Are you ready to bust some ghosts in virtual reality? Ghostbusters Rise of the Ghost Lord recently launched on multiple platforms, promising an immersive experience filled with thrilling gameplay and familiar faces from the iconic movie franchise. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
Contents
A Weak Connection to the Original Movies
As a die-hard Ghostbusters fan, it’s hard not to feel a wave of disappointment when discovering that the story in Ghostbusters Rise of the Ghost Lord doesn’t have a strong connection to the original movies. You won’t get the chance to meet the original Ghostbusters team or the latest Afterlife characters in this game. As someone who grew up in the ’80s, I was hoping to be part of the original team, taking on the classic ghosts like Slimer and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Unfortunately, the game takes a different direction, which may not sit well with fans of the franchise.
Gameplay and Missions
The game begins with a short solo experience, where you recover Ghostbusting equipment from a mansion and witness the escape of the ghost lord. From there, you are introduced to the new Ghostbusters HQ. You have the option to continue playing solo with a competent AI ghost character or team up with friends or other players online in co-op mode. Playing with others is recommended, as the game feels empty without the presence of fellow Ghostbusters.
There are four game modes with various missions to complete. Whether it’s taking down ghosts within a time limit, retrieving a large trap while protecting the carrier, or exorcising ghosts hiding in everyday objects, each mode offers a different gameplay experience. However, despite the different objectives, the game can become repetitive, as you’re primarily facing the same ghosts in small arenas. A lack of variety in gameplay and the absence of unique boss battles may leave players craving for more.
Ghost Design and Avatars
One of the most disappointing aspects of Ghostbusters Rise of the Ghost Lord is the design of the ghosts themselves. Many of them do not resemble ghosts at all, rather resembling bacteria or strange creatures. Where are the iconic ghosts from the movies, like Slimer and Muncher? Unfortunately, their absence makes the game less compelling and less interesting. The developers have promised the inclusion of Slimer in a future update, but only for those who own the more expensive full containment edition of the game.
Additionally, the avatars available for players to choose from, while resembling characters from a popular game, lack the charm and nostalgia of the original Ghostbusters team. It would have been more enjoyable to step into the shoes of our beloved characters from the movies.
Mixed Reality Bonus Game and Visual Enhancements
If you opt for the Quest version of the game, you will have access to a mixed reality bonus game. This unique experience allows you to interact with the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and engage in a mini-game using a slingshot device. While this feature adds an interesting twist, it may not be enough to warrant repeated playthroughs.
On the other hand, the PSVR2 version of the game offers enhanced visuals, thanks to better lighting and effects. With eyetracking, social presence is improved, and control haptics and adaptive triggers enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Conclusion
While Ghostbusters Rise of the Ghost Lord initially offers some fun moments, it quickly becomes repetitive and lacks the spark that fans of the franchise were hoping for. The game’s weak story, lack of original characters, unappealing ghost design, and repetitive missions make it challenging to recommend, unless you’re able to wait for improvements and updates to the game. If you’re a die-hard Ghostbusters fan, it may be worth checking out once the game goes on sale or when more engaging content is added.
FAQs
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Q: Are the original Ghostbusters team characters available in the game?
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A: No, the game features different avatars resembling characters from a popular game, rather than the original Ghostbusters team.
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Q: Is there crossplay between different VR platforms?
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A: Yes, co-op crossplay is available between Quest and PSVR2 players.
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Q: Can I play the game solo?
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A: Yes, you can play solo with an AI ghost character, but playing with friends or other players online is recommended for a more enjoyable experience.
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Q: Will there be more content and updates for the game?
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A: The developers have promised more content in the future, including additional game modes and the inclusion of iconic ghosts like Slimer.
Conclusion
Ghostbusters Rise of the Ghost Lord fails to capture the essence of the beloved movie franchise. While the game offers some enjoyable moments, its weak story, repetitive missions, and uninteresting ghost design make it difficult to recommend to fans and newcomers alike. If you’re a die-hard fan, it may be worth checking out on sale or once updates with more engaging content are released. For more insightful analysis and engaging content about the world of technology, visit Techal.
