Zen-Studios
Latest
Ghostbusters on PS3 lags behind 360 version; developer explains
High-res HDMI captures: Ghostbusters (PS3) & Ghostbusters (Xbox 360) Richard Leadbetter – Director of HD consultancy Digital Foundry and author of Eurogamer's multiplatform comparison Face-off features – tweeted that playing Ghostbusters on the PS3 was like "time-warping back to the dawn of PS3 development." Ouch! That's especially painful to read considering the high hopes Terminal Reality – developers of the just-released Ghostbusters game – have for their multiplatform Infernal Engine. Internet reports of a less-than-stellar PS3 version of the title originated at Lens of Truth on Monday, were later corroborated by Gamezine.co.uk and, following tomorrow's publication of Leadbetter's most recent Face-off feature, will be further corroborated by Eurogamer. Confusing the issue even further is the following quote from Terminal Reality's Mark Randel, who told VG247 last year, "We're one of the few developers who love the PS3 and have a great time with it. We have great technology for the PS3 and we want to show it off." Instead of leaving it up to internet Matlocks, we asked Terminal Reality to comment on the controversy. A spokesperson for the developer told us, "For the record, the PS3 version [of Ghostbusters] is softer due to the 'quincunx' antialiasing filter and the fact we render at about 75% the resolution of the 360 version. So you cannot directly compare a screen shot of one to the other unless you scale them properly. The PS3 does have less available RAM than the 360 – but we managed to squeeze 3 out of 4 textures as full size on the PS3." So: is the PS3 "maxed out"? Or is Terminal Reality's engine – despite comments to the contrary – just not up to snuff on the PS3? With most recent multiplatform titles performing comparably, if not identically, on both the Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles, we'd be inclined to agree with Mr. Leadbetter: it's like "time-warping back to the dawn of PS3 development" when PS3 games were routinely outperformed by their Xbox 360 counterparts. Let's hope the irony of the situation is lost on Ghostbusters' exclusive European publisher ... Sony. As well as the franchise's owner ... Sony Pictures. %Gallery-66218% Source – Head2Head: Ghostbusters Source – @Digital_Foundry
Ghostbusters DS almost visible in new trailer
Atari's latest trailer for Ghostbusters: The Video Game finally gives us a look at the DS version -- sort of. You can see it on the tiny screens when the floating DS turns to face us. Right there, behind the character art. We think it looks pretty good. While we're on the subject of Ghostbusters on DS, we hope the Ghostbusters' games' approach to multiplatform game design pays off, because it's the kind of approach we like to see. Rather than having developers create stripped-down versions of another developer's game, Atari (actually original publisher Sierra, we guess) got Terminal Reality and Red Fly, developers who know what they're doing on their respective consoles, to make different games for the different platforms. So this DS game isn't a crappy version of an Xbox game, for example. %Gallery-50992%
Ghostbusters dev: Publisher changes not 'ideal'
We realize it's a surprise, but apparently Terminal Reality believes that constantly changing publishers isn't all that great. The Ghostbusters game has traveled a very rocky publishing road, starting with Sierra, then sitting in limbo following the Activision / Vivendi merger, then moving to Atari and then moving to Sony Computer Entertainment Europe for the European market. Adding to the mess, SCEE will initially release the game only on PS3 and PS2 in Europe, leaving the 360, Wii and DS versions for later this year. Speaking to GI.biz, Terminal Reality executive producer Brendon Goss said that the situation is not "ideal" as the developer prefers to create "a collaborative relationship" with publishers. He adds that all versions of the game are complete and he hopes that European release schedule won't cause confusion, which he said could harm sales of the game. In the face of the publishing decisions, which Goss said Terminal Reality had no say in, the team decided to focus on improving the game. We'll find out if that work paid off when the game releases this June.
Trophies: ZEN Pinball
Four pinball tables, four Trophies to earn in each. Are you ready for some ZEN Pinball? View Trophy List | Visit Trophy Portal
ZEN Pinball bounces onto PSN next week for $10
ZEN Pinball will be available on the PlayStation Store on May 14th for $9.99. Our hands-on with the demo revealed a solid foundation for the game, with realistic (if not a bit fast) physics. ZEN Pinball doesn't offer too many frills: don't expect any boss fights, or hedgehog-inspired platforming segments. Instead, you'll get a rather faithful digital recreation of an arcade cabinet, LED display and all. As expected, ZEN offers online leaderboards, multiple tables and Trophies. However, we're most intrigued by the video chat-enabled online multiplayer mode. You can check it out next week on the US PlayStation Store. %Gallery-50183%
Sony publishing Ghostbusters in Europe, PSP version resurrected [update]
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has announced that it will be publishing Ghostbusters in Europe this June, meaning that the game is now a PS3 and PS2 exclusive in the region. Not only that, but the rumored and debunked PSP version has also been confirmed for release later this autumn. The PS3 and PS2 versions are currently set for a June 19 debut. Eurogamer has confirmed with Atari that the deal is for timed exclusivity on Sony platforms, with all other versions being released "later in the year." It's certainly a strange move on Atari's part, especially when limiting their potential consumer base is being called "maximizing the launch of the Ghostbusters videogame across Europe" by Atari's VP of Worldwide Marketing. Pushing non-Sony versions further towards or, even worse, into Q4 won't do the 360, Wii and DS versions any favors. Update: Atari US has clarified its publishing plans for the North American region. The 360, PS3, Wii and DS versions will all be released in the US on June 16, as previously announced. The PSP version will be released worldwide in Autumn.
Rumorong: No Ghostbusters demo crossing streams with Blu-ray movie
We're ain't afraid to tell you that rumors of a demo for Ghostbusters being packaged with the upcoming Blu-ray version of the film can be safely locked away in an Ecto-Containment Unit (or the nearest parallel dimension). A recent listing by online retailer ShopTo.Net excited some by listing a demo among the movie's features. However, Atari reps busted our hearts, saying simply "there will be no demo for Ghostbusters: The Video Game on the Blu-ray disc." It's worth mentioning, however, that the retailer in question is rooted in the UK while the PR person we spoke with was US-based. So there is a slim possibility that differences exist in how the movie will be packaged in the different regions, or perhaps ShopTo.Net is bundling the demo itself as part of some special promotion. Again, unlikely, though the store tells Joystiq that based on our inquiry it is checking with its suppliers and will "update the website accordingly if it's not going to be included."
Joystiq hands-on: ZEN Pinball
The PlayStation Network features all sorts of innovative genre-defining games -- but where is the traditional pinball game? ZEN Pinball is looking to fill in this suspicious void, and does so with style. Pinball is a rather straightforward genre to replicate. So long as the ball physics are accurate, pinball fans can generally be satiated -- but what we've played of ZEN Pinball has left us impressed. The core gameplay is exactly what you'd expect from a pinball game: busy tables with a classic emulated LED display on the top left corner. Each table features its own tricks to scoring free balls, multipliers and more. From what we've played of the first playable table, ZEN is attempting to represent the game as realistically as possible -- don't expect a Sonic Spinball-esque adventure here. The ball feels weighty, and to our surprise, seems incredibly fast. The pinball rolls around with great speed, but for those that find the default difficulty a bit tricky, there are a few options that can be tweaked. Players can adjust the angle of the table, or even slow down the speed of the ball. However, don't expect to unlock Trophies if you decide to turn on any of these modifiers -- you have to play with the default settings in order to earn any achievements. %Gallery-50183%
First look at Amazon's exclusive Ghostbusters 'Slimer Edition'
We know, we know -- there are those of us who are into Ghostbusters and then there are those of us who are really into Ghostbusters. For the majority of us, dropping a paltry $60 on the Atari-publlished ghost-bustin' game is more than enough. But don't worry, folks, if you were looking to spend $130 bucks for the title, Amazon's got you covered! In the vein of the "Amazon Exclusive" Fallout 3's Survival Edition comes the ... "Amazon Exclusive" Ghostbusters: The Video Game "Slimer Edition." Fancy box? Check. Ecto-1 keychain? Check check. Slimer ... thing? You bet! We've compiled a gallery for your approval below. It seems like just yesterday we were thinking twice about that legendary cat helmet! Update: Amazon has informed us that both the "Slimer Edition" and regular edition of Ghostbusters: The Video Game will be available for release date delivery via Amazon.com. As if we needed more reason not to visit our local brick-and-mortar! %Gallery-50382%
PSN scores a new exclusive: ZEN Pinball
The PlayStation Network has a lot of games, but it's missing one key genre: a pinball game. ZEN Studios plans on rectifying this with a PSN-exclusive game this Spring. ZEN Pinball will offer standard pinball play, with a twist. There will be in-game missions, head-to-head online multiplayer and even worldwide tournaments. ZEN Pinball will offer four tables -- V12, Tesla, Shaman and El Dorado. Players will be able to play multiplayer not only online, but locally as well. Looks like ZEN is offering all the features a pinball fan could possibly want. %Gallery-50183%
What you gonna watch? Ghostbusters!
This trailer for Ghostbusters: The Video Game does a really great job of making the game, and the franchise in general, seem dramatic and action-packed. Which is a bit weird, since the actual movies are ... comedies. Of course, the game is based more heavily on the shooting wiggly beams at ghosts and blowin' stuff up parts of the series than on the "being kind of a sleaze to Sigourney Weaver" parts. Along with the trailer, Atari has released new screens. You can call 'em up in the gallery below. %Gallery-50086%
Dan Aykroyd prefers Ghostbusters for Wii, says romance got axed for gameplay
Dan Aykroyd really likes the 2004 film, The Incredibles. So much so, in fact, that he believes himself to look like an Incredibles-esque superhero in the upcoming Ghostbusters game for Wii, telling Newsweek, "I love the way we look in the Wii platform ... anybody who looks like an Incredible is automatically a superhero." Though we're not sure if there's a direct correlation between the two, Aykroyd firmly believes so, continuing, "I was so pleased that they shaved off at least 60 pounds from my current bulk." Apparently Aykroyd's current poundage isn't all that was shaved in translation from movie to game, as the romantic elements between Bill Murray and Sigourney Weaver have been omitted from the forthcoming title. Aykroyd says "the format of ghostbusting lends itself to a video game beautifully," while apparently the finesse required in convincing Sigourney Weaver to fornicate with Bill Murray doesn't so much. Not even a minigame, folks? We kid! It probably didn't help that Ms. Weaver declined to be part of the game, huh? %Gallery-38587%
Bustin' PSP Ghostbusters rumors makes Atari feel good
Bad news for PSP fans looking forward to a version of Atari's Ghostbusters game: the ESRB listing that seemed to indicate an unannounced PSP version was nothing more than a ... phantom. An apparition. Something ephemeral. What's the word? The listing has now been corrected to cover just the PS2 and Wii versions. In addition, Atari confirmed to Eurogamer that it is not releasing a PSP Ghostbusters. Whether the PSP mention in the rating was a clerical error or indication of an earlier, canceled PSP version, the end result is the same -- there is no Ghostbusters on PSP ... only Zuul.
ESRB rates Ghostbusters game for PSP
Looks like the Ghostbusters are heading to PSP, if this ESRB listing is to be believed. According to the ratings bureau, the PSP will receive its own version of Ghostbusters, based on the PS2 and Wii versions of the game. The game has been announced for pretty much every platform including the DS and iPhone, so it's unsurprising that Atari would want to make a quick buck by releasing a PSP port as well. [Thanks, David B.!] %Gallery-38587%
Harold Ramis talks Ghostbusters and lengthy game scripts
MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo used his MTV Movies contacts to get some info out of Ghostbusters writer and star Harold Ramis regarding the upcoming video game. Ramis said that he and Dan Ackroyd both contributed to the game's narrative, in addition to lending their voices to their old characters, Egon and Ray. "Dan consulted a lot on the story. I just kind of helped him change the dialogue." Speaking of which, Ramis seemed surprised by just how much dialogue there actually was. "It was a little weird. I had no idea because I'm not a gamer. The game scripts are like 250 pages. You need all these alternatives so it took forever. A lot of it is just yelling, 'Look out! Throw that trap, rookie!'" Hopefully having both of the original writers helping out will make the game as much of a classic as the movies are. We'll find out when the game releases in June.
Alyssa Milano talks about Ghostbusters role
Former Charmed star Alyssa Milano will be in the new Ghostbusters video game and she's here (in video) to talk about her new role as Ilyssa Selwyn. Her character is the love interest for Dr. Peter Venkman (voiced by Bill Murray), and is likely to play a bigger role than one would expect. "Paranormal activities take a liking to [Ilyssa]," said Milano. "So crazy things sort of happen ... she can't figure out why, but we'll eventually, at the end, figure out why." It sounds like the leading lady is at the heart of the mystery for this new Ghostbusters outing. And apparently, there's lots of "flirty, flirty sexual tension" happening between Venkman and Selwyn, too. At least, that's what Milano says ... We can't imagine how much sexual tension there could possibly be starring opposite Bill Murray. %Gallery-42934%
Alyssa Milano replaces Weaver in Ghostbusters: The Video Game
Everyone's dream girlfriend from the '80s and '90s, Alyssa Milano, will replace Sigourney Weaver as the leading lady in the upcoming Ghostbusters game from Atari. Weaver originally declined to reprise her role as musician -- and Bill Murray baby-mama -- Dana Barrett unless the game was of "high quality," until she had a change of heart. Unfortunately for the actress, and Ghostbusters fans, the change came too late in development as her character had been written out to make room for a new leading lady, voiced by Milano. Milano, still stunning at 36-years-old, will play Dr. Ilyssa Selwyn -- curator of the World of Gozer exhibit at the Natural History Museum in New York City. Also missing from the regular Ghostbusters cast is Canadian actor (and spokesperson) Rick Moranis, who has since left show business in the wake of collecting giant stacks of Honey! I Shrunk the Kids money. Ghostbusters go on the hunt on June 16. %Gallery-48356%
Ghostbusters game initially had tactical voice commands
Executive Producer Brendan Goss disclosed that the upcoming Ghostbusters game had once featured voice recognition commands that were ultimately removed because they weren't "a good fit." In an interview with Strategy Informer, Goss mentioned that the tech was available and working, but that there were some instances where character personalities conflicted with the command-and-obey system: " ... if you tell Peter Venkman to go open a door he's going to hit you with something, he's not just going to go over and open the door, so that was something that we had a look at and thought, well this is great, but it's not a good fit for what we're trying to do, so we cut it." As much as we'd like to see Venkman comedically berate us, we guess Goss has a point. You know, if you care about that "gameplay" stuff.
Atari drops Ghostbusters multiplayer deets, neglects vital information
There are a few things to be gleaned from the Ghostbusters multiplayer details recently posted on Kombo.com. First of all, the game features co-operative multiplayer in which players catch ghosts as a team. Of particular interest is the multiplayer campaign mode, which allows you to earn cash and upgrade your equipment. There's also an Instant Action mode for less patient players. Beyond that, there are plenty of other details: six power-ups, twelve maps, six different game types, etc. The problem, see, is that Atari forgot one important piece of information concerning any Ghostbusters multiplayer experience: What happens when you cross the streams? It's a vital detail and, frankly, we're shocked it's not even mentioned. We can tell you this right now: If nothing happens when you cross the streams, the trivial geek rage will be heard the world over.
Sigourney Weaver missed her shot at Ghostbusters game role
We reported last year that Sigourney Weaver was interested in a role in the upcoming Ghostbusters game so long as the project was "high quality." The good news: Sigourney Weaver apparently thinks Terminal Reality's adaptation is up to snuff. The bad news: She came to this conclusion too late. At a recent press event in Stockholm, according to Game Reactor, Terminal Reality producer Brendan Goss stated that Weaver originally turned the role down when it was first offered. When the actress later learned that Bill Murray had signed on to do the game -- on the condition that each Ghostbuster get equal screen time -- she approached the makers asking to be a part of the project. Unfortunately for Ms. Weaver, the game was already too far into production and a new lead female role had been written. We can only assume said role is that of Janine Melnitz, the Ghostbusters' sassy receptionist. We imagine the romance between her and Peter Venkman will be a torrid, strange affair, what with the bug eyes thing and all.
