- Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
- Release Date: Oct 21, 2003
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The game has a great look and feel to it, but the gameplay, while fast-paced, borders on being shallow.
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Simply put, the game is very repetitive, and there aren't any landmark moments or climaxes to diversify the gameplay in any significant matter. And then there's the end of the game - which I'll remain mum on -- which really feels like a tacked-on segment, and is just plain silly.
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Cheat Code CentralThe game is relatively easy to play but due more in part to the excellent control layout than the gameplay design.
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Even though the gameplay found in Grabbed by the Ghoulies borders on being shallow, it makes up for it with its inspired presentation.
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The levels and design, while brilliant, are hampered by repeating the same tasks over and over and over again. It’s a beat’em up through and through, but with more flavor and creativity than most.
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It's a haunted mansion romp that looks and sounds really impressive, but it's ultimately marred by repetitive, overly simple punch-and-kick gameplay that's compounded by the game's lack of length.
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The problem is, there just isn't that much game there, and you'll either grow sick of it in short order or finish it in even shorter order.
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Edge MagazineOverall the greatest disappointments is the lack of any sense of exploration or accoplishment. And although the mansion is packed with wonders, there's no feeling of discovery since the game manoeuvres you neatly from one room to the next. It adds up to a world in which you never feel truly connected. [Christmas 2003, p.111]
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The game oozes style out of every orifice; the problem lies with the repetitive nature of the game. It’s not something you can play for great lengths at a time, though these short periods can indeed be fun.
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GMR MagazineIt's just that there's not much game here. [Jan 2004, p.68]
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games(TM)Everything is so vibrant and colourful that no matter how frustrating or repetitive it all becomes, you simply won't be able to put that pad down. [Christmas 2003, p.117]
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At the end of the day Grabbed by the Ghoulies is a fun romp whilst it lasts, but unfortunately the sheer amount of repetition and lack of depth will make even the most avid Rare fan begin to question their motives.
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Had the potential to be so much more, but the control problems, the pacing, inconsistent health bar, and lack of any multiplayer options, make it merely a novelty as Rare’s first Xbox title.
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It might be worth a rent if you are really bored and have nothing but an Xbox and a weekend alone. I would suggest taking up reading or writing or some other monotonous hobby than to waste your time on this game.
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What could have been a shining example of spooky fun ends up being Microsoft's answer to Nintendo's "Luigi's Mansion"; like that game it takes a well-tested team and results in a short but attractive and spookily cute game with strange play mechanics that never quite works right.
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It's a fun diversion with big, bold graphics, but somewhat repetitive and predictable gameplay.
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The game is simple and sweet, is easy to pick up and play, and should entertain most gamers. However, there isn't much to it, and it's rather short, even though it offers a number of extra unlockable challenges.
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Simple and quirky, but ultimately too short and repetitive to really break out.
Awards & Rankings
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24
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#24 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003
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2
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#2 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2003
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User score distribution:
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Positive: 33 out of 47
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Mixed: 7 out of 47
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Negative: 7 out of 47
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Dec 23, 2011
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Aug 6, 2016
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Oct 27, 2020