Ghosthunter

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Aug 17, 2004
Ghosthunter Image
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 44 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 41 Ratings

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  • Summary: Following the adventures of Lazarus Jones on his first day on the Detroit Police Force, Ghosthunter sees the plucky rookie called in to investigate a disturbance in an old abandoned school, the scene of a grisly (and ultimately unsolved) mass-murder. Heading out with his senior partner AnnaFollowing the adventures of Lazarus Jones on his first day on the Detroit Police Force, Ghosthunter sees the plucky rookie called in to investigate a disturbance in an old abandoned school, the scene of a grisly (and ultimately unsolved) mass-murder. Heading out with his senior partner Anna Steele, Lazarus sets off on what he believes is a routine call but, in the true spirit of survival horror, it's not long before the crime-bothering duo are knee-deep in ectoplasm. After much bickering between the pair, Jones somehow inadvertently sets free a horde of ghosts contained in the school's secret paranormal research lab. An errant apparition materialises, grabs Anna, and drags her away with him to a dark, eerie place (the school canteen, perhaps?). One of the wayward spooks (Astral) also manages to 'bond' with Jones, giving him the gift of supernatural sight, allowing him to see dead people. Nice. Picking up the reins as Laz, you'll start out in search of Anna, and attempt to figure out the mysteries buried deep in the school's past along the way... [SCEE]… Expand
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Ghosthunter Gameplay Movie 13

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 44
  3. Negative: 2 out of 44
  1. Cheat Code Central
    90
    The gameplay can become a bit a redundant and you won't find much for replay value but Ghosthunter is certainly one of the best rental choices of the year.
    All this publication's reviews
  2. IGN
    84
    Workable but straightforward action marred only by some annoying puzzles isn't a bad thing. When you take that, combine it with likable characters, an interesting and ridiculous plotline, and some of the best visuals around, you get something that's great.
  3. GameSpot
    80
    Through its impressive graphics engine, excellent use of voice talent, and well-told storyline, Ghosthunter is a game that should absolutely be played by anyone who enjoys a good, creepy action romp.
  4. Game Over Online
    70
    Most of its challenge comes from scenarios that don't require you to have mastered its individual rules and quirks, but which exploit large and obvious holes in the controls.
  5. Game Informer
    65
    The most painful and obvious flaw is the camera. It hangs up on walls, drifts inside your character, and is otherwise difficult to handle. [Sept 2004, p.109]
  6. Boomtown
    60
    While it looks beautiful, and often immerses the player in a very effective way, some of the repetitive fighting sections really undermine the considerable work that has obviously gone into this game. I only wish that the controls had been tightened enough to create a more functional game.
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Gamestyle
    40
    Regardless of the strong visuals and design, Ghosthunter only feels like a half-hearted attempt, and a flawed one at that.

See all 44 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. LukeP.
    Dec 13, 2003
    10
    Believe me. This is one of the best PS2 game ever. I don't understand why it had a poor score. My friend thinks this is a great game Believe me. This is one of the best PS2 game ever. I don't understand why it had a poor score. My friend thinks this is a great game too. Superlative graphics, great sound, great atmosphere.… Expand
  2. JoshP.
    Nov 27, 2007
    10
    Great Game fun and scary with surprises. Don't let the so-called professionals discourage you at looking at this great game.
  4. BenN.
    Feb 5, 2004
    9
    Wots with the poor ratin this game is wicked, the detail of it is amazin, an itz propa good long lastin game, u gota buy this 1.
  5. Steyraus
    Mar 3, 2021
    9
    Crazy cult hidden gem and an early playststion exclusive.. Gorgeous and corny horror with atmospheric environments. Controls are a crossCrazy cult hidden gem and an early playststion exclusive.. Gorgeous and corny horror with atmospheric environments. Controls are a cross between Survival horror and action , making you powerfull but not op, to keep you on your back foot.… Expand
  6. Dan
    Aug 16, 2004
    8
    I'm just over three quarters of the way through this one and i am not disappointed. Admittedly i picked this one up in a summer sale for I'm just over three quarters of the way through this one and i am not disappointed. Admittedly i picked this one up in a summer sale for only three pounds (stupidly cheap). I was put off buying it on its release by the reviews that the game received on its release in the UK - the critics were very scathing. Imagine my delight when I discovered that contrary to what some critics lead me to believe, the game is fun. Most of the criticism focused on the character control which can be unforgiving. However, it does not detract from the enjoyment of the game. I personally did not find the control mechanics frustrating and by no means did the game deserve the hammering it received from magazines like Edge. Which brings me on to what the game does offer the discerning gamer... The environments are beautifully realised and it is clear that the programmers have toiled exceptionally hard to create some quite superb effects. I loved the mansion level which has some wonderful moments and some genuinely eerie scenery. There are some ingenious spectres in the game, my personal favourite being a hideously distorted teddy bear and the game never fails to deliver some wonderful visual feats. There is even the opportunity to study the ghosts that you capture in the game which are housed in an enormous tank. The music and voice acting add further substance to the game which as i have tried to establish, has a wonderfully cinematic feel. I unreservedly recommend this game especially to fans of survival horror and action games. In spite of the flaws that critics mention, the game rewards the player through its rich and lavish environments and imaginative character design. Parts of the game will have you genuinely marvelling at the detail, they may even scare you! There are hours of game play here and you certainly get your money's worth (especially me!). If you get stuck, I recommend the excellent walkthrough provided on gamefaqs.com (The one by RaccoonCityPD), it certainly helped me in places. So...Don't be put off by those bad reviews and have a go!… Expand
  7. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    8
    Forgotten cute little game. I had a blast with it as a teen, but i remember having no reason to beat it again.
  8. The_D4RknesS
    Oct 20, 2022
    5
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    bad game

See all 16 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

70
#70 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
60
#60 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004