New Documentary Uncovers the Trials and Triumphs Behind “Ghostbusters: The Video Game”
This weekend marked the premiere of The Complete History of Ghostbusters: The Video Game, a meticulously crafted, fan-made documentary that chronicles the creation, release, and enduring legacy of the iconic game. Created by YouTube channel GameGuy’s Reviews, this film runs just under an hour and includes exclusive interviews with key developers and behind-the-scenes anecdotes that have never been shared before.
Stars Align: The Power of Collaboration
One of the main highlights of the documentary is the collaborative story-writing process. Notably, it features major contributions from original Ghostbusters members Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. They not only reprised their iconic roles but also worked tirelessly to weave their creative magic into the game’s narrative. Their involvement was instrumental in bringing the authentic Ghostbusters experience to players.
Ernie Hudson also joined the team, contributing his unique charm and gravitas. However, getting Bill Murray on board proved to be a significant challenge. David Margulies, who played the mayor in the Ghostbusters movies, initially agreed to return for the game. But in a peculiar twist, Margulies was replaced by Bill’s older brother, Bryan Doyle Murray. In a candid moment, executive producer John Melchior shared how this change was a strategic move to win Bill’s participation.
“We did that. We brought (Bryan Doyle Murray) in, he loved the character, we walked him through the storyline. As he was leaving, he stopped and asked, ‘Do you do this for every bit part, or did you do this so I would go tell Bill it’s a great game and he should do it?’ And we were like, ‘Yeah, we did.’”
The Technical Trials
Technical issues and corporate turmoil posed their own set of challenges. Bill Murray left a significant portion of his dialogue incomplete, which necessitated creative solutions from the developers. Additionally, the game faced near cancellation following Sierra Entertainment’s merger with Activision, which left the future of the project hanging by a thread. It was only after finding a new publisher in Atari that the developers could breathe a sigh of relief and continue refining their masterpiece.
Unrealized Dreams and Hidden Gems
The documentary also shines a light on some of the game elements that never made it to the final version. For instance, the much-discussed Parade level, multiplayer maps, and character skins inspired by the “Citizen Ghost” episode were all part of the ambitious vision but had to be cut due to time and resource constraints. These omissions offer a glimpse into what could have been, adding an extra layer of depth to the game’s storied development.
Another fascinating arc covered in the documentary is the story of Zootfly’s Ghostbusters: Infinite Darkness. Around the same time as the creation of Ghostbusters: The Video Game, Zootfly initiated this project, spurred by a mistaken belief that they had acquired the rights to the Ghostbusters franchise. According to Zootfly co-founder Bostjan Troha, this resulted in the development of a game that ultimately never saw the light of day. The documentary includes rare, previously unseen footage of this ambitious project, fueling the imagination of what-could-have-been.
Alternate Versions and Spin-Offs
No retrospective would be complete without a look at the different versions of the game. Red Fly Studio’s stylized take, available on the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 2, offered a visually distinct experience, tailored for younger audiences and a more casual play style. Concurrently, the Nintendo DS version provided fans with a top-down shooter experience, adding yet another layer to the game’s rich tapestry.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
As fans look back through the lens of this detailed documentary, it becomes clear that Ghostbusters: The Video Game is much more than just a digital extension of the beloved film franchise. The hurdles faced and the inventive solutions crafted by the team collectively underscore the commitment and passion that went into its development. From securing voice talents to navigating corporate shake-ups, the game stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration and perseverance.
For anyone who enjoys hearing the untold stories behind gaming milestones, The Complete History of Ghostbusters: The Video Game offers a compelling, humanizing account of a project that came very close to not existing at all. It serves as a heartfelt tribute to the developers and stars who made it possible, ensuring that fans can continue to chase ectoplasmic entities through the virtual streets of New York for years to come.