A Ghostbusters game without the Ghostbusters themselves just wouldn't be the same experience. Thankfully for all of us, Ghostbusters: The Video Game boasts almost the entire original cast from the blockbuster film -- and then some. Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts and William Atherton all return, plus a new character played by Alyssa Milano. To help get you up to speed with the Ghostbusters team, allow us to break down the different characters featured in the game:
Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray):
He's been accused of being a game show host, but really Peter is dedicated to the pursuit of both ghostbusting and ladychasing equally. He also delivers most of the classic one-liners you've heard in the movies and will hear in the game. There are those who think he's just a comedian, but back off, man. He's a scientist.
Ilyssa Shepard (Alyssa Milano):
This invented character serves a dual role of scientist and love interest to Peter. Ilyssa knows probably as much about Gozer as the team does, which definitely comes in handy when something goes awry at the World of Gozer exhibit. Oh, why did they have to create an exhibit about this ancient Sumerian god?
Dr. Raymond Stantz (Dan Aykroyd):
The Ghostbusters glue is clearly Ray, who knows more about ectoplasm than anyone else on the planet. What he lacks in tact, he makes up for in enthusiasm and will, always striving to do the right thing and keep the team harmonious. With that in mind, Ray acts as your guide early in the game. Just don't ask him to think about anything harmless. That didn't work out so well the last time.
Dr. Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis):
The brains of the outfit, Egon has developed the core technology for the Ghostbusters, including the various experimental gear the rookie recruits get to test out. So don't question him when he tells you NOT to cross the streams. It would be bad, and that should be a good enough explanation for you.
Dr. Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson):
The “new guy” from the movies is a full-fledged Buster this time out, and probably the most level-headed of the team. After all, Winston's in it for a paycheck and not necessarily to fully understand the ethereal planes. He's probably on the closest wavelength to the player in the game.
The Rookie (YOU!):
Basically, you're the guinea pig. Your job is to both test out the new experimental weaponry and gadgets designed by Egon, and to assist with a lot of frantic ghostbusting action. You work alongside all of the Ghostbusters (and your friends, if you play multiplayer co-op) and solve puzzles between trapping spirits.
You'll also meet up with the office manager, Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts), and EPA weasel, Walter Peck (William Atherton). What's great about re-visiting the man you love to hate is that the more damage you do in-game, the more trouble Peck finds himself in. So feel free to let loose protons on that chandelier.
There's also dozens of spooks to encounter, from fiery gargoyles and transparent bellhops to the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man and Slimer. Each creature is designed in a clever cartoon-like fashion to give the Wii version of the game a Pixar-esque look. Better yet, the game rewards you for using your P.K.E. meter to scan all the ghosts, so you'll want to pay extra attention to them! Can you discover them all? It'll take some work, but you can try yourself when Ghostbusters is available this month.
Wii: Ghostbusters The Videogame Image Gallery
Posted: 8 Jun 2009
