A movie-based game w/o the movie
posted by baldassbat (SALT LAKE CITY, UT) Jan 25, 2010
Member since Dec 2009
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In my experience movie-based games tend to fall flat. Something really gets lost in the translation. As with all things there are a few exceptions. Ghostbusters is based on the franchise, but is not based on one of the films. This formula seems bizarre, but works surprisingly well. Written by Dan Akroyd and Harold Ramis (just like the films) it also features the voice talents of the original stars (Akroyd, Ramis, Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson).
The writing is funny and appropriate to the series (though having Winston wonder aloud why there are so many "spooks" in Central Park pushes the limits of taste). In fact, it could be considered Ghostbusters 3, though rumor has it they are now working on a film that will claim that title. Personally I never cared for the films. The game, however, was enjoyable. The controls are pretty fluid but I did occasionally stumble when attempting maneuvers that are not used often. Gameplay is kept fresh through the continual addition of new weapons and devices. Unfortunately the new weapons became useful only in context during later stages and some I never used because I forgot what to do with them.
Gameplay and on the fly dialogue does get repetitive during the end game. Which is sad considering gameplay is less than 12 hours, significantly less if you are good. There are plenty of hidden objects and secondary goals that could extend your experience. I didn't spend the extra time for what amounts to trophy hunting. Considering how long the game has been out it's no surprise that online multiplayer is basically dead so those trophies are not achievable anyway and platinum is out of reach.
I can definitely see a strong future for this series in the game world even without a new movie on the horizon. Considering the trials this game beat to even come to market this may never happen. If I were making the sequel I would go 4 player co-op, a la Left 4 Dead. Or, with the right story tweaks, an MMO is not impossible.
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