'Ghostbusters’ resurrected

By AIMEE GREEN

Just goes to show nothing is ever truly dead.

It’s been 25 years since “Ghostbusters” hit theaters, but that didn’t stop its inventors from creating a new entry in the series.

This time it’s a game. “Ghostbusters: The Video Game” has some serious pedigree: Nearly all the original cast has returned (all but Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis), and the story was written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis.

“Ghostbusters” is very movie-like, continuing the story two years after “Ghostbusters II.” Go figure, ghosts have overrun Manhattan — again — and the Ghostbusters have to save the day.

You don’t play as any of the Ghostbusters, though all four of them are there.

Instead, you’re simply known as Rookie, which means they stick you with the dangerous jobs. Poor guy.

In essence, “Ghostbusters” is a third-person shooter. But there’s nothing quite like strapping on a proton pack and wrangling ghosts into traps. The proton pack gives you four options for weapons, which you gradually unlock. Each weapon has a different effect and is stronger against certain ghosts.

I had some trouble switching quickly between weapons. Sometimes I’d have to hit the button multiple times before it would take. In the meantime, Rookie would stand there taking hits.

Trapping or eliminating ghosts earns you money, which can be used to upgrade your equipment. In addition, you get money for finding artifacts scattered throughout each level.

Most of the time, some or all of the Ghostbusters will be with you. They act as your lifesavers. As long as one of them is still moving around, he can revive you if you’re disabled. If everyone is disabled, it’s game over.

Unfortunately, you’ll spend much of your time reviving them. For professionals, they’re horrible at staying alive.

It’s unfortunate there’s no co-op play for the story, though there is a separate form of co-op in online multiplayer.

Multiplayer proved to be more fun than I expected. In addition to a co-op campaign, there are jobs that teams of players can complete for money.

If you’re a “Ghostbusters” fan, you really shouldn’t miss the game. It’s a fun ride, with high production values, an amusing story and a great cast of characters. Fan service at its best.

• Weak link: With Sigourney Weaver out, a new female character was added, voiced by Alyssa Milano. She does a lousy job.

• My favorite: The portrait of Viggo from “Ghostbusters II” sits in the firehouse. He says funny things like “Please don’t burn the microwave popcorn” and “I dreamed I was in a painting with ponies. It was nice.”

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