Ghostbusters
© 2009 Atari
Easy to play, this fun, movie based scavenger-hunt adventure lets you test your ghost-catching skills as a new member of the Ghostbusters gang. Note that we tested both the Wii and the DS versions and found them to be very different. This review and ratings were done considering the Wii version. Designed for one or two players (in either single or co-op modes), your job is to capture as many ghosts as possible, which involves exploring the maze-like halls of a hotel, smashing things (don't worry, there's insurance), and stunning ghosts with up to six types of weapons. When you capture a ghost, you have to "wrangle" it into a containment trap. This involves a series of moves with the Wii Remote that take a bit of learning. Testers noted that the Ghost catching can become a bit redundant, but the variety of weapons and places to explore, mixed with the humorous narrative featuring the original voices of the movie characters, keep things interesting. The DS version offers more choice over the missions, plus the ability to drive the car around the city. You also have a different objective -- to build your reputation instead of earning money. On first look, it seems to be a fun game. Prices and ESRB ratings vary by platform as follows: $40 for Wii, rated E10+; $40 for the PC, rated T: $60 for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, both rated T; $30 for the Nintendo DS version, rated E; and $20 for the PS2 version, rated E10+. The game website is www.ghostbustersgame.com. Created by Terminal Reality (console version) and RedFly (DS version) for Atari using Infernal Engine technology. The bottom line? This is a fun game that you will at least want to borrow.
$40, Wii*, Windows, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS*
Teaches: logic, problem solving, spatial relations (no formal educational content)
CTR Rating: 85%