Ghostbusters is one of the few classic franchises that are continuing to the day, and it is all thanks to the ever-growing fanbase of the series. The franchise first started in 1984 with the release of the Ghostbusters movie, which will be 40 years old in the next few years.
Ghostbusters have left a mark on everything in the last three decades, from common items like school bags and plates to general media like films, shows, comics, and video games. There are over 20 different Ghostbusters games out there, but not all have been amazing. However, the few in this list are certainly worth a look.
10 Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime
Not many remember this game from the seventh generation of video game consoles, but here it is. Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime came out in 2011 to a mediocre reception. It is a co-op shooter with pretty unusual gameplay for the time.
In Sanctum of Slime, players control the characters in a top-down angle, which isn't exactly a bird's eye view. The gameplay revolves around going from one room to another and catching ghosts. The best part about this game is the cutscenes, which are entirely in comic book style.
9 Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed
It's wild to think that some of the best games of certain franchises are Lego titles — but it's true. Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed is a Windows/mobile title that came out in early 2020. What's unique about this one is the fact that it's a turn-based strategy title. Unlike the usual Lego games, this one is all about a bit of strategic role-playing.
While Lego Legacy: Heroes Unboxed isn't strictly a Ghostbusters-only title, it features one of the best Ghostbusters experiences there is. It also features the original characters from the movie.
8 Ghostbusters World
Ghostbusters World was one of the best mobile games in the series yet. The game came out in 2018 and was an augmented reality title for iOS and Android. Players would assume the role of a recruit, and would have to catch ghosts in a vertical phone view.
With 3D graphics and FPS gameplay, this title was looking to reinvent Ghostbusters games. Sadly, it only lasted two years, and was shut down in mid-2020. Back in the day, a lot of people believed this game had huge potential. It's a pity that the developers canceled it.
7 Extreme Ghostbusters: Code Ecto-1 (2002)
The Extreme Ghostbusters series is one of the most-unique Ghostbusters games out there. While there are quite a few games from this series, the best one, hands down, is Extreme Ghostbusters: Code Ecto-1.
The game came out in 2002 for Gameboy Advance, and featured 12 platform levels and four regions. The detailed yet retro look of these games still stands the test of time, and the gameplay is fun as well. The game is a nod to the retro title, with it being a side scroller and a top-down vehicle game.
6 Ghostbusters (1990)
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Speaking of retro games, here's Ghostbusters 1990. It's a Platformer and Shoot-'em-up game that came out for the legendary Mega Drive. The game is full of nostalgia, has original characters, and features amazing 8-bit music. It's a fun little side-scroller for the time and features gameplay similar to Metal Slug.
Ghostbusters 1990 is simple, straightforward forward, and easy-to-master. One of the best things about this game is that it doesn't overstay its welcome, and offers a variety of boss-battles.
5 Ghostbusters (1984)
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No game from the series can match the hype of the original 1984 Ghostbusters. Agreed, the graphics are long outdated, and the gameplay isn't up to the mark. But it is a cult-classic none the less. Back then, the world of gaming was still unknown waters, and anything that came out was much appreciated. Ghostbusters launched a few months after the first movie, which meant it carried the film's hype. The game is one of the most nostalgic experiences any Ghostbusters fan can have in 2021.
4 The Real Ghostbusters
When it comes to one of the most fun Ghostbusters games, this one has to be up there. The Real Ghostbusters is a classic Shoot-'em-up game that has solid gameplay. Players control the character in the top-down view and quite literally shoot the ghosts up.
Like many games from the 1980s, it was all about the high score while progressing through the levels. The Real Ghostbusters is what the Sanctum of Slime and Ghostbusters (2016) tried to copy. Sadly, they probably forgot that The Real Ghostbusters is a 1987 Arcade title that was fun for its time.
3 LEGO Dimensions
Here is another LEGO game that makes the list, and for a very good reason. Lego Dimensions is a Toys-to-Life video game where characters from different franchises crossover. It's full of action, platforming, and the usual LEGO games-like gameplay.
The game came out in 2015, and featured a Ghostbusters world. In LEGO Dimensions, players can play as the original characters and Abby Yates from Ghostbusters (2016). The in-game Ghostbusters world offers quite a few locations for the players to explore.
2 Planet Coaster: Ghostbusters™
Who would've thought that a construction and management simulator would be one of the best Ghostbusters experiences out there? Planet Coaster is a 2016 game and is one of the best one in its genre.
The game features quite a few add-ons, and one of them is the Planet Coaster: Ghostbusters™. The game is all about building different theme parks and roller-coasters. But the Ghostbusters DLC takes that experience to a whole new level. Most fans of the series will have a joyful ride playing this one.
1 Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered
Lastly, there's the one video game that truly embodies what it feels like being a ghostbuster, and that is the 2009 video game. Ghostbusters: The Video Game, despite its flaws, is the best in the series for various reasons, and the biggest one is the gameplay.
The 10th anniversary remaster of the game takes that same experience to PS4, XBOX One, and PC. Not only does this game look polished, but it also plays like a proper action-adventure third-person shooter. The decent storyline, challenging gameplay, and original characters make this one the best Ghostbusters video game ever made.