I didn’t play this game very often. It belonged to my Grandfather so I was only afforded the opportunity to play it when we visited their house. Even then, it was possible he was using his computer for Ham Radio shenanigans and as such didn’t want us young’uns (Youngins? Yunngins? Junganz? Whatever) playing on the computer. So needless to say, I’ve never played it to completion. I’m actually enjoying watching this long play as I hope to be able to see how the game ends. You know when you have a creeping suspicion that you’ve left something unfinished? This could be that for me and finishing it may bring me eternal peace! Ok, fine, probably not.
First, let’s talk about the maniacal laugh. The game opens with the Ghostbusters logo and a rousing low quality audio clip of someone shouting “Ghostbusters” followed by some super creepy laughing. The kind that would keep you up late.
As the game starts you officially start your Ghostbusting business by getting a line of credit from the bank. If you have a code from a previous playthrough you can give that to the bank and they will give you more money.
After you’ve got your capital all squared away you purchase your vehicle and equipment. Traps are mandatory and the rest I assume are optional though I can’t imagine any of the items are detrimental to your quest.
As the game begins you start outside Ghostbusters HQ and drive around town addressing the flashy building issues that indicate a ghost is present.
I enjoy the top down driving moments of the game where you randomly suck up ghosts into the top of the Ectomobile. After a few of these seemingly random captures, you park and use your proton pack to force another ghost into a trap you’ve placed. Afterwards a triumphant “Ghostbusters!” audio clip plays that, really, makes you smile because of both its absurd enthusiasm and terrible quality.
Apparently that’s pretty much the game. Lather, rinse, repeat. Eventually you wind up in front of the building where Zuul awaits. Upon exiting the vehicle you run under Marshmallow Man’s legs, and the game finishes itself.
You’re greeted with a congratulatory orange screen. The end. There is a code that lets you start your next game with the money you had left over so if you’re so inclined save that for next time.
I can see that this was definitely not the key to peace in my life. As it turns out having caught one ghost on a couple of occasions I’ve basically consumed all of the content available in the game.
I do love the soundtrack as it plays through. C64 music was great for its time. It gets a bit repetitive after about 30 minutes of continuous looping, but that first time its transition from siren to music is pretty compelling.
In the end, as a child having never seen the movie and only being vaguely aware of the plot – it was enthralling and something I looked forward to every single time we visited the grandparents. Definitely one to play if you’ve got the itch for a super retro journey through the best C64 games.
With that, I bid you farewell. You take care of yourself!
-NG
