Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed Review (Marionette)
I was going to wait until I've logged a fair few more hours before writing this review, but I have to put this out there: this may not be a perfect game, but for those of you looking for a budget co-op or single player Ghostbusters experience, Spirits Unleashed in its current Ecto Edition is well worth your time. It's a game that doesn't seek to be the best, and it borrows from a range of other games on the market, but it's DEFINITELY entertaining. Fair warning, this review is purely based around a solo experience so far.
For a little context, I adore Ghostbusters, and I have fond memories of both the Sega Genesis classic game and the more recent 2009 game that's available in a Remastered edition on Steam. Something I'd always hoped for was a multiplayer Ghostbusters game that draws from the films and both Real/Extreme Ghosbusters. It was with great trepidation and unease that I'd heard that Illfonic, makers of the asymmetrical Friday the 13th horror game, were making a Ghostbusters title, but it appears my fears were largely unfounded. While Friday the 13th had a tumultuous history, this current release has a lot of promise.
On its surface level, Spirits Unleashed pitches itself as a 4v1 (4 busters vs. 1 ghost) asymmetrical Ghostbusters game, which isn't a terrible concept, but given that the market is largely dominated by Dead By Daylight, it would mean that its sustainability is limited. However, what I've found to be most surprising, is that in addition to this, it features a fairly robust set of offering for both solo and co-op players. This is complete with full progression/achievements and there is a wealth of upgrades, skins and accessories to unlock in this game package. All of this can be done without setting foot in matchmaking with randoms.
In practice, this game plays more like an arcadey, action-packed Phasmophobia-style game than a pure asymmetrical game, if you opt for a CPU ghost, and potentially bot busters (or a few friends). Each match starts with the Ghostbusters attempting to locate and trap the ghost. This is done via finding observable paranormal activity and using the iconic PKE meters. The ghost, on the other hand, must slowly raise the level of haunting by scaring the NPC characters in each location, haunting objects and engaging the Ghostbusters in battle. For a ghost, this is a little closer to Prop Hunt with a ghost theme, but with a group could be quite fun. For solo players and co-op players, it's also worth mentioning that a few oddities aside, the bots are actually surprisingly competent, and I've had a blast with my time flying solo so far. It's the kind of game that you can play a handful of missions on any difficulty just for a bit of fun, and it does feel satisfying.
Progression in the game level-based and each device levels on its own as well. The rewards for your ongoing efforts, as well a story campaign that slowly unfolds, are a series of upgrades for your gear, customisable cosmetics for your Ghostbuster (who can be created in a Sims-like character creator), and number of small odds and ends. There are also research and side-job contracts a la Payday 2 that can net you additional bonuses. Please take note that all of this is without a hint of premium currency or microtransactions in-game. It's actually pretty refreshing to jump into a game like this and seeing all these elements gated beyond ONLY natural progression and the grind.
In many ways, Spirits Unleashed is a bit more of a super-indie title than a AAA release, and it's actually refreshing in a way. The game in its current form (which includes a year's worth of DLC) is a little rough around the edges, but if you're looking for some arcadey Ghostbuters fun on your own or with a friend, it comes highly recommended.