

Release
Monday, September 22, 1986
Player score
Awaiting reviews
Platform families
1
Connected releases
Core game only
Editorial overview
What it is
Ghostbusters is an action game that features an overhead-view and a side-view. From Ghostbusters HQ, the player must monitor a map of midtown Manhattan for "ghost alarms", as well as for casual, roaming spirits, and plot a route to the alarmed area. Once the route is plotted, the player then controls the purchased Ghostmobile as it drives through traffic. Here, the player is able to capture casual ghosts on the way if they are en route. When the haunted location is reached, the game switches to a side-view. Two of the Ghostbusters will take position, activate their proton beams, and toss a trap to the ground. The player must then use the two Ghostbusters to attempt to lead the ghost(s) over the placed trap. Once activated, the trap springs to capture any ghosts directly above it. A successful capture will earn the player money, which can then be used to purchase new Ghostbusters vehicles and new modifications for it. An unsuccessful capture will see the ghost fly away (after nastily sliming one of the Ghostbusters).
The premise
Based on the 1984 film of the same name, the Ghostbusters are the ones to call to "bust" any ghost hauntings. They do this through the use of nuclear-accelerated "proton packs" and "ghost traps", whereby the ghosts can be captured and transferred to a secure storage facility at their Headquarters. However New York City has suddenly become a very haunted place, and the number of ghosts has suddenly and dramatically increased. The Ghostbusters must reduce the paranormal psychokinetic energy, the "PK level" in the city, which represents ghost power, before the Temple of Zuul awakens and resurrects an evil goddess called Gozer.
More like this
Game data from IGDB
Play styles
Single player
Perspective
Bird view / Isometric · Side view
Themes
Fantasy · Science fiction
Languages
1 supported
Cinematic archive
Official footage, in-game captures, and production artwork—collected into one immersive gallery.
Gameplay Video
Beyond this game
One complete franchise view connects the main releases, spin-offs, settings, and related game families.
Production dossier
Cast, creators, hardware, release history, and the details that define how this game plays.

Family Computer
Gen 3

Nintendo Entertainment System
Gen 3