Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters - the 1984 action strategy for Commodore 64 from Activision.

Open your own franchise, buy gear, and keep New York’s PK energy down by
trapping ghosts fast. Balance cash, equipment, and response times as the
city creeps toward Zuul.

Core loop
- earn startup funds, buy a car and capture gear
- drive to flashing sites, vacuum roamers en route if equipped
- trap Slimers with two busters and a floor trap, then empty at HQ
- contain PK energy long enough to reach the temple and finish the run

Systems and items
- image intensifier - makes Slimers easier to spot against buildings
- ghost bait - diverts roamers from the Temple of Zuul temporarily
- ghost vacuum - sucks up roamers while driving for cash
- marshmallow sensor - warns of Stay Puft attacks for big bonus
- upgrades - better car bodies, tires, and packs improve response

Level design and feel
City grid with random haunts feeding short action scenes. A steady climb in
PK energy forces decisions under pressure. Memorable voice samples and the
looping theme sell the license.

Why it is notable
- designed by David Crane with music by Russell Lieblich
- blends business sim planning with joystick ghost trapping
- speech samples and the sung “Ghostbusters!” were standout on C64

Tips
- park your trap first, then herd the Slimer between the streams
- drop bait when a Marshmallow alert flashes to save a city block
- upgrade tires early - faster response means more captures and cash

At a glance
Year - 1984
Developer - Activision
Design and programming - David Crane - additional programming Adam Bellin
Graphics - Hilary Mills
Music - Russell Lieblich (theme by Ray Parker Jr.)
Publisher - Activision
Genre - Action strategy
Players - 1
Controls - Joystick in port 1 - plus keyboard for menus and actions