Extreme Ghostbusters: Code Ecto-1 from Dreamcatcher puts a youthful spin on everyone's favorite spirit-snatchers.

Story

Based on the popular cartoon of the same name, Extreme Ghostbusters: Code Ecto-1 stars Eduardo and Kylie on a quest to rescue their kidnapped teammates from the half-human, half-demon Count Mercharior. The young duo must explore 12 sprawling levels in four enormous worlds to find the clues needed to locate their missing friends.

Gameplay

Each new area begins with an overhead race through New York City in the Ecto-1 ambulance. Players must reach the haunted location within a given time limit. Skilled drivers can pick up time bonus icons along the way.

After completing the driving test, our heroes must navigate several ghost-filled side- scrolling levels. At any point during game play, players can toggle between the two characters. Kylie can run faster and perform a double jump to access hard-to-reach areas. Eduardo packs a vicious plasma beam which can be aimed in just about any direction.

Each area has a formidable end boss that must be defeated before moving on. Players must use both of the heroes' strengths to defeat bosses.

Graphics

True to its cartoon roots, each character is well-animated and the various ghouls feature impressive transparency effects. The backgrounds sport nice parallax scrolling and animations.

Summary

Extreme Ghostbusters: Code Ecto-1 succeeds where most TV licensed games have failed. The characters and environments make you really feel as though you're a part of the action. There's just enough strategy required to give seasoned game players reason to play while being easily accessible to younger gamers.