GGA Review: A Masterful Remaster for GHOSTBUSTERS: THE VIDEO GAME

I ain’t afraid of no ghost! As a long-time Ghostbusters fan, I have consumed almost-everything Ghostbusters: films, cartoons, comics, and even video games. When the original Ghostbusters: The Video Game debuted in 2009, I immediately fell in love as busted ghosts on my PS2 and Nintendo Wii. Now, 10 years later, Saber Interactive and Mad DogGames‘ Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered delivers the same hilarity and hard-hitting action, with a fresh remastered feel.

Gameplay

The gameplay truly shines in this remaster. The controls and ghostbusting gear feels especially good on the Nintendo Switch. It takes some time to master the various buttons, controls, and combos, but once you’ve got those down, you’ll be busting ghosts in no time! Additionally, due to the fast-paced nature of the gameplay, the game soars by rather quickly. I wish that in this remaster new features and game components could have been added to lengthen the total amount of playtime.

Likewise, in the Wii version of the title, you had the option of playing as a female Ghostbuster. This is another aspect that I wish had been added to Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered. Granted, the Wii game was stylistically different, but, as a female gamer and Ghostbusters fan, I wish there was a way to see myself in this remastered title.

Storyline

From its debut, Ghostbusters: The Video Game has been hailed as the “unofficial” third Ghostbusters film. The remaster is no different. This is because the game was written by both Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd. Rarely do video games inspired by films feature the film’s original writers. And this is what makes this title FEEL like a true Ghostbusters experience. The dialogue, tone, and story all feel connected to the cinematic universe.

Once again, spectral spooks are terrorizing New York. It’s up to you, the Ghostbusters’ newest recruit, to not only stop these specters but also test out some new gear along the way. Is there something more sinister lurking beneath New York’s surface? You’ll just have to hop in the Ecto-1 and find out! As a huge Ghostbusters fan, I feel nothing but joy when playing this title. It truly makes you feel like you’re in a Ghostbusters film.

Visuals

The remastered graphics are gorgeous in this title. I was truly blown away by how crisp this game was when I first loaded it up on my Nintendo Switch. Ghostbusters: The Video Game’s graphics were fairly standard for 2009, however, it appears that Saber Interactive truly stepped up for this remaster. The character’s faces are more defined, the lighting design helps set the mood for each encounter, and the ghosts look great.

Overall

If you are familiar with the original title, you’re in for a cleaner and crisper familiar gameplay. Similarly, if you are new to Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered, prepare for a fun and fast-paced story-driven game. And with a new film on the horizon, this is a perfect title to fill your Ghostbusters’ needs before July 2020. So grab your twinkies, some Ecto-Cooler, blast Ray Parker Jr., and get ready to bust some ghosts!

Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered is out now for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.