Atari the Keymaster, Terminal Reality the Gatekeeper
Our own Wootini posted last week about the rumors that Atari was picking up some of the titles that Vivendi dropped when it and Activision merged to become the super giant Activision Blizzard. One title in particular that I was sad to hear that Vivendi dropped was Ghostbusters: The Video Game, a title being worked on by Terminal Reality Studios. Fruit Brute and I actually got to see a fantastic demo of the game earlier this year at a 'Spring Event' Vivendi put on for the gaming press. The demo itself left me truly awestruck and wanting to see just how far the studio could take the title.
However, fear not, today Atari gave official word (via Press Release) that they are indeed picking up the Ghostbusters game and it is set to launch sometime in 2009. 2009 also marks the 25th anniversary of the original movie, which is nice since the voice work on the game is actually reuniting most of the original cast. The game's storyline is set to take place two years after the Ghostbusters II events and is a completely original story worked on in part by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis who wrote the original movie script. The physics and particle engine in the game, from the demo I saw, was also breathtaking along with a very realistic Manhattan environment the artists had created for the game. With the writing talent, the great game engine, and now Atari backing the game, things are looking up for Ghostbusters: The Video Game.
We'll give you more news on the game as it surfaces in the coming months, but for right now rest assured that the game is still alive and in good hands. Hit the jump to see the full press release from Atari.
W YORK, Nov 07, 2008 - AAA VIDEOGAME BASED ON BLOCKBUSTER GHOSTBUSTERS FILM FRANCHISE LAUNCHES WORLDWIDE ON SIX GAME SYSTEMS IN 2009 -Atari, one of the world's most recognized video game publishers, announced today the addition of the highly anticipated Ghostbusters: The Video Game to its 2009 release schedule. Working closely with Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. and acclaimed development studio Terminal Reality, Atari will bring this completely new story to advanced gaming platforms coinciding with the 25th anniversary celebration of the film's original theatrical release. Ghostbusters: The Video Game, based on the smash hit motion picture franchise, also reunites original cast members to recapture the unique blend of humour and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation.
"Ghostbusters: The Video Game is a fantastic addition to Atari's global line-up in 2009," said Phil Harrison, President of Infogrames Entertainment, the parent company of Atari. "The title has built considerable anticipation and excitement among game fans for its high quality action and all-out mayhem. There's no more thrilling Ghostbusting experience to be had, short of building your own proton pack."
"We're thrilled to partner with Atari on Ghostbusters: The Video Game", said Mark Caplan, Vice President of Licensing-Hardlines for Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. "As one of our studios' most valued film franchises, we wanted to develop a video game that would be exciting for both new and old fans and with Atari we have a publisher that fully understands Ghostbusters, and is committed to producing engaging entertainment that fans will thoroughly enjoy."
Ghostbusters: The Video Game was penned by original Ghostbusters writers Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd and reunites members of the original cast for the first time in 20 years. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson lend their voices and in-game likenesses to the original story set two years after Ghostbusters II, with Manhattan once again overrun by ghosts and supernatural forces. The game also features performances from fan favourites such as William Atherton (Walter Peck), Annie Potts (Janine Melnitz) and Brian Doyle-Murray (portraying Mayor Jock Mulligan).
Atari will release the Ghostbusters: The Video Game for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation(R)2 system, the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games For Windows(R), Wii(TM) and Nintendo DS(TM). The launch will also leverage Atari's worldwide distribution network to maximize the presence of Ghostbusters: The Video Game around the globe as Sony marks the film's upcoming 25th anniversary. For more information on Atari's entire line up visit www.atari.com.
2009 also marks the 25th Anniversary of the original theatrical release of Ghostbusters. Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II combined to gross over $500 million world-wide at the box office. The film spawned some of the most memorable comedic catch-phrases and scenes in motion picture history. To recognize this special milestone, Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc has licensed the property for several new products to commemorate the anniversary, including: video games, toys, t-shirts, comic books, prop replicas, and a theme park attraction. In addition, the original Ghostbusters car (Ecto-1) has been fully restored with plans for special promotional appearances throughout the US. And for the first time ever, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will release Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II on Blu-rayTM disc.
About the Game
When Manhattan is once again overrun by ghosts and other supernatural creatures, players will take on the role of a new recruit joining the famous Ghostbusters team. Developed by acclaimed studio Terminal Reality, Ghostbusters: The Video Game will make its debut on the PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. The PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system version and the Wii version are being developed by Red Fly Studios, and the Nintendo DS(TM) version, in which the player takes the role of one of the Ghostbusters themselves, is developed by Zen Studios. The PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PC versions of the game are developed using Terminal Reality's phenomenal proprietary Infernal Engine technology.
PixelPoet
Posted to Hot Stuff, Video Games on 7 November 2008
· Comments (4)
Other stuff like this: atari, ghostbusters, nintendo ds, playstation 2, playstation 3, terminal reality, vivendi, wii, xbox 360
I think you'll find it was Dan Aykroyd and not Bill Murray that co-wrote Ghostbusters. It was also his idea in the first place
You are right, I even meant to put Dan, but somehow I wrote down the wrong guy. . . was up too earlier this morning, thanks for catching it.
You invest in a game, everybody gets interested, it looks like it is either going to make a lot of money or increase your company's standing in the world, but you choose to drop it!
Activision's loss is Atari's gain.
Hey Decompiled, you know why Activision dropped it, cause they can't exploit it, and Activision's CEO even said that in the article.
Activision truly is the new EA.