Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The remake of Ghostbusters preserves the beloved dual-mode structure of the original ’80s Activision title while smoothing out modern control quirks. You begin each mission in an overhead “map” view of New York City, scanning a grid for ghost alarms and casual spirits. Choosing the optimal route becomes a mini-puzzle in itself, as you balance the urgency of active alarms against the lure of easy captures along the way.

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Once you’ve plotted your course, the game shifts into a third-person driving sequence where you pilot the Ecto-1 (or your upgraded vehicle) through pixel-perfect city streets. Traffic density, debris and random spirit encounters keep things lively, and snaring casual ghosts on the fly adds a satisfying layer of opportunistic strategy. Controls remain tight and responsive, whether you’re dodging taxis or veering off to chase down that wailing specter.

Arriving at the haunted site triggers the side-view action segment. Two Ghostbusters leap into frame, proton beams at the ready, and you must herd your supernatural quarry toward a precisely placed trap. The tug-of-war physics of beam strength, ghost momentum and trap positioning capture the tactile joy of hunting phantoms. Success nets cash for vehicle upgrades and new gadgets, while failure lets your target vanish in a puff of ectoplasmic mist—fueling your drive to perfect each capture run.

Graphics

This remake dresses up the classic in a fresh coat of paint without losing the charm of its pixel-art heritage. The overhead map benefits from clearer gridlines and more distinct building icons, making it easier to spot hotspots at a glance. On the streets, sprite work for cars and ghosts pops against the asphalt, with smooth animations that bring each phantom’s squirm to life.

The side-view capture sequences showcase impressive beam trails, dynamic shadows and trap animations that glow with spectral energy. Ghost designs are varied and expressive, ranging from mischievous imps to lanky, lumbering ghouls, all rendered in vibrant colors that stand out against darker, moody backdrops. Lighting effects—especially the flare of proton collisions—add a cinematic punch missing from the original.

User-interface elements such as your P.K.E. meter, cash total and vehicle health bars sit neatly in the corners without cluttering the action. Even the city map HUD has been streamlined, with tooltips popping up for landmarks and shop locations. If there’s one minor quibble, it’s that some street environments feel a bit repetitive after extended play—though frequent weather and time-of-day shifts help keep the visuals from ever going stale.

Story

As a faithful tribute to the Ghostbusters lore, this remake puts you in the proton-pumped boots of a new recruit joining the famous paranormal team. The narrative is mission-driven rather than plot-heavy: mysterious hauntings erupt across Manhattan and it’s your job to log each sighting, earn your stripes and bankroll the Ghostbusters’ equipment docket.

Between assignments, HQ radio chatter peppers you with lighthearted banter, quippy one-liners and tongue-in-cheek ghost trivia—just enough to keep the atmosphere playful without derailing the action. Occasional newspaper headlines and in-game news flashes nod to the ’80s setting, fueling the sense that you’re living out a vintage blockbuster sequel.

Progression doubles as storytelling: every new vehicle model, trap upgrade or booster module you unlock feels like a chapter in your career. The game teases subtle cameos—flickering Stay Puft Marshmallow Man posters on walls or a familiar green slime trail in the subway tunnels—rewarding franchise fans with Easter eggs that evoke fond nostalgia.

Overall Experience

Ghostbusters’ remake deftly walks the line between retro homage and modern polish. Its core gameplay loop—scanning the city, hot-rodding through traffic and corralling ghosts—is as compelling as ever, and the new visual and audio enhancements lend the familiar mechanics fresh vitality. The upgrade system introduces just enough depth to keep you invested in each subsequent run.

That said, the formula can feel a touch repetitive over long sessions, especially once you’ve unlocked most vehicle variants. The lack of a local or online co-op mode is a missed opportunity, given how central team dynamics are to the franchise’s spirit. Nonetheless, the difficulty curve remains fair and the pick-up-and-play nature makes it easy to dive in for quick ghost-busting fixes.

For newcomers and longtime fans alike, this Ghostbusters remake offers a delightful arcade-style romp through supernatural New York. It’s a thoughtful balance of nostalgia and quality-of-life improvements, perfect for anyone seeking a fast-paced, strategy-tinged action title infused with classic ’80s charm. Don your proton pack, hit the streets and get ready to cross the streams—there’s a city full of ghosts waiting!

Retro Replay Score

null/10