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Ghostbusters

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Ghostbusters – David Crane Turned the Movie into a C64 Classic

Released in 1984 for the Commodore 64, Ghostbusters was developed by David Crane and published by Activision, redefining what a movie tie-in game could be. Rather than following a simple arcade formula, it blends action, strategy, and light simulation into a surprisingly deep and memorable experience. Players take charge of a Ghostbusters team, managing money, hiring staff, buying equipment, and responding to supernatural outbreaks across New York City. Choosing when to upgrade gear or invest in better vehicles directly affects success, especially as ghost activity escalates toward the endgame. The city map and Ecto-1 driving sequences introduce a strategic layer, forcing careful planning as players balance risk, cost, and time before the final confrontation at the Temple of Zuul. Iconic digitised speech, including famous catchphrases from the film, adds atmosphere and was a technical standout on the C64.

Game Overview

About the Game

Released in 1984 for the Commodore 64, Ghostbusters was developed by David Crane and published by Activision, redefining what a movie tie-in game could be. Rather than following a simple arcade formula, it blends action, strategy, and light simulation into a surprisingly deep and memorable experience. Players take charge of a Ghostbusters team, managing money, hiring staff, buying equipment, and responding to supernatural outbreaks across New York City. Choosing when to upgrade gear or invest in better vehicles directly affects success, especially as ghost activity escalates toward the endgame. The city map and Ecto-1 driving sequences introduce a strategic layer, forcing careful planning as players balance risk, cost, and time before the final confrontation at the Temple of Zuul. Iconic digitised speech, including famous catchphrases from the film, adds atmosphere and was a technical standout on the C64.

Game Manual

Magazine Reviews

Magazine Reviews

Magazine Reviews · 13 Contemporary average 76% · range 40–100%
9/10
C&VG Issue 39 · January 1985 · page 17 Reviewed by Activision full-price release
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7/10
Commodore Horizons Issue 13 · January 1985 · page 21 Reviewed by Activision full-price release
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5/5
Commodore User Issue 15 · December 1984 · page 66 Reviewed by Activision full-price release
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8/10
Commodore User Issue 54 · March 1988 · page 66 Reviewed by Ricochet budget release
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3.2/5
Datormagazin Issue 8 · June 1988 · page 17 · Swedish Reviewed by Magnus Friskytt. Ricochet budget release
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4/5
Home Computing Weekly Issue 96 · January 1985 · page 34 Reviewed by Activision full-price release
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8/10
Personal Computer Games Issue 14 · January 1985 · page 54 Reviewed by Activision full-price release
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4/5
Your Commodore Issue 7 · April 1985 · page 77 Reviewed by P Green. Activision full-price release
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