Ghostbusters

"Best version of the classic game"

Introduction- The video game version of the Ghostbusters first came out for the Commodore 64, and then was popular enough to be ported to a number of systems around 1984 and a few years after. The Atari 2600 got a surprisingly fun (though scaled down) port. Even the NES had one, which had the potential to be great, but in the end was a disappointement. The SMS port was released later than all the others, but it was worth the wait, because this one tops 'em all.

Gameplay (9/10)- Pretty much identical to the original ports. You start out with a loan from the bank. You then proceed to purchase a car, and a number of supplies, before heading out on the street. Once you have raised enough from busting ghosts at haunted buildings, you go to the final confrontation with Gozer. The gameplay is on the repetitive side, but it's unique in that you simply don't blast everything in sight, you need to manage your money and buy what's needed. The controls are simple and easy to get used to.

Story (6/10)- Follows the movie well. Bust a lot of ghosts, earn money, fight Gozer. The end. What else can be said?

Graphics (9/10)- The best port graphically, period. The SMS was the most powerful system of it's time, and it shows here. Compare the detailed filled screens to the somewhat detail-lacking NES version. If I found one thing annoying about the graphics, it's that they seem almost too cartoony. Keep in mind this is not based on the cartoon, it's based on the original 1984 movie, and I don't think it's meant to look like a cartoon. They're well detailed and look great, though, so I won't complain too much. I guess you can't really hope for better.

Sound (5/10)- Ugh, the SMS did not have good sound. The one area the NES version outshines this version is in the music department. Compare the easy listening tune of that version to this...stuff. It resembles the theme (which loops endlessly), but it's not very appealing.

Replayability (7/10)- Pretty good. You get a password, allowing you to continue with the money you had before. Plus, the fact that this game isn't too difficult or easy keeps you addicted.

Final Recommendation- This one's an SMS classic. Better than pretty much every other version (except for the music). Not only that, but it's fairly common as far as SMS games go, so you should be able to pick up a copy pretty cheap. I got mine for 99 cents, with the cart and box in excellent shape (no instructions, but I usually don't mind about those). If you have an SMS, you have to have this great game.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/01/04