Ghostbusters: The Video Game (2009 / Remastered 2019)

“The Real Ghostbusters 3” 🎮👻⚡


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🎥 Let’s start by showing y’all the trailers, shall we?

From the trailers alone you could tell this wasn’t just another cash-grab licensed game — it looked, sounded, and played like a genuine continuation of the films.


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Bonus Thoughts – The Remastered Edition (2019)

The remaster sharpened visuals, cleaned up lighting, and made the game easier to play on modern hardware. Sadly, some of the original online multiplayer content didn’t make it over. Still, for solo campaign? It’s the definitive way to experience it.


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Behind the Scenes / Legacy

This game was literally written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis as the closest thing to Ghostbusters III. Fans often treat it as canon.

The development itself was rocky — the studio Terminal Reality had to fight to get it made, with Sierra dropping publishing and Atari stepping in late. For a while, it looked like the game might never see the light of day. That “almost lost” quality makes it even more of a miracle we got something this good.

And with Harold Ramis passing in 2014, the game gained even more weight in hindsight — it’s the last time we’ll ever hear him as Egon. For many fans, that alone makes it priceless.

Non-Spoiler Plot Overview

The game takes place a couple of years after Ghostbusters II. The team is still active, still bustin’, and business is booming — so booming that they bring in a nameless rookie to help with the workload. That rookie? That’s you, the player.

From there, you’re thrown straight into bustin’ ghosts all across New York. You’ll revisit iconic locations like the Sedgwick Hotel, battle familiar specters like Slimer and Stay Puft, and even face the terrifying Librarian Ghost from the first film. But it’s not just nostalgia bait — the game weaves these encounters into a surprisingly solid new story involving Gozer, Ivo Shandor, and why the paranormal threats never really ended.


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Character Rundown

The Rookie (You) – Silent protagonist, kept nameless because Egon doesn’t want to “get too attached.” (Ouch. Thanks, Egon.)

Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) – Still sarcastic as ever, with Murray sounding a little detached but unmistakably Venkman.

Dr. Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) – The excitable heart of the team, geeking out over every ghost.

Dr. Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) – Calm, deadpan, and darkly funny as always.

Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) – The voice of practicality, bringing grounded perspective.


All four actors reprised their roles, which makes the game feel like a true sequel.


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Pacing / Level Flow

The story is structured like a series of big ghostbusting “episodes.” It begins with small jobs like chasing Slimer in the Sedgwick, then builds to huge setpieces — like blasting Stay Puft in Times Square or exploring Shandor’s occult island.

The flow mostly works, though it leans heavily on bringing back ghosts from the movies. It feels a bit repetitive, but the thrill of busting them firsthand more than makes up for it.


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Pros

Authentic continuation of the movies, written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis.

All four original Ghostbusters return.

Proton Pack gameplay is chef’s kiss — wrangle, tether, slam, trap.

Fantastic setpieces and detailed environments.

A perfect balance of spookiness and comedy.



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Cons

Recycling villains can make it feel less “new.”

Silent Rookie is a little too silent.

A few drawn-out levels drag the pace.



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Final Thoughts

This isn’t just a good licensed game — it’s one of the best licensed games ever. It nails the tone, humor, and heart of Ghostbusters while letting you live the dream of joining the team.

Yes, some ghosts get recycled and yes, the Rookie is mute, but honestly? Those are minor nitpicks compared to how much fun this is.

Rating: 10/10. 👻⚡🔥


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🚨 Spoiler Warning 🚨

From here on out, full spoilers for story details.


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Spoilers

The big bad behind it all is Ivo Shandor — the Gozer-worshipping architect from the first film. His cult never stopped experimenting with ways to merge our world with the other side. That’s why the ghosts never stopped, and why the Ghostbusters can’t catch a break.

Sedgwick Hotel – Slimer’s back, joined by the terrifying “Captain” ghost commanding drowned sailors.

Public Library – The Librarian Ghost finally gets her due, with a full boss battle.

Times Square – Stay Puft stomps back into action, and you get to melt marshmallow off him chunk by chunk.

Shandor Island – The finale takes you into occult lairs with twisted Lovecraftian visuals, where you battle Shandor’s own spirit in a huge showdown.


The Rookie earns his place among the team, though Egon still insists on not naming him (in case he dies or gets fired — dark but very Egon). The game ends confirming that bustin’ will never stop in New York, because Shandor’s obsession with the afterlife guarantees the work will go on.

👉 Forget Ghostbusters (2016). This is the real Ghostbusters 3.