Hey Arcaders!
If there’s something strange in your neighborhood…
You can slip into a jumpsuit, grab a Proton Pack, and bust your own ghosts in The Real Ghostbusters!
The Real Ghostbusters was developed by Data East in Japan as an arcade game intended for the overseas markets. Because of licensing issues, it was released in Japan with modifications as a non-Ghostbusters arcade game. The letter “G” at the end of the Japanese title Meikyuu Hunter G was chosen directly in reference to Ghostbusters. Although The Real Ghostbusters is the original version of the game, Meikyuu Hunter G came out first albeit in the same year. Most of the enemies were redrawn for Meikyuu Hunter G, which also removed Ray Parker Jr.’s song “Ghostbusters” from the game.
The Real Ghostbusters is a shoot ’em up game loosely based on the animated series of the same name. It features 10 levels, each viewed from an angled overhead perspective. The player controls a member of the Ghostbusters team who must defend against various monsters and ghosts while completing each level on a time limit. Monsters are killed if the player shoots at them, and the player can earn bonus points by trapping each monster’s soul, which is done by using a proton beam to suck in the ghost.
Bonus items that can aid the player are hidden throughout the game in objects such as oil drums and wheelbarrows. Bonus items include weapon upgrades, or a Slimer ghost who protects the player by killing enemies who get too close. The end of each level features a boss enemy ghost who must be defeated, leaving behind a key that allows the player to access the next level. The arcade version includes a multiplayer option for up to three players, while the computer versions feature only a two-player option for multiplayer mode.
Let’s take a look at both games! Here’s the Real Ghostbusters we know!
Now- let’s look at Meikyuu Hunter G. The thing I do like about the changes is the weapon power up system on the top of the screen- when you have a powerup- it is indicated on the meter. And the rapid fire upgrades are awesome. The monsters ghost forms are gone. So when you shoot them- there gone! Check it out!
In 1989, Activision published The Real Ghostbusters for Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum. Sadly, no ports were made for the home consoles of the time.
Probably due to licensing issues- The Real Ghostbusters has never been ported to modern systems. But Just recently, Quarter Arcades has announced a 1:4 scale Real Ghostbusters cabinet for 2024!
So What did you think of the Real Ghostbusters arcade game?
I love the spin on the run and gun genre having to dispatch and enemy twice. and the enemy designs resemble the TV show- and the great bezel art is the cherry on the haunted sundae! If you haven’t played this great game check it out through emulation!
Keep Playin’ Like It’s 1981!
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