Who you gonna call? Perhaps someone with the console version instead…
Ghostbusters: The Video Game has been out for a few months now and while I was impressed with the game when it came out, I didn’t exactly have high hopes for the PSP version which oddly has just come out. Was I right to not expect much or was I lacking a bit of foresight?
The answer to the latter is…of course not! Sadly I was correct, the PSP version is nothing more than a port of the PS2 version with awful controls and a complete lack of charm when compared to the console versions, and even the visuals have taken a dive. Considering the power of the PSP, you’d expect a decent looking game here…but unfortunately it never materialises.
Part of the problem is that the game just doesn’t work on the PSP. You have to move your character with the analog stick while using the main buttons to just rotate the camera…what is this, the N64 days again? Well I wouldn’t mind that if the game handled well, but it just doesn’t. It lacks the power or charisma of its console counterpart. There’s nothing stellar about this version of Ghostbusters. The only saving grace is that the voice acting quality is still just as good, but that’s hardly an endorsement to go out and buy the handheld version.
I guess the controls aren’t all that bad once you get used to them, but they aren’t engaging or fun to use. It’s hard to recommend when the console versions are so much superior and enjoyable. I wonder why the game didn’t get a good amount of treatment, especially since the other versions came out about 4 months ago. Surely, the team had ample time to make the game enjoyable and not simply drag a port through the mud, making it weaker than when it started.
The Verdict
Ghostbusters: The Video Game on PSP is a disappointing and lacklustre port of a brilliant console game. It just doesn’t have the same charm or dedication put into it than its counterparts, if only they put as much effort into this version…then it might have been something work recommending, but instead it’s about as lifeless as a ghost.
