When word of the new Ghostbusters game started to leak out a couple years ago, fans of the original movie series started drooling all over themselves.

That’s because the first news about the game contained word that the original cast would be handling vocal duties for the game’s characters and the original writers were penning the game’s script as a true follow-up to the second movie where the series left off. And surprisingly, pardon my initial skepticism, the game delivers. It’s not ground-breaking, nor is it perfect, but read on and you’ll see what actually went right. Just try not to get slimed before you read the final score.

First off we have to give kudos to Terminal Reality for having the guts to take on the task of handling - quite well - the memories of all those who grew up in the eighties. I myself had a Slimer lunchbox and loved to throw back green Slimer Hi-C juice boxes. In addition to having the hearts and judgments of rapid fan boys waiting to bash the game, Terminal Reality faced the obstacle of jumping from Sierra to Atari as the game neared completion. (We still think Activision was moronic for dropping this title during the Sierra acquisition). Anyways, fans can relax as the developer has done an exceptional job of capturing the finer touches that made the movies so special in the first place.

Set in 1991, right after the end of the second film, you come in as a new recruit to the team, brought on by Egon himself to test all of the team's new (and potentially dangerous) equipment. And of course, soon after getting your new job, ghoulies start terrorizing the city again. But this time it's up to our rookie to suit up and hit the streets with the team. One of the best parts of the game is the writing, which is displayed early on as you’re hazed by the new team and Venkman in particular.

The voice acting is absolutely superb and the game’s character models are spot on, which will pull longtime fans right back into the series all over again. Fans will also love the subtle nods to the movies which will give older gamers a direct jolt to their memories of the films. From the team's run-in with a certain ghostly librarian, a standoff with the insufferable Walter Peck and an explosive battle against the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, you never feel compelled to dwell on this title‘s missteps, which usually can be excused because of the fun you have playing.

You’ll be playing in third-person where your character moves slowly and rather clumsily at times, which you can also write off since he does have a giant proton pack strapped to him. Shooting is a riot as your proton beam wears down ghosts and chews through scenery like butter. Remember the dining room scene in the first film? This time you get to do that yourself as you and Bill Murray’s character lay waste to a Hall right before the guests arrive. Slime happens.

Capturing ghosts is a three-part sequence that sees you chipping away at their health with one of four weapons, then tiring them out by slamming them into the scenery and finally, snaring them in your trap. It works well and takes away some of the repetition found in many shooters.

Sadly, we all know that no game is perfect, but there are times you will wish this one was. The AI could have been a lot better, and as a result of this you‘re left compensating for your teammates lesser mental power and doing most the work. The story does get a little convoluted as the game progresses and that‘s tacked onto the horrible lip-syncing, which is just a damn shame since the voice acting is absolutely amazing..

Don‘t let the negatives discourage you though, as this title really is worthy of carrying the historic Ghostbusters name. Chock full of the dry wit and smooth deliveries that the series is known for and game play to match, fans will love this new entry in the series. And just like the tagline says, don't cross the streams!

Final Score: 8.0/10