Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed (PC) Review

Better with Friends, Fairly One-Note

Continuing the developer’s trend of using 80s film iconography to create multiplayer experiences, IllFonic has just released Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed on most platforms. This title may stay within its formula currently but there is enough authenticity to the Ghostbusters brand to bring in fans for a fun gaming night. Just don’t expect Spirits Unleashed to be a replacement for similar players vs monster titles, there’s not much outside of its core gameplay loop. 

Throwing on a proton pack and blasting ghosts are perfect actions for a video game and Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed makes that simple act engaging, at least while in the moment. The particle effects and sounds capture the spirit of the films well and the soundtrack full of tubas and brass keeps things light and upbeat. Visually, the game looks good enough with a slightly stylized look, leaning a bit into a cartoon softness. Onboarding is simple and thank goodness the game has bots when matches are lacking players or one just wants to try out new gear. There is crossplay and I personally didn’t have any issues with getting into games or playing but my PC did struggle anytime there were a lot of particle effects being used. Most PC games will naturally settle into good enough settings for me but I spent more than I would like tinkering and there might be some performance patches in the future that could fix my issues. 

So Spirits Unleashed looks and sounds like Ghostbusters, complete with returning cast members to voice characters, but where the game will live and die is playing with a group. Matches consist of four busters and one ghost with five different ghosts to unlock and use. Each map is full of objects that the ghost can warp into similar to Prop Hunt, using abilities like summoning ghost minions or making objects dance about. Ghosts build up the haunting of the match, while busters take down moveable spawn points called rifts, calm down civilians, and finally capture the ghost to end the round. Where the game is most fun is slowly searching around the well-crafted environments, scanning over museums, prisons, and breweries all while a smart ghost keeps the buster team guessing where they might have hidden their precious rifts. 

Between the two, ghostbusting feels pretty one-sided considering just how easily they can capture ghosts. However, there are already ghost players who are messing with patterns such as hiding rifts in hard-to-reach areas. I once found a haunted teddy bear in the rafters; I didn’t even know I could get up there until this moment. Clumping up can also turn the tides quickly if the ghost has their ultimate ready, so that shifted things around a bit here and there. Primarily, Ghostbusters won most of the matches I played; we’ll see how strategies develop for either side.

Thankfully, as of this writing, there are no battle passes to keep players hooked or loot boxes to harm the easily addicted. Yet, there are upgrades and cosmetics that are unlocked over time creating a sense of forward progression. That, and a simple story unfolds after reaching certain XP milestones which is a nice change of pace for this sort of game. I do love the characters’ designs and personalities so far but the game’s mechanics are a little too one-note to keep me invested for long periods of time. On the other hand, this also makes it a fun enough title to come back to now and then for game nights with friends. 

I do think that if Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed is to last, it will need new content soon. New ways to catch ghosts, gadgets, costumes, ghosts, or something could keep Ghostbusters fans satisfied but in its current form, it feels more like a solid proof of concept than a full release. The game is retailing at $39.99 USD which is lower than most releases but that still feels a little high considering what is available in the game at launch. This did remind me that Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered is accessible and one of the most praised Ghostbusters games ever so maybe I’ll check that out soon.

I am honestly surprised that this isn’t a free-to-play title as it feels like the type of format that would make the most sense. Although, I am glad to see a multiplayer game not go that route for once. Unlocking items can be fun in any game and it’s refreshing to play a title and not have to worry about being jabbed for more money every few moments. 

All in all, Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed is fine enough and certainly a good representation of the Ghostbusters franchise. I just wish there was a bit more meat on these ghoulish bones. 

UPDATE 10/19/2022 1:30 PM Central - A PR rep tells us that there will be DLC coming over the next year including more maps and ghosts for free. More information about post-launch plans are to come soon.

SCORES

GAMEPLAY - 6/10

VISUALS - 5/10

SOUND - 7/10

CONTROLS - 7/10

REPLAY VALUE - 5/10

OVERALL - 6/10

Learn more about Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed on the official website. Screenshots were captured through Windows features. A digital Epic Games copy was provided for content purposes. Use creator code ACMCCUMBERS to support Forever Classic Games.