Ghostbusters theme 16 bits Sega Genesis / Mega Drive
21Ghostbusters theme song in 16 bits Sega Genesis / Mega Drive
Ghostbusters was released by Sega for the Mega Drive/Genesis on June 29, 1990. It is unrelated to the earlier Activision game, and is instead a straightforward run and gun game in which the player takes control of squat cartoon representations of three of the four Ghostbusters from the movie, with the noticeable absence of Winston Zeddemore.
Four levels are available initially, which the player can complete in any order via a stage select similar to Mega Man. Although some levels pay more than others, the order of which they're finished is more of a matter of preference than strategy. After they are completed, a fifth level is unlocked, followed by a sixth and final level. The levels themselves are very non-linear, and allow the player to explore and complete them however they like. Though odds are, the player will have to go through most if not every portion of the level before it's finished.
Each level contains mid-bosses known as "middle ghosts" that must be killed before the players can fight the boss ghost. Some levels only have one, but most have two, and the last two levels have as many as four. After a middle ghost is defeated, it turns into a small green ghost which can be captured for extra money by pulling it down over a ghost trap. These middle ghosts can also be defeated in any particular order.
Between levels or even during one, players can visit item and weapon shops and buy various proton packs, upgrades, and power-ups, such as a 3-way shot or recovery items. some of which may be required to finish a level. Players earn money by finishing levels, capturing middle ghosts, searching safes, and killing minor ghosts.