Ghostbusters: The Video Game

We've said it before and we'll say it again, movie tie-ins are increasingly becoming bigger and better, even if the majority of titles are entirely lacking in any form of substance, there are more and more rare success stories creeping through the critical dragnet. Ghostbusters: The Video Game is one of those games, appealing in its own right and a great example of how to make the very best in fan service.

The most difficult aspect of creating this game from developer Terminal Reality's perspective, is that Ghostbusters is so ingrained into pop culture that they simply couldn't please every single fan. From series newcomers to children of the 80's who had the films on VHS, Slimer lunchboxes and the Ghostbuster HQ action play set, this was never going to be easy.

Breathe a sigh of relief oh ye of little faith as the developer has done an exceptional job of capturing the touches that made the movies to special in the first place. Set in 1991, following the events of the second film, you play as a new recruit to the team, hired by Egon to test all of the team's new and potentially dangerous equipment. Sucks to be you.

Following one of those catastrophic events that seemed to happen every few years in 1990's New York, waves of ghosts start terrorising the city again, meaning it's up to our rookie to strap on his proton accelerator and hit the streets with the team. Along the way, you really do feel like the new guy, forever being hazed by the squad, endlessly on the receiving end of Venkman's scathing wit, sent on potentially lethal errands by the constantly over-excited Ray and confused by Egon's overly-complicated explanations and paranormal jargon.

The acting is superb and the character models are bang on, letting you really get immersed in the series all over again. The subtle nods to the movies are also superb and you may find yourself thinking 'ohhhh yeaaaah' when a familiar event jolts your memory of the films. From the team's run-in with a certain ghostly librarian, a standoff with the insufferable Walter Peck and an explosive battle against the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, you never feel compelled to pick up on the game's faults, which are often excused because of how much fun it is to play.

In true third-person shooter style, your cadet moves slowly and rather clumsily, which can also be excused as he's wearing a giant bit of metal on his back, so we'll allow that one. Shooting is a riot as your proton beam wears down ghosts and chews through scenery like butter. Remember the dining room scene in the first film? This time you get to do that yourself as your rookie and Venkman lay waste to a Bar Mitzvah, 20 minutes before the guests arrive. Oops.

Capturing ghosts is a three-part sequence that sees you chipping away at their health with one of four weapons, then tiring them out by slamming them into the scenery and finally, snaring them in your trap. It works well and takes away some of the repetition found in many shooters.

Unfortunately, no game is perfect and at times you will wish this was. The AI leaves a lot to be desired as you will find yourself doing the lion's share of the leg work. The story gets a bit convoluted later on and the lip sync is totally off, which is a crying shame because it all starts off so bloody well.

Don't be discouraged however, as this really is a game worthy of the Ghostbusters name, with a dry cool wit the series is known for and gameplay to match. Just remember, don't cross the streams!