The same wads of cash that went into publishing and voice casting costs for "Ghostbusters: The Video Game" don't look like they'll be around for Atari's "Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime," but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The top-down adventure game will be released digitally, and the actors who inducted the first generation of GB fans — Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson — aren't signed on to be involved, but Wanako Studios of "Assault Heroes" fame is developing, and a lesser known Ecto vehicle has been confirmed to appear.
The ghost-clapping GB-kart Ecto-3 will be drivable, according to a USA Today story. "Sanctum" will be downloadable for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, carrying on the story from Terminal Reality's recent supernatural outing in the series, but the rookie from "The Video Game" is going to be in the spotlight, not Venkman and Stantz.
Data East's old "Real Ghostbusters" arcade game was one of my favorites back in the day, and it demonstrated how well the top-down perspective can work for the GB-universe's weaponry and concepts. If "Sanctum of Slime" looks clean, maintains a nominal level of humor and story quality and keeps the goofball spirit of the Ghostbusters name intact, it shouldn't have any problem connecting with its fanbase. Furthermore, the co-op play will be usable by up to four players online or locally, which is far more of a luxury than it should be these days, so here's hoping it lives up to its potential.
What do you think of Atari's approach to "Sanctum of Slime"? Are you prepared to recognize a Ghostbusters game even if it doesn't include Venkman or Stantz? Share your reactions with us in the comment section below.