Computer Gamer


Ghostbusters
By Activision
Atari 800/XE/XL

 
Published in Computer Gamer #19

Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters came out for the major systems about eighteen months ago, and for the Atari (on disk) about eight months ago, so why have Activision left it until now to release the game? Yet another of the world's great unsolved mysteries.

The game follows the plot of the original Commodore version. The only difference being slightly cruder graphics and no speech. The speech I can very happily leave out, but I am a bit disappointed at the graphics. The problem is mainly one of colour choice - with 128 to choose from, you'd have thought they could have done better.

Likewise the sound isn't really up to scratch. The Atari has four voices that can produce some excellent music when pushed - I didn't expect SID chip standards, but at least match the quality of the rest of the Atari market.

The game is based on the film of the same name and has you dashing around New York trying to stop the paranormal attack of Zuul. To do this, you follow some very mundane tactics and strategies, and get bored very quickly. The game has a coded continuation facility based on your name and a bank account number, but why you'd want to continue the game is completely beyond me!

In the first flush of youth, and with all the excitement and hype of the film behind it, this game did very well. A year or two later, with some truly excellent games to compete with, I think that this is set to be flop, especially at Activision's extortionately high prices. There are only a few companies left solely trading at these kinds of prices - a lesson to be learnt?