Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

New Ghostbusters II places you right behind the proton pack, letting you choose two of the five iconic ghostbusters—be it the familiar Slimer-fighting team or the unlikely hero Louis Tully. You control one buster equipped with the signature proton beam, while your AI partner deploys traps to net the restless spirits you’ve frozen. This dynamic duo setup encourages a subtle form of teamwork, even in single-player mode, as you juggle aiming streams of protons and guiding ectoplasmic foes toward the awaiting trap.

The game unfolds in a three-quarters isometric perspective, guiding you from room to room in six distinct levels that mirror key locations from Ivan Reitman’s original film. From the grandeur of City Hall’s chambers to the damp tunnel systems of the subway, each area presents unique layouts and ghost types—from jittery poltergeists to hulking specters. The core objective remains constant: clear every room of spirits before advancing, but the variety of ghost behaviors keeps encounters feeling fresh.

Difficulty ramps up thoughtfully. Early levels let you familiarize yourself with proton pack overheat mechanics and trap placement, while later stages demand precision timing to avoid damage—only the player-controlled buster takes hits when ghosts make contact. Boss fights at each level’s end challenge you to identify attack patterns and combine protons with well-placed traps, injecting a satisfying puzzle-shooting rhythm into the action. For veterans, optional time trials and ghost-cleanup speed runs extend replay value.

Graphics

Visually, New Ghostbusters II adopts a stylized, cartoon-inspired look that honors the movie’s supernatural whimsy without aiming for photo realism. Character sprites are crisply drawn, capturing each buster’s silhouette, while proton beams glow with vibrant hues that pop against the darker corridors of haunted city landmarks. The isometric view gives you a broad vantage on ghost spawn points and trap placements, helping you plan your next move strategically.

Environments evoke the film’s atmosphere: the courthouse courtroom features looming pillars and shadowy gallery seats; the museum’s art wing is populated with eerie paintings that occasionally come alive. Textures are simple but effective, ensuring clarity on smaller screens and maintaining consistent frame rates even during intense multi-ghost skirmishes. Occasional lighting effects—like flickering subway lamps or the pulsing aura around Vigo’s altar—add depth without overwhelming the action.

Animation is smooth, from the playful recoil of your proton pack kickback to the comical flail of a ghost as it thrashes toward a trap. Ghost designs range from amorphous slimes to more elaborate boss spirits, each sporting distinct color palettes so you can prioritize targets by threat level. While the overall visual fidelity won’t rival high-budget console blockbusters, the art direction and clear onscreen feedback deliver a charming, functional aesthetic that’s perfect for both newcomers and nostalgic fans.

Story

Rather than retell every nuance of the film, New Ghostbusters II opts for a streamlined narrative that hits the franchise’s most memorable beats. You begin with the city in disarray, tasked with quelling a spectral uprising culminating in the eerie rise of Vigo’s malevolent influence. Between missions, brief text snippets and sprite-based cutscenes set the stage, offering just enough context without derailing the action.

Character banter is light and often humorous, capturing the team’s trademark camaraderie. Although dialogue is minimalist—mostly short quips when you capture a major ghost or trigger a boss encounter—it evokes the spirit of the original cast. Louis Tully’s inclusion as an unlockable buster adds a playful twist, complete with slightly clumsier movement and a tongue-in-cheek line or two whenever he unwittingly steps into danger.

The game’s six levels loosely mirror the movie’s structure: courthouse showdown, subway chase, apartment haunting, subterranean tunnels, museum chaos, and the final ritual at Vigo’s altar. While it doesn’t introduce major new plot twists, weaving boss fights into each stage gives the storyline tangible milestones. By the climax, you’ll feel a genuine sense of progression as you inch closer to averting the spectral takeover in grand Ghostbusters fashion.

Overall Experience

New Ghostbusters II strikes a satisfying balance between accessible arcade action and light puzzle elements. Its cooperative trap-and-zap mechanics encourage strategic planning—especially when facing multiple ghost types simultaneously—while the isometric view offers a comfortable read on each room’s layout. Whether you’re a long-time fan craving nostalgia or a newcomer curious about ghost-busting thrills, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

Despite modest presentation, the game’s strengths lie in its energetic pacing and faithful franchise nods. Levels are concise enough to stay engaging yet expansive enough to introduce fresh ghost behaviors and environmental hazards. Boss fights punctuate the run-and-gun gameplay with memorable challenges, ensuring that you’re always striving to optimize your proton-beam–to–trap strategy.

Overall, New Ghostbusters II delivers an entertaining, bite-sized ghost-hunting adventure with just the right blend of humor, action, and challenge. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it stands as a solid licensed title that honors its source material and offers satisfying gameplay loops. Grab a friend (or an AI partner) and prepare your packs—there are ghosts to be busted.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10