KMGR of "Ghostbusters: Ghost Trap"

Image via WikipediaGhostbusters: Ghost Trap is not really a Ghostbusters game, but rather, some other game adapted to the Ghostbusters property. It is rather ingenious adaptation though, and the overall theme fits, so it works... for the most part.

Basically, you are in overall control of the Ghostbusters Team. There is a single ghost in this "level". By using your proton packs, you need to drive the ghost into the ghost trap near the end of the level without it 1) touching any slim on the walls or 2) touching any pedestrians more than twice. The ghost seems to have "weight", meaning that unless "pushed" by a proton beam it will tend to fall and gain speed. It will also move from side to side if it has any horizontal velocity, but it can be slowed or sped up via more proton beams, albeit in the right direction. Ghostbusters are scattered throughout the level to help you "guide" the ghost into the trap. Each will use his proton pack in a partcular direction (of the 8 cardinal directions of the compass) to "push" or "pull" the ghost as shown by the icon below him. The idea is, again, to push or pull just enough from each so that the ghost touch minimum amount of slime, and get to the ghost trap at the very end (which activates automatically).

Sounds complicated, but there is only ONE button... OK / 5, which controls the firing of the proton packs from the nearest ghostbuster to the ghost. Remember, proton pack can both push and pull (sort of like a tractor beam).

Later levels will have a time limit, or worse, limit the amount of proton pack power you have.

Any problems? You can retry the level easily if you lose.

Some levels have "ghost cards", which, if touched by the ghost you're "guiding", will gain you special info on various types of ectoplasmic manifestations. Thus, you may not want to go straight to the ghost trap.

With at least 50 levels spread throughout New York, there are a lot of ghosts you need to catch.

Graphics is 2D sprites, cartoony, but nice and clear. Everything looks right and fits the theme. Music is a bit on the fad side, gets boring.

Overall, Ghostbusters: Ghost Trap is not too bad, as it is somewhat innovative in "one-button" gameplay. And the overall game does seem to fit the Ghostbuster theme. However, there just seem to be a little bit of disconnect in there (perhaps there are just too many Ghostbusters on each level?) that somehow didn't quite look right. Still, it is a rather fun game.

Overall rating: 6.5 out of 10
Pros: single button gameplay, Ghostbusters are back
Cons: some sections, when ghosts have almost no horizontal velocity, is very boring, while others are just extremely frustrating