sadistically pleasing about causing unnecessary mayhem to the untarnished locales. This has been featured very well and as already mentioned, the physics are an impressive elemnent. The mission we played had Stay Puft's (the giant marshmallow man) minions coming out of the ceiling and surround us which resulted in a sticky blast fest. The mission begins with you teamed up with one of the other Ghostbusters as you work together in co-op. If your partner is downed, then you're able to revive them a la Gears of War.
The opening of this mission was pretty full-on action, and a perfect excuse to test out the weaponry, which comes with regular firing mode and a more shotgun type alternative attack. The general idea is to target enemies and weaken them before trapping, or in the case of the minions explode. A meter is shown on the reticule which informs you how much stamina the ghosts have remaining. What is worth noting is your weapons will overheat if you keep the pressure on too heavily. This means you'll be locked out of using them for a short duration, which ultimately allows the ghosts to recharge their stamina.
The second part of the demo saw us rescuing a damsel in distress from the clutches of the Stay Puft giant marshmallow man. Actually, there was little to do here other than shoot his giant arm as it smashed through the building. Once completed the real ghost-busting began on the rooftop overlooking the city. In this area a number of more traditional ghosts appeared and it was here that the rest of the team joined the fray. Capturing ghosts is very satisfying and has been incorporated very well and as you would expect. Weaken the ghost by shooting them, harnessing them and slamming them into the ground (LT) and then as they are dazed, hit the (X button) to launch one of your traps beneath them. You'll finally enter a tug of war type scenario where you'll engage in some wrestling with the trapped ghost caught in your beam. You need to pull the ghost over the open trap and guide it in before it closes and traps the critter.It's just like in the movies and works really well, as the ghost struggle to escape your grasp. Sadly, once all of the ghosts had been trapped (and you can retrieve the traps afterward) the demo ended - which was a shame because you're left wanting more. We played through the demo at least three times to get a good feel for it.
The demo at least was very easy to get into, and we're going to assume the full game will be just as accessible. We're told the single player should last around 8 hours for the average gamer, and offers three levels of difficulty to suit the player's needs. We think Ghostbusters the videogame is going to be an excellent action game not only for fans of the franchise, but also gamers looking for some humorous fun filled gaming. Terminal Reality seem to have nailed the whole essence of what it means to be a Ghostbuster, and we think in this respect, gamers are going to appreciate what they have accomplished with a not so tied, movie tie in game. The game releases on July 15th 2009 and a demo is planned pre-release.
Preview By: Robert Cram
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