REVIEW: ‘Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered’ (PS4)

The Ghostbusters franchise has gained immense popularity since the release of the first film. From the two original films, video games, television shows, spin-off films, comic books, and collectibles, this franchise has become a staple within the realm of popular culture. While I didn’t immerse myself in this franchise until I was in my teenage years, I can’t imagine my love for science-fiction horror would be the same. And as an added bonus, this franchise has by far one of the catchiest theme songs I’ve ever listened to. It’s safe to say that I was excited to learn that Ghostbusters: The Video Game was being remastered for modern consoles this year.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered, which is developed by Saber Interactive, is the remastered version of the 2009 video game of the same name. Although this remastered game was released for major consoles and PC, this review will focus on the PS4 version.  Players will play as Rookie, the newest recruit for the Ghostbusters team. Rookie has been added to the team as an equipment checker. The team must take care of a supernatural energy pulse that emanated from the Gozer exhibit in the Museum of Natural History. This causes the team to deal with their toughest challenge yet while teaching Rookie what it truly means to be a Ghostbuster.

Most of the basic instructions for the game are given at the first level of the game. Players are given a proton pack, which has several functions. It serves as a health bar and packs energy. Using the Proton Pack accumulates energy, which players will have to watch out for to prevent the pack from overheating. To trap ghosts, players will need to use the Proton Packs and deal enough damage. Once the ghosts have a red-ish meter above them, players will need to use their Capture Stream and slam them around to weaken them more. Once they’re weak enough, players will need to set down a trap and use the Capture Stream to drag and hold them on top of the trap. With each ghost captured, players will earn money that can be used to purchase upgrades for the equipment.

Ghostbuster: The Video Game Remastered is a classic third-person shooter with no cover mechanics. Players travel through various locations that were established in the original films. The overall fighting mechanics aren’t perfect but they work within the game. As mentioned above, the Proton Pack shows the health meter, which made capturing ghosts easier to capture. As the game progresses, players can obtain new weapons to defeat and capture ghosts. When switching the weapon type, the player’s backpack transforms, which will make it easier to distinguish what weapon they’ve selected. The other Ghostbusters will sometimes accompany players. Whenever someone on the team falls, players can revive them or be revived by them.

Having not played the game before, I really enjoyed the game’s story. Most of the main cast from the original films reprise their roles in the game, which seems to make this a true sequel to Ghostbusters 2. It feels as if the entire cast is in the same room acting these scenes out rather than it being a game. There’s a much more solidified plot that could only be accomplished by those who write films rather than those who just write plots for video games. It captures the true essence of the franchise rather than trying to establish something new. Whether it’s fighting against the Marshmallow Man or fighting against swarms of ghosts, new and old fans of the series will quite enjoy the overall plot of the game.

Throughout my time playing the game, the audio was a bit distracting. While I enjoy that the original cast is back, it was a bit difficult to hear them at times. Since I normally play games with a headset on, I noticed that the dialogue would sometimes be stronger on one side of the ear if I faced whoever was speaking. It didn’t help whenever there was music playing in the background. However, it was great to hear the music and sound effects that came from the original films. It made me feel as if I was being introduced to the franchise for the first time all over again.

The graphics have been tremendously improved since it’s a remastered version of a game. Though it doesn’t particularly feel like a new game, it still looks incredible. Being able to travel through the interiors of the levels and seeing the attention to detail that went into the design was amazing to see. The color and theme of the game make it seem as if the game were a playable movie. However, the movement design and the overall feel of the environment show just how old the game is. The character movements were clunky, which often made it difficult to navigate. There were also times when the lip-syncing didn’t follow what the characters were saying. I had hopes that a remastered version of a game that’s been out for 10 years wouldn’t have these sorts of issues.

One of the major components of Ghostbuster: The Video Game Remastered that was available in the original version was the multiplayer option. With players being accompanied by the other Ghostbusters, it would make sense that other players could join them as well. Had the multiplayer option been added to the remastered version, it could have opened the possibility of getting help during difficult parts or helping out when one of the members needed to be revived. I can’t speak to how it looked in the original version, but it would’ve been great to have had in this new version.

Though Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered had several flaws, I really enjoyed playing Ghostbuster: The Video Game Remastered. It took about 8 hours to finish the main story, but I enjoyed every moment of the experience. It relies heavily on the nostalgic feelings that will be brought once the main theme hits and when the central characters show up in the game for the first time. However, the story will surely keep people hooked, regardless of how much they know or love the franchise.

It would be hard to imagine this game not being a third-person shooter. This is a game that I would recommend, but it’s also worth noting that the original version of the game is available to play on the Xbox One through the Backwards Compatability option. At its core, Ghostbuster: The Video Game Remastered still follows the same plot but with major improvements to its design.

Ghostbuster: The Video Game Remastered is available now for the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.