Atari announced today it has acquired the publishing rights of Ghostbusters: The Video Game and it plans to bring the game next year coinciding with the 25th anniversary celebration of the films original theatrical release. Below is the press release with the announcement along with two new screenshots of the game:
ATARI TO PUBLISH AND DISTRIBUTE GHOSTBUSTERS: THE VIDEO GAME
AAA VIDEOGAME BASED ON BLOCKBUSTER GHOSTBUSTERS FILM FRANCHISE LAUNCHES WORLDWIDE ON SIX GAME SYSTEMS IN 2009
LYON, FRANCE 7 November 2008 Atari, one of the worlds 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 films 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.
Click here to view screenshot in high resolution
Ghostbusters: The Video Game is a fantastic addition to Ataris 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. Theres 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).
Click here to view screenshot in high resolution
Atari will release the Ghostbusters: The Video Game for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows® PC, Wii and Nintendo DS. The launch will also leverage Ataris worldwide distribution network to maximize the presence of Ghostbusters: The Video Game around the globe as Sony marks the films upcoming 25th anniversary. For more information on Ataris 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®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. The PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system version and the Wii version are being developed by Red Fly Studios, and the Nintendo DS 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 Realitys phenomenal proprietary Infernal Engine technology.
About the Film
Ghostbusters, released in 1984, is one of Columbia Pictures' highest grossing films, spawning a hit sequel in 1989 and three successful animated television shows. Ghostbusters and its sequel grossed over $500 million world-wide. Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II, written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, produced and directed by Ivan Reitman, starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson as ghost hunters for hire, cleaning up Manhattan's buildings of slime-spewing spooks.
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