Playtest: Ghostbusters
There was a building or something with flames coming out of it, and there were creatures writhing around...Published 12/06/2009 at 8:30 by nofi
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I’ll admit, I’m a huge Ghostbusters fan. From the 80s films, to the 8-bit computer games, to the toys, send it my way and I’ll soak it up, especially when the latest in the franchise turns out to be exclusive to the PS3 in Europe. Yes, you could import the Xbox 360 version (it’s region free) but the message that you can only buy Ghostbusters for the PlayStation 3 in GAME and GameStation will surely send out strong messages to Joe Public, even if it’s only temporary.
Not that Ghostbusters is particularly visually stunning or that it makes full use of the PlayStation 3’s technical grunt, because it’s not, and it doesn’t. The visuals appear to be sub-720p (and then upscaled to 1080p), the frame rate’s all over the shop and there’s the usual pre-game exhale as the game requires a reasonably lengthy install before it’s up and running, with further mid-level loads hidden behind non-skippable pre-rendered cutscenes.
The controls are clever, though. For the most part it’s a third person blaster, much like Gears (complete with roadie-run sprint) albeit with the ‘busters being lighter on their feet than the clunking space marines; the game handles switches to the PK Meter’s first person view with inpunity for when the game requires a switch to a more subtle, scary section but most of the game will see you staring at your on-screen character’s right shoulder.
Aiming and movement is as you’d expect, with fully reversable right-stick options for those that play with kooky setups, and whilst the weaponry is a little confusing at first (R2 to fire, L1 to switch to a grapple beam, L2 to slam ghosts, fire projectiles, and so on) once you’ve got the hang of the way the game wants you to trap ghosts it’s actually quite straightforward. Naturally the biggest spectres give up less easily, but you’re often reduced to wrestling with them as they get sucked into the trap.
It’s never particularly scary, mind, and it’s clearly not meant to be: the game is filled with humour, chock full of the wonderful character that we were hoping for and the fact that the actors have not only lended their physical appearance to the game, but also their voice talents, gives the game a huge amount of grounding and weight. Yes the game covers old ground (hello, Slimer) but it’s for a good reason and it’s self referrential throughout – and the Stay Puft battle is awesome.
If you’re a fan, you’ll be in heaven. We’ll have the full review as soon as possible.
Comments
Please note that all comments are the opinion of the individual author and not TheSixthAxis.
DarthSharkey | 12/06/2009 08:37
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1041 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
I’m looking forward to this, Ghostbusters is a great franchise that needed something to get it going again, also, the roadie-run was fun the first time I done it in gears. I thought it was funny.
Aitrus | 12/06/2009 09:00
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1485 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
Sounds great for fans – and I’m one of them!
On another note: for some reason I can’t see comment #1. I can see replies to it and comment #2 and onwards. Weird…
BryOnRye | 12/06/2009 10:03
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813 TSA Points | Member since: Jan 2009
Think its to do with viewing the site on older versions of IE.
Aitrus | 12/06/2009 12:10
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1485 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
IE might be the problem but I’m on version 8 so it’s not exactly old
fid | 12/06/2009 09:20
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207 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
is there only me that isn’t really looking forward to this?
double-o-dave | 12/06/2009 09:52
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995 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2008
Me neither, i used to like them when I was about 8, now I just find them annoying.
Saying that though… Busting makes me feel good!
hannes_truce | 12/06/2009 10:04
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2918 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
how can you find bill muwwy annoying. any film he’s in is superb. even though he only ever plays bill muwwy.
Hodgi92 | 12/06/2009 11:06
The Thumb
1056 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Me neither but I might actually consider it now
hannes_truce | 12/06/2009 09:25
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2918 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2008
Sounds like a win for me then, love the ‘busters
deepmenace | 12/06/2009 09:54
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263 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
glad to hear the humour is in there.
“Its true. This man has no dick.”
lol.
shrimpeh | 12/06/2009 09:57
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323 TSA Points | Member since: Jan 2009
Thought this was an exclusive but then the blockbusters in Felixstowe had posters for the xbox version. Muppets.
Mick939 | 12/06/2009 09:59
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891 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Is there anyone who isn’t a ghostbuster fan
double-o-dave | 12/06/2009 10:24
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995 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2008
Me, they killed the staypuft marshmallow man!!!
Hodgi92 | 12/06/2009 11:06
The Thumb
1056 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Me
MaNiAc-Uk | 12/06/2009 10:23
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50 TSA Points | Member since: Jun 2009
thats intresting that is exsclusive to game and game station my mate has it on pre order in hmv bond street.
does any one know of any middnight openings in london as i want to get my mitts on it the night before as i have booked off friday as i have to travel to a event dont worry will be taking ps3 with me to get some gaming in over the week end as me and mates are all big fans of the original movies and the c64 original game which was the first game i brought for my first computer that with a quick shot joystick hooked for hrs on the bit mapped game.
spooner_22 | 12/06/2009 10:51
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1167 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
Think I’m gonna wait for some reviews on this first.
I love Ghostbusters, just not sure this game is for me.
MaxJCT | 12/06/2009 10:55
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414 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
same, especially with the 5 hour playtime
YOURMUMANDME | 12/06/2009 11:02
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1145 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
Has anyone else noticed the Ghostbusters store link in vidzone ? It doesn’t want to work for me yet but surely that indicates it’s about to go on the store ?
Hodgi92 | 12/06/2009 11:07
The Thumb
1056 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Good spot!
Hodgi92 | 12/06/2009 11:07
The Thumb
1056 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Might be getting this game.
I’ll wait for the review first though
Manorhowze | 12/06/2009 11:22
Driving God
2028 TSA Points | Member since: Dec 2008
Good hands on nofi. Its pretty much what I would have expected. Unsure whether this will be a purchase or a rental at the moment, the multiplayer will probably dictate whether or not I buy it.
Look forward to your full review.
osamp | 12/06/2009 13:30
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111 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
Who u gonna call? Can’t wait!!
toutski | 12/06/2009 17:09
Legend
4155 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
Indeed!!!
jonny_bolton | 12/06/2009 14:05
Chooses The Impossible
1986 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
I can’t wait for this. I love all things Ghostbusters.
3shirts | 12/06/2009 14:19
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2479 TSA Points | Member since: Aug 2008
Really, ever played the NES game?
yogh_wayne | 12/06/2009 15:30
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I’ll be in heaven
Really looking forward to this. It’s great that it’s an original story and the cast from the old movies.