Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ghostbusters II delivers a varied gameplay experience that closely mirrors the action beats of its movie counterpart. Players take direct control of individual Ghostbusters during on-foot missions, using a benevolent slime gun and a standard jump ability to dispatch specters and navigate environmental hazards. The slime weapon offers a satisfying feedback loop—each successful hit splashes colorful goo across the screen, while the jump mechanic helps you finesse tricky platform segments or dodge incoming attacks.

Intermittent driving sequences in the iconic Ecto-1A inject fresh pace into the formula. Here you steer the car through narrow city streets, complete with the same slime-shooting function and a hop over gaps when speed arrows appear on the road. These moments break up the ghost-hunting rhythm, offering a sense of speed and urgency, although the control responsiveness can feel a tad loose on sharper turns.

The climactic Statue of Liberty stage serves as the game’s grand finale, transforming your screen into a battleground of colossal proportions. As Liberty, you fire your torch skyward and, with the right power-up, unleash tablet-based shockwaves that clear mobs in an instant. The towering scale of this section contrasts nicely with earlier levels, but it also raises the stakes—one misjudged leap or poorly aimed blast can send you back to the last checkpoint.

Collectors will appreciate the hidden “Ghostbusters 2” symbols scattered across all levels. Tracking down all 20 symbols grants an extra life, encouraging thorough exploration of each stage. Whether you’re combing the slime‐soaked subway for power‐ups or scouring haunted courtrooms for collectible icons, the hunt for symbols adds a rewarding layer of replayability.

Graphics

Graphically, Ghostbusters II captures the late-80s arcade aesthetic with bright, cartoonish sprites and chunky animations. The character models of each Ghostbuster are instantly recognizable, right down to their proton pack details and jumpsuit hues. Ghost designs vary from mischievous specter to full-blown horror, each rendered with enough flair to keep your eyes engaged.

Environmental art shines in key set pieces: the underground slime river oozes emerald drips down cavern walls, while the courthouse glowing with spectral activity feels suitably menacing. The abandoned subway level nails the grimy station ambiance thanks to dark tiles, dripping pipes, and sudden flickers of failing lights. Even the city streets are well‐detailed with lampposts, fire hydrants, and speeding traffic in the background.

Color and contrast are used effectively to guide your focus. Hostile ghosts almost glow against the darker backdrops, making your slime blasts visually gratifying. The Statue of Liberty boss stage towers above everything, its copper-green hue a bold statement on the bright blue harbor backdrop. Though hardware limitations of its era mean occasional sprite flicker and linear parallax scrolling, the overall package remains vibrant and lively.

Story

Ghostbusters II faithfully adapts the film’s plot beats, placing you in the middle of New York City’s paranormal crisis. The narrative structure follows a logical progression: investigating the courthouse haunting, diving into the subterranean slime river, and then battling ghosts on a derelict subway train. Each section unfolds with brief text-based interludes, setting the scene before you dive into the next supernatural encounter.

The reanimation of the Statue of Liberty emerges directly from the film’s memorable finale, imbuing the game with a sense of cinematic scope. Even without voiceovers or elaborate cutscenes, the designers use scrolling text and environmental cues to convey urgency and story progression. Fans of the movie will appreciate the nods to iconic moments, such as the ghostly courtroom chaos and the final showdown against the sinister painting of Vigo the Carpathian.

While the narrative is straightforward, its faithful adherence to the source material gives players a clear motivation for each level. There’s no filler in the storyline—every stage ties back to the overarching battle against dark forces. This direct approach helps newcomers understand objectives quickly, and long-time Ghostbusters enthusiasts will enjoy reenacting scenes they know so well.

Overall Experience

Ghostbusters II stands out as a nostalgic trip for fans of the franchise, offering a balanced blend of action, platforming, and vehicular sequences. The mix of on-foot slime combat, driving challenges, and the grand Statue of Liberty finale ensures that gameplay never feels monotonous, even if difficulty spikes can be sudden.

Controls are generally responsive, though the driving segments can feel a bit unwieldy during tight maneuvers. Checkpoint placement is fair, limiting frustration after tougher boss encounters or chasm-heavy platforming. The quest to collect 20 hidden symbols lends longevity, encouraging multiple playthroughs and mastery of each level’s layout.

While modern gamers might find the graphics and sound design dated, the game’s charm lies in its faithful representation of the Ghostbusters universe. Energetic slime effects, varied enemy designs, and iconic locales combine to create a cohesive package. Ghostbusters II is an engaging retro action title that delivers on its promise: to let players suit up, blast ghosts, and save New York City once more—just like in the film.

Retro Replay Score

5.4/10