Ghosthunter

"If there's something strange in the neighbourhood, who do you call... ?"

Introduction...

I've had this game a while now, and as moons pass and birds continue to migrate I seem to love this game more by the day. It's not without flaws mind, but for sheer playability and replayability this is a game no other can touch...

Story - 4

Pretty generic, but this game isn't about story. Its about fun, gameplay and replayability. The basic gist is a police officer called Lazarus (worst name ever) never believed in ghosts, but after some cruel events after his first days work at an old 'high school' (or secondry school for us Brits ~_O) he changes his mind pretty quickly. It picks up the more you go on, so wait a while and like the best epic it gets better nearer the end.

Graphics - 8

They're good. They're very good. But with the likes of Ninja Gaiden and Doom 3 collecting dust on the game shop shelves the graphics could look average in comparison. On the other hand, you won't be disappointed. The in-game graphics are almost as good as the cut scene graphics - and the attention to detail is brilliant (Lazarus' tie swinging around etc). But no brilliant rag doll physics here, furniture will stick to the ground firmer than a clumsy guy in a super glue factory - and after playing Max Payne 2 this makes the game less enjoyable. But the shadows ae very cool though.

Sound - 9

Pretty epic. The gunshots sound realistic, and you even get a little 'ping' a short while afterwards. There is basic bass guitar background music, adding tension, atmosphere and goosebumps in places when things get really scary.

Gameplay - 10

The best game I've played ever. The game is very similar to Primal, or if you haven't played that (to be honest, it didn't sell QUITE as well as The Sims etc) it is a mix of Silent Hill and The Suffering (and if you haven't played any of them I can't help you -_-). The basic premise is to go from point A to point E, with many other points in the middle to shoot, pull, push or roll to complete the ever increasingly huge areas.

There are LOADS of weapons, including handgun, grenade launcher etc, and various other items to help you through the game (no mobile phones though - so no calling the Ghostbusters).

Rent Or Buy - BUY

Yep, save up and get it - you won't be disappointed!

Neo2k's Final Thought...

This is a game that will not just be used as a Dust Gatherer on your shelf - there are many other games that can hold that job much well. No, this will be going in and out of your PS2 like Jack popping out of his ever loyal box, and even after you complete it once (it is pretty long, so don't expect to finish it in one bowt) you'll want to repeat it again and again.

So if there is something strange in your neighbourhood, relax and stick this game in your PS2 - let the experts deal with the real thing.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/25/04