As a youngster, Ghostbusters was a staple form of entertainment. Whether it was the cartoon or the video game, I couldn’t get enough. Consequently, when Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed was announced, I was understandably very excited. The thought of wearing the uniform and zapping some ghosts got my juices flowing.
Developed and published by IllFonic, Inc., this is a first-person strategy shooter. Furthermore, it can be enjoyed solo or with up to 4 friends. On top of this, you can play as a team of ghost-hunting enthusiasts, or wreak havoc as the spectral being. As such, it is a fun-filled title that is fast-paced, hectic, and more straightforward than its straight-laced peers.
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed has a throwaway story.
Ghostbusters has never been renowned for its mind-blowing writing. However, even I expected it to deliver a rich and fulfilling story. Instead, you enjoy some classic characters, a familiar setting, and some punctuated and nonsensical moments. Subsequently, the story can be disregarded mostly as you focus on each quick round of action.
The core concept revolves around the same key principles. As the Ghostbusters, you must hunt rifts, destroy them, and capture the ghost. All the while, you’ll need to keep yourself safe, calm down the public, and be careful not to damage your surroundings. On the other hand, the ghost must petrify every civilian while avoiding detection. If they are caught, they’ll respawn at a rift and the action starts again. If you manage to scare every person, the building becomes haunted and you win.
This is the crux of Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed. Now, it may seem like a game that is lacking depth, and you wouldn’t be wrong. However, this doesn’t mean that it is boring. No, I thoroughly enjoyed the madness that ensues. Even when playing with AI, the gameplay is fun, interesting, and original.
Levelling up and online play.
Everyone knows that FPS are better when played with friends. Thankfully, Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed is no different. I cherished every online experience I had, even when I lost. There is a real sense of danger and competition when playing against other humans. Moreover, there is also a tactical edge as you try to outsmart your opponents. This is easier said than done, and only by levelling up will you be able to compete.
As you play online or offline, your character will progress. Accordingly, the more you play, the better your gear becomes. Alongside this, you can complete side hustles, unlock secondary equipment, and customise your gear. This may seem like a minor thing, but it adds an awful lot to the action. You can improve your traps, PKE meters, or your proton pack. This is essential if you wish to gain a winning advantage and turn the tide of each match in your favour.
As the ghost, your options are more restricted. Instead of new gear, you simply unlock more powerful beings. Now, I loved this in theory, but it was too slow to get a new character, and I wanted more variety sooner. Consequently, this is an area that needs to be addressed ASAP. If it isn’t, there is every chance the game will stagnate and become tiresome.
Not enough levels.
Another complaint is the lack of levels and tasks at hand. Yes, I enjoyed the side hustles, but unlike other shooter games, this one has no battle pass to work towards. This was understandably disappointing, as progress can plateau. On top of this, once you’ve invested considerable time into your character, there is little reason to keep playing. Again, this was a shame, as it will detract plenty of wannabe Ghostbusters.
However, my biggest gripe is the lack of levels. With only a small smattering of stages on offer, things become stale very quickly. Furthermore, if you play against an experienced team, the action lacks balance, and this was frustrating. I’d have liked to see a larger choice of maps that rotate on a weekly basis. If this was to happen, the gameplay would stay fresh and the overall experience would be vastly improved.
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed looks great.
For all my complaints, I loved how great it looked. The character models were detailed, and the animation was great. What’s more, the level design is interesting even if the choices are limited. Then, you must consider the detailed equipment, the amazing and grim ghostly slime, and the explosions. As such, it is a treat to look at, and I rarely tired of what I saw.
This is then complemented by the fun audio. Though the acting was occasionally wooden, it was still amusing and worked well. Alongside this, the loud and exciting sound effects add energy to every round you tackle. Moreover, I enjoyed the cinematic even if it added little to the end product.
Excellent controls.
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed has a fantastic tutorial that makes it easy to play. The developers have focused on veterans and newcomers and this balances the playing field. Thanks to the responsive inputs and well-laid-out setup, it is easy to master.
Though I loved my time with it, it lacks longevity. Subsequently, unlike COD or Battlefield, this won’t keep you playing night after night. What’s more, its lack of a battle pass impacts its desirability and replay value.
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed is a great casual FPS.
If you dislike Ghostbusters, you may disregard this title altogether. However, that would be a shame as it’s a great casual experience. Furthermore, it is enjoyable with friends and easy to play. Disappointingly, though, its lack of longevity and depth undermines its potential, and that is unfortunate. Still, I enjoyed it, and I recommend you buy it here! Save the world or scare its inhabitants in this fun and casual FPS.
