The Real Ghostbusters (1987)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

The Real Ghostbusters (1987): A Spooky Arcade Classic

Released in 1987, The Real Ghostbusters arcade game is a top-down action game based on the popular animated series of the same name. Players take control of one of three Ghostbusters – a red, yellow, or blue-jumpsuited character – and must battle their way through hordes of ghosts and other supernatural creatures.

The game is set in New York City, and the Ghostbusters must travel to various locations throughout the city to complete their missions. These missions include capturing ghosts, rescuing civilians, and defeating powerful bosses.

The Ghostbusters have a variety of weapons and abilities at their disposal, including proton packs, ghost traps, and slime throwers. They can also use their fists and feet to fight off ghosts.

The Real Ghostbusters arcade game is a challenging and exciting game that is sure to please fans of the animated series and arcade games in general.

Gameplay

The Real Ghostbusters arcade game is played from a top-down perspective. The player controls one of three Ghostbusters, and must battle their way through hordes of ghosts and other supernatural creatures.

The Ghostbusters have a variety of weapons and abilities at their disposal, including proton packs, ghost traps, and slime throwers. They can also use their fists and feet to fight off ghosts.

The game is divided into several levels, each with its own unique set of challenges. The Ghostbusters must complete each level in order to progress to the next one.

The game also features a number of bonus rounds, in which the Ghostbusters can earn extra points and power-ups.

Characters

The player can choose to play as one of three Ghostbusters:

  • Red Ghostbuster: The leader of the team, the Red Ghostbuster is a skilled fighter and strategist.
  • Yellow Ghostbuster: The brains of the team, the Yellow Ghostbuster is a master of science and technology.
  • Blue Ghostbuster: The heart of the team, the Blue Ghostbuster is a loyal and courageous friend.

Each Ghostbuster has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Red Ghostbuster is the strongest fighter, the Yellow Ghostbuster has the most powerful weapons, and the Blue Ghostbuster is the fastest and most agile.

Weapons and Abilities

The Ghostbusters have a variety of weapons and abilities at their disposal, including:

  • Proton packs: The Ghostbusters’ signature weapon, the proton pack fires a powerful beam of energy that can stun or capture ghosts.
  • Ghost traps: The Ghostbusters use ghost traps to capture ghosts. Once a ghost is trapped, it can be taken back to the Ghostbusters’ headquarters for study.
  • Slime throwers: The Ghostbusters use slime throwers to slow down ghosts and make them easier to capture.
  • Fists and feet: The Ghostbusters can also use their fists and feet to fight off ghosts.

Levels

The Real Ghostbusters arcade game is divided into several levels, each with its own unique set of challenges. The Ghostbusters must complete each level in order to progress to the next one.

The levels in the game include:

  • Times Square: The Ghostbusters must battle their way through Times Square, which is overrun with ghosts.
  • The Public Library: The Ghostbusters must investigate the Public Library, which is haunted by a powerful ghost.
  • The Museum of Natural History: The Ghostbusters must battle their way through the Museum of Natural History, which is home to a variety of prehistoric ghosts.
  • The Statue of Liberty: The Ghostbusters must travel to the Statue of Liberty to defeat the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.

Bonus Rounds

The Real Ghostbusters arcade game also features a number of bonus rounds, in which the Ghostbusters can earn extra points and power-ups.

The bonus rounds in the game include:

  • The Ghostbusters’ HQ: The Ghostbusters can visit their headquarters to recharge their weapons and abilities.
  • The Ghostbusters’ Garage: The Ghostbusters can visit their garage to upgrade their weapons and vehicles.
  • The Ghostbusters’ Training Center: The Ghostbusters can visit their training center to practice their skills.

Legacy

The Real Ghostbusters arcade game was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and iconic characters. The game has been ported to a number of home consoles, and it remains a popular game among fans of the Ghostbusters franchise.

The Real Ghostbusters arcade game is a classic example of a well-made arcade game. It is a challenging and exciting game that is sure to please fans of the Ghostbusters franchise and arcade games in general.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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